As we begin the transition from the final days of Lent into the Easter week-end, we pace ourselves to take in all that took place in the final days of Jesus’ experience and the dramatic, eternal alteration in heaven and earth. To help understand not just what happened in the physical world, but what transpired in the spiritual realm, we ask ourselves these two questions: “What if Jesus had not come? Where would I be?”
Does the answer to those questions make your stomach drop too? Words begin taking shape forming a lengthy list of want: Lost. Forsaken. Hopeless. Afraid. Alone. Confused. Powerless. Purposeless. Vulnerable. Mortal.
We would be clothed in filthy rags we chose to put on, deceived by the Enemy into thinking the garments were beautiful and desirable. Blinded from the reality of the filth and stench of sin reeking from our lives, we would carry on day after day, experiencing moments of happiness but never knowing deep, everlasting joy. Carrying around a thin, fragile peace that shatters at the least threat. Thrashing to pile up meaningless treasures, building our lives and our hope on a foundation of unstable, every-changing sand. And facing every hard, alone.
Even if we believed in the one true God, there’d be no way to reach Him. Forlorn beggars we’d find ourselves standing on the outside of the Kingdom. Looking for a path or a doorway to enter. Searching for something to build a bridge across the gap. Forever separated from God. Never seeing the light of His glory. Never experiencing the joy of our salvation. Never knowing His bold, generous, compassionate, audacious love. Never feeling the strength of His glory in our weakness.
But. Jesus did come.
He chose to come and fulfill the plan of redemption from eternity past. A plan bursting with Love to bring rescue and salvation to each person who humbles themself, believes Jesus is the beloved Son of God, and submits to His Lordship over their life.
Yes, Jesus came. And willingly laid His life down for us. With each thunk of the hammer striking the nails that bound Him to the cross, we reverberate with the pounding weight of our sin. Even the least of which appear grotesque against His holiness. Our sin, my sin, nailed Him to that cross. And He began the great battle against Satan and death, tasting it but for a short time. With power surging from God the Father, Jesus conquered the grave and rose in glorious strength to reign forever, paving a way for you and me, and all mankind to have sins forgiven and experience new, eternal life.
Now, through belief in Him, we are born again. New creatures. The old is gone. Our filthy rags removed, we stand clothed in His dazzling robe of righteousness. A fresh list of words take shape to describe our regenerated state: Loved. Redeemed. Saved. Glorified. Pure. Holy. Cherished. Eternal.
Raising our hands to proclaim with individual voices, our words join together to make a sweet offering of praise in our shared testimony. If you can, join the holy chorus, and read these words out loud:
“Where would I be without you, Jesus? If You had not come, where would I be? Destruction would have overtaken my life. All the beautiful blessings I experience today would’ve been ruined. Of my own making. Following through the sinful desires of my raging flesh would’ve left me desolate. Broken. Living life full of regret and shame. With nothing to hope for. Nothing in my future but eternity without You. Forever living in desolation. Fear. Loneliness. Darkness.
But You came and rescued me. You put Your protective hand over me and pulled me out of the pit. You turned and destroyed the Enemy’s plot against me. You raised me up to the high places and purified my soul. You redeemed me. The Father has adopted me into His family, and claims me as His cherished child. I am welcomed to sit at Your feet, basking in Your loving gaze. All because You became “God with us”, laying Your life down for me.
I praise you Jesus, that with full knowledge of what You would endure, You still came. I praise you Lord for making a way into the kingdom of God. I worship you Jesus as my Savior and my King.”
And now we join our voices with followers of Jesus across our nation and around the world, singing and dancing in jubilant praise:
“For Jesus hath cheered the dark valley of sorrow and bade us immortal to heaven ascend. Lift then your voices in triumph on high; for Jesus hath risen and man shall not die”.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_VSL-fjQ6Qg
A special note: Dear friend, if you find yourself outside of God’s kingdom, what are you waiting for? Bow your knee to Jesus, asking Him to forgive your sins and to be your Lord. It’s that simple. Do it now. Then rush into His arms. He’s been waiting for you. He loves you with an everlasting, passionate love.
If you have any questions or need encouragement in some area, I’d love you to contact me.
Praying for a blessed, hope-filled Easter for you and yours.
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
