It’s Easter weekend ~~ and as I reflect upon the ultimate sacrifice, God Himself, for me ~~ in my place ~~ I cannot dismiss the thoughts that cause me to gasp and feel so humble.
Look at those spikes ~~ He took those for me ~~ laying fully obedient and submissive to the Will of the Father ~~ He did that all for me ~~ and for you. When we think of nails, we imagine carpenter or even picture hanging nails. Jesus took the weight of the sin of the world upon His Body and nailed it to the cross with nine (9) inch spikes. That takes my breath away. And all for love.
I recall the first time my heart realized the depth of this sacrifice ~~ shame, guilt, humility and thankfulness seemed to well up within me like a tidal wave. I wept for hours on my bed.
How could anyone be so generous with love ~~ especially knowing what I have done, where I have been, the thoughts I had, the words I spoke and the things I did ~~ how?
It was so far from me to comprehend, that it took a long time to accept that God would want me to draw close to Him. Unworthy ~~ I felt so much shame and embarrassment ~~ how could a holy God possibly want me, much less die for me?
But He did. And He does.
And He continues to desire all of mankind to draw close to Him ~~ through this unbelievable love ~~ His Son, Jesus Christ.
Sometimes the enemy of my soul taunts me with those old accusations of guilt and shame ~~ digging up dirt that God said was dealt with over 2,000 years ago.
But God … (my favorite two words in all the human language) …
Says, “it is finished!”
In Filipino, we say, “Tapos na!” (done and DONE!)
That crown of thorns that He bore on His Head was so that we would ultimately cast our crowns of glory at His Feet in Paradise. I see that crown of anguish as a subtle reminder that we were on His Mind while He endured His torment on the cross.
Jesus’ arms outstretched speaks to me of His openness ~~ calling all of us to Himself ~~ one day we will feel the wonderous embrace of those strong and loving Arms.
His Feet were nailed to the cross as if it would prevent the spread of the Good News ~~ but it reminds me that it is now our responsibility to continue the walk and spread the Gospel. Ironically, He used those nail-scared feet to walk right out of the tomb.
In a handful of hours, Believers around the world will celebrate Jesus’ Resurrection. Part of me contemplates the somber moment of knowing what He willingly did in my place. Part of me weeps deeply over the sheer fact that while I was yet a sinner, He wanted to sacrifice Himself for me.
As I ponder over this beyond-comprehension-agape-love, my heart and soul rejoice over the fact that Jesus believes that both you and I are worth dying for.
Girlfriend, it is my deepest prayer, that you have a Relationship with the One Who went in your place. He loves you beyond your wildest imagination!
Have you received His Love? If you haven’t, you can, right here, right now. No need for formality or processes or lessons ~~ simply bow your heart in sincere admission of need for forgiveness or your sins. Admit that Jesus, the Son Of God, is the only way for your salvation, that you receive His love and forgiveness and you are turning away from your former life without Him. And step into a life of newness and restoration.
If you have done this, “happy birthday,” you’ve been born again! Your spirit has been renewed and He dwells within you.
Your next responsibility is to care for your “new self” by getting into a Bible teaching local church so you can learn to grow. Learn to develop new friendships through fellowship with other Jesus Followers. Get connected with other Girlfriends with whom you can study the Word on a regular basis.
You. Are. Deeply. Loved.
Shout for joy on Resurrection Sunday. You now understand why Believers are so excited about an empty tomb.
Because they know The One Who paid the price ~~ in their place.
I love you to Heaven and Back, Girlfriend ~~
LindaRJohnson
T2T Visionary
Titus Two 