The Good News of Friday

I had the opportunity to tell a young man I know, the good news of Jesus. As we sat at my kitchen table, I explained why Jesus had to die on the cross. As he listened, I scanned my table for some visual aids. Two pencils became the cross and my friend and I were the salt & pepper shakers, my sugar bowl was at the head of the cross, representing God. 

I explained it again with my visuals, the only way to God is through Jesus. He took the punishment for our sins. By believing Jesus did this, the cross becomes our bridge to God. 

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 
Romans 10:9

I watched as he had the light bulb expression on his face and exclaimed I totally get it now, it was you and me that put him there!    

YES indeed, I put Him there....my sin was there.  My Lord had heaped on him all the sin of mankind, past, present and future.  HE did this for me, and HE did this for you.

The story doesn't end on the cross. On Easter Sunday, we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and the HOPE that gives us the promise ~ Because He lives, we can live also. 

Oh, the love that drew salvation’s plan!

Oh, the grace that brought it down to man!

Oh, the mighty gulf that God did span at Calvary!

Mercy there was great, and grace was free;

Pardon there was multiplied to me;

There my burdened soul found liberty at Calvary.

William Newell ~ 1895

Please join me today, reflecting what Jesus did for us, as we prepare our heart for the joyful celebration of His resurrection. Easter Sunday.