Nothing, and Everything

Easter is almost here.  This season, more than any, we are reminded of the many contrasts of the Christian life.  Through the events of Jesus’ last week on earth, we follow Him from His triumphant entry into Jerusalem – hearing the adulation of the crowds – to His agonizing walk up the Via Dolorossa, soaked in His own sweat and blood, toward Calvary.  We hear, just as clearly, the jeering and mockery of the same crowd which, just a few days earlier, wanted to declare Him king.

We experience the loneliness of the cross, as Jesus, dying for me, cried out, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”  And, very soon thereafter, we hear Jesus declare victory, stating, “It is finished!”  We share with the disciples the loss and confusion of His death and burial, and we also share with them the incredible, unbelievable confidence of the empty tomb.  As Christians, we are emboldened by the words, “Why do you seek the living One among the dead?  He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said.” (Luke 24:5; Matthew 28:6)

nothing, and everything.  You see, it cost us nothing to become a Christian, and to receive eternal life.  The price was paid in full before we ever even thought about the consequences of our sin.  The conquering of Satan, the payment of a blood sacrifice, the agony of the cross, the bearing of the weight of the sins of the world.  Add to that the experience of God’s rejection and condemnation in our place, the facing down of hell itself – all of these things Christ accomplished on our behalf – without any help at all from us. 

And the victory – along with all of the benefits of His mighty work are ours, through faith – they’re free to everyone who would believe in Him and claim them for their own.

In that darkened Upper Room, through the flickering of candlelight, only a few hours before His crucifixion, Jesus challenged the disciples, saying, “If you love Me, keep My commands.” (John 14:15)  And, that challenge is ours, as well.

Learning Christ’s will, and then choosing to give Him your obedience is a profound act of worship.  Obedience to God is confirmation, to ourselves and others who may be watching, that our faith-statements are real.  It is also the surest path to personal satisfaction and happiness.

So, this Easter, embrace the contradictions that come from living a life of Christ-honoring service.  Know that, as Max Lucado wrote, He chose the nails – for me, and because of me.  And, through Him, I am forever free.  He saves!  

In His Love,

Bro. Heath