We are right in the middle of “Holy week” and I can’t help but reflect on all Jesus has done for us. This is the 56th Easter of my life and for some reason it hits closer this year than before. Easter is not just an annual Christian holiday when we observe the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It’s not about the pretty outfits, the egg hunts and chocolate bunnies. It’s about what Jesus endured for us and what He powerfully overcame in order to reconcile us with God.
I know the story well but when you have to teach it, it does something to your heart. It was just so personal tonight as I shared “All Jesus has done”. I teared up as I shared this with the homeless people at the shelter. Some of them are believers but I don’t know just how many believe and how many have yet to receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
As I studied and prepared for tonight’s devotion, I studied Mark 14-16. As I reflected, I recalled seeing it as a prophecy in the Old Testament. Sure enough I found it in Isaiah 53:3-9. So thankful my husband Ron read it for me. I don’t like to read in front of people due to my low vision. It is so amazing how Isaiah wrote this prophecy hundreds of years before it took place. The prophecy is so incredibly accurate.
As I shared, I told the people that Jesus fully understands our struggles. I shared how Jesus was falsely accused, deserted by his closest friends, verbally abused, horribly physically abused, spat on, mocked, pierced and whipped then crucified for OUR sins. He who had never sinned, bore ours sins. What an incredible Savior who is so full of loving compassion, mercy and grace! All He’s done….. all the glory and the honor is His and His alone.
Let’s think about this. Jesus told his disciples He would be betrayed and would die. Peter boldly said he would die with Jesus, yet he denied Jesus three times before the night was over. Jesus prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, fully knowing what was ahead; ““Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”” Luke 22:42 (NLT) Then Judas Iscariot’s betrayal of Jesus with a kiss, while leading a mob to arrest Him. This was followed by harsh questioning by the High priests and teachers of the law, where they brought false witnesses whose stories contradicted each other. Jesus stood trial before Pilate the governor who found that Jesus had committed no crime. It was Pilates tradition to release a prisoner during the Passover. The Chief priests and teachers of the law incited the crowd to ask for another prisoner and shouted to crucify Jesus. Earlier, John the Baptist called Jesus “the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world” (John 1:29) and that is exactly what Jesus did.
The crucifixion was not the end but set the stage for the miraculous resurrection of Jesus 3 days later. I love the old hymn “Because He Lives”. 🎶Because He lives, I can face tomorrow. Because He lives, all fear is gone. Because I know He holds the future. And life is worth the living just because He lives.
Looking back at my own life, I see so many things that Jesus has done for me and my family. So many things He has protected us from. Sure, there are many unanswered prayers as well. Honestly it is those times of uncertainty when we can’t understand God, but choose to trust Him anyway, it’s then that our faith really “takes root” and grows. He is a faithful God, an on time God, Always knowing what’s best. He’s my Abba Father. I trust Him with my life, even though it’s got some broken pieces with the hearing and visual issues. In all honestly, I’ve learned when I’m weak, He’s my strength. It is He who makes me strong. That is a miracle in itself.
As we draw closer to Easter, I pray you will truly reflect on all Jesus has done for you. For us all! It’s personal. Take the time to humble yourself and seek His face. Share with others the fact that Jesus is Alive! He has overcome! He’s just a prayer away! If you don’t know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, His nail scarred hands are open wide to you saying, “Come to me! The gift of salvation is paid for and free.” Jesus loves you! Let Him help carry your load.
Share the good news of the Gospel with someone this week. Be blessed! You are loved.
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