As Easter approaches, the magnitude of that event in history leaves me in awe at times. Think of it. The Creator of all things was willing to die for every person who has lived and will ever be born! No mere mortal could have such a capacity to love so many they had never even met. Only the God of the Universe was capable of such love. And it doesn’t stop there. Not only did Jesus die for our sins, but He rose again to complete the possibility of offering eternal life to us all! It did not end with a body on a cross and just the touching thought that He was a nice man who cared enough to sacrifice Himself. That was only the beginning. Leaving behind an empty tomb, He came back to prove His power over death and show us that through Him, we could all be victorious!
Then as I read in Matthew 28:3 & 4, it says, “His appearance was like lightening, and His clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of Him that they shook and were like dead men.”
It amazes me that One so powerful and awe inspiring and yes, even fearsome to those who don’t know Him is also the same God who comes to us in our time of need to comfort and sustain.
Psalm 17:8 says, “Keep me as the apple of your eye, hide me in the shelter of your wings…”.
Those are characteristics of One who is a nurturing, protective, deeply compassionate provider. It is one thing to consider that Jesus did all this, and desires to be all these things for an entire world in need. But stop and meditate on the fact that you are part of that world. He did it for YOU. For me! For every single individual man, woman and child on the planet.
Those of us who have already realized and experienced His unconditional love for us can praise Him in awe and adoration for the gift we have been given so undeservingly. And for the ones who have not yet responded to His call, He is waiting. Knocking on the door of your heart, letting you know He is there. It is so simple. “Here I am, I am waiting. Just open the door and invite me in. I gave it all for you. Please accept it.”
As a child, the first song I ever wrote said, “Who is knocking at the door…it’s Jesus Christ. Coming to tell me He is risen! Happy, happy Easter Day!” The simplicity of a child’s thought process is still applicable when you realize that Almighty God cares and loves each one of us enough to come to us personally, knock at the door, and remind us that He is there to offer freedom, forgiveness and the same everlasting life that His own resurrection represents.
One of my favorite worship songs says, “Amazing love, how can it be? That you my king would die for me!” But even more amazing is that He rose again, made a home in my heart, and provides the hope that one day I will leave the troubles of this earthly life behind, and reign victoriously with Him in Heaven! It is important to take the time to reflect on His sacrifice, to remember His death and be thankful that He paid our debt. But He is not in that grave any longer. He is risen! During this season, we celebrate the joyous fact that He LIVES! Happy, happy Easter Day!
