As we begin this Easter weekend, let us remember the why behind the Crucifixion and the Resurrection. I lean on two scripture verses to keep me mindful of God’s motivation to endure the cross—His love for me and to give me a life of freedom.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16.
This oh so familiar passage really sums it up doesn’t it? What propelled Jesus forward when He knelt in the Garden of Gethsemane? His love of His Father and His love for you and me.
Sometimes it is easy to lose sight of the fact that “the world” means me, myself, and I. Complete with my scrapes and welts, my bad habits and at times less than stellar love for my neighbor, God loved ME so much that He sacrificed His Son to give me new life. That is humbling and awe inspiring for me.
Jesus death and Resurrection brought victory over sin, death, and the power of the devil. He brought me a new life of freedom.
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:3
My new life in Christ is a life of freedom. It is a freedom of choice in many ways, which is why the apostle Paul writes, “do not let yourself be burdened again.” We make choices daily that either keep us free from that yoke of slavery or burden us with it once again.
Today and this Easter weekend, celebrate the love of a Father willing to sacrifice His only son for you personally. Take a moment and let that sink in. Imagine who you are today, in this moment, and recognize the enormity of that sacrifice.
God’s love for you is knows no bounds. It is infinite.
Then as you go about your day and weekend, think about the freedom that Jesus procured for you. Today we remember His death. Sunday we celebrate His victory over it. That same victory is yours for the taking. It’s your choice.
Choose love.
Live in freedom.
It’s your choice.
Hallelujah!