As I enter my new office space, one of the most eye-catching pieces at their reception area is a phrase inscribed on a granite backdrop that reads, “Always believe that something wonderful is about to happen”. My new role as a Leadership Coach was to train some of the top line dynamic managers on one-on-one basis. In one such session, I asked concerning their thoughts about that tag line in the reception area and also, if that was a reality all the time. More importantly, what was the foundation or guarantee that this saying was indeed the truth? This sparked a good discussion and I got a chance to talk about Jesus, the atonement on the cross and the resurrection. I told them that was a sure shot guarantee, the confidence that I have experienced that this indeed is the truth, however that it is only and only through Jesus. I shared the good news that Jesus declared in John 10:10 - The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
Imagine the scene at Calvary: on the cross crucified is this man who called Himself the Messiah, the King of the Jews, who promised life in abundance. He also said that He will make ordinary fishermen into "fishers of men" however, here He is barely managing to hang on the cross, helpless, bleeding and breathing with labored breath, naked, humiliated, everything about that scene for the disciples was gruesome, gory and extreme torture. They might have been thinking that it was all over. Perhaps some were thinking of getting back to their pre-Jesus life style, wondering how to face people, family, society and etc.. What a feast day for the devil who might have been thinking that he has defeated the Son of God and His mission. But what seemed like the most painful, gruesome and disappointing event in the Bible was the very act that declared victory!
Isaiah 53:5 - But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. This was and is the reality. God’s purpose for His Son on this earth was fulfilled; mankind was to be redeemed through the cross. Isaiah 53:10 says that it was the Lord’s GOOD plan to crush His Son to redeem the man from the bondage of Sin. Mary along with Mary Magdalene and other women went to the grave. They witnessed an empty grave! Hallelujah!!! Mark 16:6 reads But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him.”
The resurrection is the cornerstone of Christianity, the victory song, the highlight of it all. The resurrection is the USP (Unique Selling Point, if I may use that term) that separates this religion from many others in this world. No one has ever claimed that God would redeem mankind by taking our sins on Himself and be that eternal sacrifice. All we got to do is believe and declare! It would have been too simple to comprehend and accept, I guess!
I am going to use an experience that I had with a believer! Few months ago, I received a financial blessing from her. I gave her a call and what she said just blessed me beyond measure. I tasted my Father’s love through this sister! She said, “Sister R, I just wanted to bless you because God blessed me abundantly and you just enjoy this gift; use it to have some fun!” This got me thinking, how many in this world would have the freedom to say what she said! I recognized this is a child who is so confident in her Father’s love that she was able to lavish and share her blessing with another family member who is not her family through blood! That love displayed for me is the resurrection outcome. And I was blessed enough to taste this love of the Father through the compelling love of Christ displayed.
As I meditate on the Cross and the love displayed there by our Lord, there is always a new learning and a fresh understanding of what it is to be like Christ. My Savior’s love challenges me and questions, “Can I replace my orphaned spirit by beginning to be a daughter of the Most High by giving to others not just financially, but in every other way, and not be limited or controlled by bank balance or my experiences but by my identity in Christ, in who He is and who He is to me and His promises and the love He lavishes on me? Can I look at the good in people and neglect the evil and hence, be a promoter, an encourager of Christ’s love? Can I refuse to get offended with people and circumstances so that I be a vessel that Christ can use as I live in this world? The Cross is so much more than Salvation which of course is no less important."
As I end, my prayer is my Lord if you say that I am as Christ is, then, teach me how to be more and more like Him, and use me for His Kingdom purpose. Help each one of us to uphold and not diminish the sacrifice on that cross. More of you and less of me! I must decrease and He must increase.Let the lost be the center focus of our lives! And as the years roll by, Jesus, let us never stop discovering you more and more! Yes indeed HE IS RISEN! Praise the Lord! Amen!
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