Today is known as Good Friday. The day Jesus came to declare His love for us, to pay our debt of sin, so we could stand, reunited with God. (See Luke 23).
Jesus knew His purpose. He knew the plan. And, He knew the pain he would face.
His soul was secure. His fate was sealed in freedom by the Father.
Yet He chose to set us free. He chose to endure the pain, ignore how shamelessly satan tried to provoke His pride, and chose to sacrifice Himself, all for us.
All for you.
All for me.
All so each one of us would be able to approach our Father without any barriers, burdens, or baggage.
Jesus told us in John 10:9, “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture.” He then promises each one of us in verse 10, “A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.” (HCSB)
He promises us that when we accept what He did on Good Friday- his ultimate sacrifice -the only One who could ever even offer this sacrifice- that we don’t have to accept what the enemy is dishing out- that we can accept the abundant life that Christ wants us to claim.
He is offering us the gift of eternal life with God, and also the gift of living an abundant life with Him today and everyday.
I have walked with Him long enough to know that this life, even done with Him, will not be perfect or free from pain and suffering. I also know the joy of repentance and the pain of newfound remorse when I fail, and the joy once again of His love and forgiveness.
Living an abundant life in Christ is not growing from one planting and blossoming without the hard work of fertilizing, pruning, watering, and waiting. Accepting that abundant life is a daily choice and daily hard work, accompanied by the daily blessing of living life with Him- especially the hard moments that just don’t seem fair.
Living that abundant life starts with accepting His sacrifice on Good Friday, and believing His resurrection on Easter Sunday. Accepting His payment for a debt none of us could ever pay. A payment He so freely gives.
A decision to not only accept Him today, but everyday. And everyday dedicate my life to Him. By drawing nearer to Him. By learning to recognize my need for Him a little more each day. By leaning into Him as I come to the end of myself.
The simple children’s song sums it up perfectly:
Jesus loves me this I know,
For the Bible tells me so,
Little ones to Him belong,
They are weak but He is strong.
Jesus made it just as simple for us to come to Him. Don’t let the enemy whisper in your ear. Acknowledge your sin, ask for forgiveness. Accept the gift Jesus is offering, each and every day.
Enjoy the abundant life He came to give!
Prayer: Dear Lord, on this Good Friday, I sincerely thank You for Your amazing sacrifice. I want that gift of abundant and eternal life You offer. Help me to clearly see my need for You, not just today, but each and every day. Help me swallow my pride and remorsefully repent, and then completely accept Your grace as I live life with You. Thank You ever so much for Your determined decision to save me, In Jesus’ name, Amen.