We live in a world where more and more people
feel entitled. We all want free things, but the truth is that nothing comes
without a cost. By grace, through faith,
we have been saved. But Jesus had to pay for our salvation with His life in
order for us to enjoy an abundant life.
Christ already paid the price for our freedom, but many people continue to live in bondage, bad habits, sickness, worry, poverty, and do not live up to their full potential. Christians are not exempt from problems; however, God has promised to deliver us from our troubles. As we celebrate Good Friday and Easter, let us look at what Jesus’ death did for us.
1. Jesus paid for our salvation. Jesus, who had no sin, endured excruciating pain and agony to free us of our sins. He endured a crown of thorns that was twisted into a circle and thrust upon his head. His hands and feet were nailed to the cross. He hung there for hours with blood and water dripping out of his body. Jesus endured such a brutal crucifixion in order to buy our freedom from eternal hell. God loves us so much that He sacrificed His only Son (John 3:16). Now salvation is available to us for free.
2. Jesus bought our healing. Before his crucifixion, Jesus’ body was torn to pieces. The Roman soldiers dragged him through the city, tied him up to a pole, and flogged him 39 times. Scourging was usually done by two Roman soldiers–one on each side of the victim. It involved a short, lead-tipped whip, fitted with balls of metal with protruding metal fragments or pieces of bone, two or three ox-hide leather thongs, or ropes connected to a handle. Flogging was executed with great zeal. Each scouring would quickly remove skin and chunks of flesh. The whip itself traveled so quickly that it generated a small sonic boom. Jesus endured inhumane torture so that we can be free of sicknesses and disease. Each whipping represented 39 major diseases of His time.
3. Jesus took our shame. Jesus took our shame. They put a purple robe on him and struck his head with a staff. He fell on his knees again and again, barely able to walk. They punched him, spit on him, pulled his beard, mocked him, and questioned His divinity. The Roman soldiers cast lots for his clothes. Even so, Jesus took the blame and shame for us. He endured lonely nights and temptation so that we can be overcomers. He gave himself no reputation so that we could live on his.
Libraries filled with books can be written about Jesus’ pain and suffering, but I want to focus on the good part. Jesus, the Son of God, who had the power to call legions of angels to exterminate his enemies, willingly gave himself up for us. He suffered so that we can enjoy life to the fullest. He became captive so that we can live free. His body was torn into pieces so that we can be healed by his stripes.
Although Jesus died a painful death, he did not stay dead. The grave could not hold him. Three days later, the Holy Spirit raised Jesus up. He was seen by his disciples and hundreds of his faithful followers, before ascending into heaven.
What does it all mean?
God has forgiven our sins and blotted them out forever. We do not have to spend eternity in hell anymore. All our sins—past, present, and future—have been paid for. We can now live under his righteousness. We have been qualified to access the throne of the Father from whom all blessings, forgiveness, and mercy flow. Jesus died so that we can live without lack, fear, torment, or spiritual darkness. “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him” (Romans 5:8-9).
Jesus took our infirmities upon himself. That means he carried our terrible diseases. We do not have to live in pain, wondering if God wants to heal us. Do not worry or wonder! Healing is a part of your inheritance. You do not have to linger in pain. Viruses and diseases cannot penetrate you. You have a force field of protection. Your health insurance coverage is from out of this world! By his stripes, you are healed (Isaiah 53:5).
This Easter, let us live worthy of His love and suffering for us. Let us surrender our lives to Christ. Let us express our gratitude. Jesus went through hell to give us heaven on earth. Can we give him our love, respect, and adoration? He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. There is no other way to the Father except through His Son. He is hanging on the Cross anymore. Jesus now sits at the right hand of the Father with a scepter of power and authority. He is slow to anger and full of mercy. Jesus is smiling and looking at you right now with great compassion. He has a great plan for your life. Let us give him our highest praise, glory, and honor! Hallelujah! Christ has risen. Happy and a blessed Easter!
“He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again’” (Luke 24:6-7 NIV).
Help Us Spread Hope: www.buildinternational.org
Building People. Spreading Hope.
Christ already paid the price for our freedom, but many people continue to live in bondage, bad habits, sickness, worry, poverty, and do not live up to their full potential. Christians are not exempt from problems; however, God has promised to deliver us from our troubles. As we celebrate Good Friday and Easter, let us look at what Jesus’ death did for us.
1. Jesus paid for our salvation. Jesus, who had no sin, endured excruciating pain and agony to free us of our sins. He endured a crown of thorns that was twisted into a circle and thrust upon his head. His hands and feet were nailed to the cross. He hung there for hours with blood and water dripping out of his body. Jesus endured such a brutal crucifixion in order to buy our freedom from eternal hell. God loves us so much that He sacrificed His only Son (John 3:16). Now salvation is available to us for free.
2. Jesus bought our healing. Before his crucifixion, Jesus’ body was torn to pieces. The Roman soldiers dragged him through the city, tied him up to a pole, and flogged him 39 times. Scourging was usually done by two Roman soldiers–one on each side of the victim. It involved a short, lead-tipped whip, fitted with balls of metal with protruding metal fragments or pieces of bone, two or three ox-hide leather thongs, or ropes connected to a handle. Flogging was executed with great zeal. Each scouring would quickly remove skin and chunks of flesh. The whip itself traveled so quickly that it generated a small sonic boom. Jesus endured inhumane torture so that we can be free of sicknesses and disease. Each whipping represented 39 major diseases of His time.
3. Jesus took our shame. Jesus took our shame. They put a purple robe on him and struck his head with a staff. He fell on his knees again and again, barely able to walk. They punched him, spit on him, pulled his beard, mocked him, and questioned His divinity. The Roman soldiers cast lots for his clothes. Even so, Jesus took the blame and shame for us. He endured lonely nights and temptation so that we can be overcomers. He gave himself no reputation so that we could live on his.
Libraries filled with books can be written about Jesus’ pain and suffering, but I want to focus on the good part. Jesus, the Son of God, who had the power to call legions of angels to exterminate his enemies, willingly gave himself up for us. He suffered so that we can enjoy life to the fullest. He became captive so that we can live free. His body was torn into pieces so that we can be healed by his stripes.
Although Jesus died a painful death, he did not stay dead. The grave could not hold him. Three days later, the Holy Spirit raised Jesus up. He was seen by his disciples and hundreds of his faithful followers, before ascending into heaven.
What does it all mean?
God has forgiven our sins and blotted them out forever. We do not have to spend eternity in hell anymore. All our sins—past, present, and future—have been paid for. We can now live under his righteousness. We have been qualified to access the throne of the Father from whom all blessings, forgiveness, and mercy flow. Jesus died so that we can live without lack, fear, torment, or spiritual darkness. “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him” (Romans 5:8-9).
Jesus took our infirmities upon himself. That means he carried our terrible diseases. We do not have to live in pain, wondering if God wants to heal us. Do not worry or wonder! Healing is a part of your inheritance. You do not have to linger in pain. Viruses and diseases cannot penetrate you. You have a force field of protection. Your health insurance coverage is from out of this world! By his stripes, you are healed (Isaiah 53:5).
This Easter, let us live worthy of His love and suffering for us. Let us surrender our lives to Christ. Let us express our gratitude. Jesus went through hell to give us heaven on earth. Can we give him our love, respect, and adoration? He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. There is no other way to the Father except through His Son. He is hanging on the Cross anymore. Jesus now sits at the right hand of the Father with a scepter of power and authority. He is slow to anger and full of mercy. Jesus is smiling and looking at you right now with great compassion. He has a great plan for your life. Let us give him our highest praise, glory, and honor! Hallelujah! Christ has risen. Happy and a blessed Easter!
“He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again’” (Luke 24:6-7 NIV).
Help Us Spread Hope: www.buildinternational.org
Building People. Spreading Hope.
No comments:
Post a Comment