We are living through a real example of Christ’s passion. Not to the same degree or with the same personal sacrifice. Why are we staying at home during this pandemic? Why are we wearing masks? Is it so we don’t get sick? Partially true. But all the guidelines, the personal distancing, washing hands, wearing masks, and staying home are so that others don’t get sick and possibly die. The question we’re being asked goes something like this – You may want to risk your own health, but do you really want to risk the health and life of others. Strange as it may seem, staying at home is a means of giving life to others.
As we consider the events of Holy Week, consider this. Jesus didn’t do this for His own sake, but for yours and mine. He didn’t suffer the ridicule, mocking, excruciating pain, and death for personal gain. It wasn’t to prove something. Nor was it a mistake. Long before He entered Jerusalem, Jesus knew what was coming. His only purpose was for us.
By staying at home and staying away, we are giving life. By Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection, we are also being offered life. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16, NASB95) And “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10, NASB95) Also, “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” (John 14:6, NASB95) Life is at the center of God’s plan and purpose.
Through Jesus, we experience life. Perhaps one way to understand it is by considering the tomb. Designed as a place of death and corruption, Middle eastern tombs in that era weren’t for permanent burial. The practice was to allow time for the corruption of the body to complete leaving only the bones. Those were then put into a stone box and interned in some way. But imagine that moment when the tomb burst with life as Jesus rose again.
That same kind of thing happens in us. Our old corrupt and deceitful tomb of a heart is filled with life when we turn ourselves over to Jesus. Our sins are washed away, and a new life has begun. Easter, Resurrection Sunday, is replicated in our hearts. Not because of anything we did or didn’t do – it is wholly the grace of God. God is doing for us.
If you’ve experienced new life in Christ, then the call is to follow Jesus in laying down our wants, wishes, likes, and lives for others. What that means for you is a matter of prayer. It may mean staying home and doing nothing.
If you’ve never experienced that new life and your heart feels like it is full of old bones, then Jesus is holding out life to you right now. The only requirement is to believe (even if it is just a tiny morsel) and to ask Jesus into your life. Paul wrote, “if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9, NASB95)
May Jesus shine on you and through you during this very strange Easter Celebration.
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Iam grateful to you for your daily messages which are enabling me and inspiring me with your fellowship, I hope that you can Continuesly sending me this kind of messages, thank you, your beloved brother in Christ.
Amen .