It's appropriate during this Easter season to reflect on the big picture of our Christian faith. Sometimes we just have our noses to the grindstone, so to speak, and we can lose sight of why we’re here and how much God has done for us!
You know, whether you’re in a season of prosperity, or facing hardships, you have to remember that God is still on the throne and that your circumstances haven’t caught Him by surprise. His plan for the redemption of humankind is still on track.
Of course, on Easter Sunday, Christians everywhere will rejoice in the resurrection of Christ…who conquered death and made a way to restore our relationship with God. But sometimes in that celebration … we might forget why Jesus had to die in the first place.
The fact is, humankind is completely corrupted by sin. The rebellion that stains our hearts says, “I can choose for myself what is right and wrong, I don’t need God.” God’s Word confirms our sin nature.
Job 15:16 declares that man is "abominable and corrupt," one who "drinks injustice like water". 1 Kings 8:46 quotes Solomon saying, "there is no one who does not sin". The apostle John warns in 1 John 1:8 that "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves".God’s Word in both the Old and New Testaments makes it very clear that sin has a price. God’s Law requires that those who break it be punished and that the punishment should be terrifying … an eternity in Hell.
Hebrews 9:22 says, “... without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” And Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”Sin separates us from a holy God, so mankind needed someone sinless to do what we couldn’t do for ourselves – pay the price, which is death.
In his love and mercy, God met our need by sending his only son to die in our place. Jesus, who is God made Man— took our sins upon Himself and carried them to the cross. His blood paid for our sins.
The good news in this familiar story is that it doesn’t end with a cross and a grave.
So, we thank God for our present circumstances – good or bad – and His continued provision. But we must also have a deep sense of gratitude for God’s sacrificial love. We can also live in joyful hope of eternity because of His resurrection. Thanks to Jesus, our debt is stamped “paid in full,” and our relationship with the Lord is restored forever.
As you contemplate the amazing love of God today, ask yourself this: how can you put your gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice into action?
I believe one of the best ways is by keeping your eyes and ears open for opportunities to help those around you who may be suffering. Ask God to show you those in your church and the wider community who might need your help.
God’s Word repeatedly tells us to help others in need. Look at Galatians 6:2, “Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”It can be difficult to be generous when your finances seem uncertain, but we know that giving breaks the power of money over us, so it’s the perfect antidote for our financial fears and anxieties. Giving is also a source of joy, because of the promise of heaven. Jesus experienced joy in his sacrifice, and we can experience it in ours. Hebrews 12:2 says, “For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”Christians should act differently than non-believers … and now is the perfect time to show just how different we can be … as we reflect God’s love in a broken and confused world. Matthew 5:16 says, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”So, with gratitude, joy, and generosity … that’s how we should respond during this Easter season and beyond.
On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: