Jesus Died and AROSE!

"In Christ Alone" is my favorite song! Last night while watching this video, I bawled! Haven't cried like that in a long time. It was honestly refreshing. I saw "The Passion of the Christ" in the theater with my younger sister when it was first released, and it was difficult to watch, but powerful, and incredibly moving! As time goes by, the knowing of what Christ Jesus did for me separates from the emotion behind it. I will always know that Jesus died for me, but when the torture that He suffered is before my eyes, I see my name etched in His flesh. I may not have been alive the day my Savior died, but He carried me with Him as He bore the cross to Calvary. 

Yes, Easter is a time to celebrate Christ's resurrection from the dead, but reflecting on how He died is just as important as rejoicing in His return! "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13)  There is no death comparable to Christ's. Do you realize all that Jesus went through for you, Friend? It goes beyond simply knowing. Imagine being in the crowd that day. True, it's awful to think about, but it IS necessary because we MUST live chained to both, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ!! "If we have been united with Him like this in His death, we will certainly also be united with Him in His resurrection." (Romans 6:5)  Do not think it was not easy for Him. He was every bit as human as you & I; He felt every lash of the whip & every prick of the thorn. He suffered, beyond the point of all imaginable and unimaginable pain. Realize how severe His suffering, and know that He chose to endure it so that you wouldn't have to!!

This is what I know to be true of the God I serve, and it's still SO hard for me to comprehend...    If I was the only person on earth and drove the nails into His hands myself, HE STILL WOULD'VE CHOSEN TO DIE FOR ME!! And the same is true for you! He took your place, Friend! He loves each and every one of us with this matchless, endless love. How can people not love Him back?! Wouldn't you want to?! 

This is hard to watch, but seeing a glimpse of what Jesus went through for you and me, helps keep us close to Him. 

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2

 Jesus rose a Victor over death and HE LIVES!! He is worthy to be praised, worshiped and adored!! Rejoice with me, Friends! We serve a Risen Savior and share in His victory!! 

"But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 

1Corinthians 15:57

Oh how He loves you and me!

Find Joy in Him, Beloved!!