“For God so [greatly]loved and dearly prized the world, that He[even]gave His [One and] only For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life. (John 3:16, AMP).
Jesus’ love for us far surpasses any we will ever experience in our lifetime. It is genuine and expects nothing in return, and our social status has nothing to do with it, either. It knows no bounds, does not discriminate, and is not demanding. His love is not performance-driven or out of convenience. It is selfless and enduring. He loved us so much; He would not come down from the cross. Though Jesus agonized for God to get Him out of what would be the worst experience of His life, He submitted to His Father's will.
Because of His devotion to humanity, He declared, yet not my will, but Yours be done. The Savior sought His Father three times on this matter. (Matthew 26:39-46). Christ could have ordered a host of angels to come to His defense. He knew He must carry this out. “Do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will immediately provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels? 54 How then will the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen this way?” (Matthew 26:53-54).
This love compares to none other and kept Him on the cross. His love bore the shame of humiliation, excruciating pain, and His body broken, and the flesh ripped from the scourging. (Matthew 27:13-26). As you celebrate Good Friday, remember it’s not a time to bargain with God. It is an opportunity to search your heart, and see the fork in the road, and decide whom you will serve. (Psalms 139:23-24; Joshua 24:15).
Jesus was an innocent man without sin or any offenses, yet He suffered evil at the hands of the Roman soldiers. Others accused him, and they made a spectacle of Him while the world looked on with approval. Beloved, I hope you never again see Easter as a one-time event to honor Christ. He offered Himself as a sacrifice for everyone. None of us deserved such a noble act of love. Everybody should be thankful He did. During this unusual time, use this as an opportunity to examine your life and where you stand in your knowledge of who Jesus is. Draw nearer to Christ and sync your heart with His. Let Him give you a fresh start. Let love flow from you like an infection that leaves behind a residue of God’s love. But do not let this be a temporary decision, but a forever change of heart.
Father, convict this world, change any with a hardened heart, open the eyes of those the devil has blinded and deceived, and give understanding to the bewildered mind. Grant your mercy and grace to them and do a new thing in each one. I pray they will encounter You and will never be the same.
I pray this song; Forever by Kari Jobe stirs your heart.
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