Posting has become more difficult lately. I am not sure whether I am not allotting my time correctly or the enemy has thrown obstacles in my way, but I didn't want Easter to go by without acknowledgement.
Easter means different things to people. To some, it is just some time off from work. For others, it is a time to raise retail sales, and for others, there is the true reason to celebrate. For me the latter is true.
Throughout the years many men have been hailed as heroes. Their accomplishment was to deny their own lives and sacrifice it, if necessary, to save the life of a family member, comrade, or maybe a complete stranger. Many have done this and I believe without thinking, but reacting to the circumstance. Why then is it so hard for us to accept that Jesus, with much thought and prayer, would do the same after weighing all options?
I have been exposed to the story of Jesus since I was a young boy. How he was born, why he was born, why he lived, and why he died. I also learned at a very young age that Jesus died on a cross. I saw artist renditions of this every year and the pictures were, as I learned later, not accurate. These pictures, whether created to protect innocent eyes or not, did little to show the cruel punishment that Jesus suffered. I was an adult before I understood the full extent of what dying on a cross was. As anyone that lived in that era, Jesus knew. He knew full well what to expect and he knew that Satan would pull no punches on his behalf. The mental and physical fatigue that Jesus endured for so long would have put me down soon after it began. But yet, he withstood it all for me and for you. He withstood the full extent of the punishment dealt to him. He did it willingly and with foreknowledge, thought and obedience. He became the perfect sacrifice to atone for our sin against God.
Last night I had the opportunity to participate in a unique service. First we sang praises and then we were led in a time of prayer and meditation. To look inside as God was doing and ask for him to reveal a sin or burden that we may have. Then we were given an opportunity to approach the wooden cross that lay before us and then drive a nail into that cross to nail that sin or burden to it. At first only one came forward. Then, a few more until there were 10 or so there at a time nailing there burden to that cross. The sound was chilling. After that was done, three men picked up the cross and we with candles followed them to the hill where the cross was placed into the ground beside two others. This time however, we were not screaming crucify him but were silent as we remembered his suffering.
I was sitting at the front of the church so I was one of the last out following. The cross was being put into place soon after I had exited the door and then I heard the most chilling sound as they hammered the supports into place to hold the cross.
I hope that on Easter you take time to go to your local church. Go and sing praises of thanksgiving for the gift that Christ offered us with his suffering on that cruel rugged tree. He has presented the gift, and like any other you can accept it or refuse it. It is your decision.
CHOOSE WELL!
