“But God is so rich in mercy and He loved us so much that even though we were dead because of our sins, He gave us life when He raised Christ from the dead. For He raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of His grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all He has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. God saved you by His grace when you believed.
And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift to God.”
Ephesians 2:4-8
I didn’t grow up a believer so I always thought Easter was only about coloring, hiding eggs and eating candy. I admit, as an adult, I still enjoy coloring eggs and eating chocolate but now that I have a relationship with Jesus, there is so much more meaning. During Passion Week, I like to return to the place where I first met Jesus. At 18 years old, I walked into this little Baptist church across from my high school. I was scared, depressed and lonely. The way the pastor talked about Jesus gripped me. (On a side note, that pastor would end up being my amazing father in law.) Jesus met me that day, rescued me from a dark pit, looked me in my eyes and told me how much He loved me. I found a love I was looking for my whole life. I don’t ever want to minimize or forget the sacrifice He paid so that I could be in relationship with Him.
As Pastor Brent shared last Saturday night, love demands a choice and Jesus chose the cross and chose YOU. It was His passion to be in relationship with you that He willingly chose to endure the cross. He didn’t just save you from something; He saved you “for” eternal union with Him. Jesus is so worthy of all our love and affection. Take time to return to the “why” this week. I assure you, you will fall more deeply in love with Him.
Love,
Karena
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