Dear friends,
Another year has come. Another year to remember. Jesus died for us. For someone really
amazing we might consider dying, but for sinners like us, He chose to die. To die.
Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:7-8
Doesn’t that overwhelm you with love, amazing, unconditional, unfailing love? We don’t deserve this kind of crazy love. We are selfish people. We think of ourselves first. We think bad thoughts. We say wrong things. We have motives. We hate. We want what others have. We disobey God.
Today I am in tears at the beauty of this gift, the gift of Jesus. He died for me so that whether I am awake or asleep I can live for Him. He died for ME. He died for YOU. Jesus died.
For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him. Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:9-11
Who would you die for? Maybe your spouse? Your kids? Your very closest friends? But, what about a stranger, or someone that has hurt you deeply, or someone who has never considered you, or a mean person? How did He do that for us? He knew me, but I didn’t yet know Him. He loved me when I dismissed His ways. He loved me when I didn’t even want Him. He loved me when I didn’t believe in Him. He loved me when I blamed Him. He loved me when I rejected Him. He loved me when I ignored Him.
Jesus knew no bounds on love. He knew His destiny and He embraced it willingly. He died for the sins of the world. He died for me. He died for you. He died to bring glory to God. He obeyed God. He suffered and was separated from His Father to fulfill God’s plan.
And then He rose from the grave! Yes. He was dead three days and then God breathed life back into Him and He woke up, He stood up, He walked down the street. He was alive. Death lost its sting and its power.
Jesus bore the sin of the world. He took it all. He drank the cup we deserved. He took our nails. He bled. He suffered. He was beaten.
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
1 Corinthians 15:56-58
Praise Jesus with me this Easter. Jesus is alive. He is our hope. He has defeated death. He provided a way to God. Run to a relationship with Jesus.
Love,
And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Hebrews 13:16