“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:8
We’ve focused on many of the Easter characters this month and come now to one of the most wonderful days on the religious calendar. We see that truly all of us are Barabbas, guilty of crimes for which we should be punished by a just and righteous God.
And think of this: Praise God that all of us are the thief on the cross next to Jesus (see Luke 23:39.43)! All he did was ask Jesus to be his Lord. Like him, we are unable to do anything for ourselves to obtain our salvation, yet we’re told by the Savior that one day we will be with Him in paradise.
We derive great assurance from the precise details of the Easter story. For standing in the midst of it all, in our place, taking our punishment, bearing our sin, is the Innocent One, Jesus. He is as alive today as He has ever been. Because of that, everything has changed; reconciliation with God is possible; we are renewed and restored.
“Love’s redeeming work is done/ Fought the fight, the battle won/ Death in vain forbids him rise/ Christ has opened paradise,/ Alleluia!” (Charles Wesley, 1739)
And think of this: Praise God that all of us are the thief on the cross next to Jesus (see Luke 23:39.43)! All he did was ask Jesus to be his Lord. Like him, we are unable to do anything for ourselves to obtain our salvation, yet we’re told by the Savior that one day we will be with Him in paradise.
We derive great assurance from the precise details of the Easter story. For standing in the midst of it all, in our place, taking our punishment, bearing our sin, is the Innocent One, Jesus. He is as alive today as He has ever been. Because of that, everything has changed; reconciliation with God is possible; we are renewed and restored.
“Love’s redeeming work is done/ Fought the fight, the battle won/ Death in vain forbids him rise/ Christ has opened paradise,/ Alleluia!” (Charles Wesley, 1739)
Scripture Focus
Romans 5:6-11
Insight
He is risen! He is risen, indeed! Proclaim this enthusiastically with believers today, also remembering the characters that first Easter long ago.
Bible In A Year
- Deuteronomy 21-22
- Psalm 90
- Acts 14
