There are three truths I am pondering this Easter when Christ died for our sins
beginning with the first day or Good Friday as we call it today:
1. He stretched out His arms and He died…
When asked how much He loved us, He required nothing and gave all so that we are forgiven.
2. He died for tax collectors like us…
We all have been Pharisees at times by our claims of holiness, but by repentance we come back to Jesus knowing that there is no one holy without Him. Even though it is terribly painful to be rebuked, I thank Him for the reminder that I am a despised tax collector; but, for and with, the Hope of Christ.
The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
Luke Chapter 18:
9 Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’ 13 And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
3. It is finished…
Some would like to keep Jesus on the cross hanging and crucified or in the arms of Mary as an infant, but HE IS RISEN!, HE is victorious and He is seated at the right hand God. He is the finisher of our faith!
The Race of Faith
Hebrews Chapter 12:
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.