Preparing for Easter

The last two days I have been working from home, in front of my computer at my dining room table. I have been preparing the Easter message for our Worship Service at Mission of Hope on Sunday morning. I have emersed myself in God’s Word. It took me both days to search, to study, to be reminded of the events of Jesus’ last week on earth. It has been good for me to revisit the Gospels, to read Jesus’ Words, to take in truly all He did for me on the cross at Calvary.

Tonight I am grateful and humbled. Where would I be without my Savior? I would have no hope. I would be lost in myself, in my sin, and in an eternity of damnation, otherwise known as hell. But because of the sin–my sin–Jesus bore on His body on the cross, He took away the punishment of all my sin–past, present and future–so I will be able to live eternally with Him and His Father, my Heavenly Father.

What Good News this is! He did this for all of us. Some will reject this gift of eternal life in heaven, and will choose eternal punishment. That just doesn’t make sense to me. But it’s the truth. In years past, Good Friday would come and go. I would think about Jesus’ sacrifice, and be thankful. But that’s about it, until Easter morning. I would rejoice in celebrating Jesus’ resurrection, knowing that I too, someday, will be resurrected with Him…either when He comes back for His people or when my time on this earth is over.

But this year, there’s a difference. The preparation, the study, the emersement in God’s Word that I’ve done the last couple of days has effected me in ways that I believe Easter will be even more meaningful for me this year.

I look forward to giving the Easter message on Sunday! I pray God uses it to glorify Him and His Son Jesus, and I pray many are touched by the Good News of Jesus Christ our Risen Savior! My heart is ready. I pray yours is too!

May God touch your heart and life this Easter!
Julie