I just finished watching “The Bible” on the History channel, as I’m sure many of you have. I found myself sobbing at the sufferings of Christ and his crucifixion. I was reminded of Isaiah 53:
“…a man who suffered, who knew pain firsthand. One look at him and people turned away. We looked down on him, thought he was scum. But the fact is, it was our pains he carried— our disfigurements, all the things wrong with us…But it was our sins that did that to him, that ripped and tore and crushed him—our sins! He took the punishment, and that made us whole. Through his bruises we get healed… We’ve all done our own thing, gone our own way. And God has piled all our sins, everything we’ve done wrong, on him, on him. (Isaiah 53:2-6 MSG). He was beaten, he was tortured, but he didn’t say a word…Justice miscarried, and he was led off— and did anyone really know what was happening? He died without a thought for his own welfare, beaten bloody for the sins of my people. They threw him in a grave, Even though he’d never hurt a soul or said one word that wasn’t true. Still, it’s what God had in mind all along, to crush him with pain. The plan was that he give himself as an offering for sin so that he’d see life come from it—life, life, and more life.”(Isaiah 53:7-10 MSG)
Easter has a stronger meaning for me this year in light of Neal’s death. It’s because of Christ’s death and resurrection that I will have life after my time on this earth is over! That means one day I will see Neal, Dale, and my grandparents again. I am so thankful for that gift and the hope it provides me.
God doesn’t promise us an easy life. In fact He says we will have trials. 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 tells us that we actually share in his sufferings so we can grow in character and comfort others who go through similar experiences. What we go through doesn’t really compare to what Christ went through for us does it?
There is a time coming when there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain (Rev 21:4). I can’t wait! I hope you know Jesus and the hope that comes from Him.
On the journey,
Trish