Paid in full

Many people struggle with believing that their sins were fully paid for by Jesus’ death. For some reason they must either believe that their sins are just too bad, or Jesus didn’t pay enough. The question then becomes what more could he have done? What higher price could be paid than to die a horrible humiliating death on a cross?

The truth is as Jesus said from that cross “it is finished” there is no other penalty, it is sufficient, complete. God has declared it so.

As we consider the cross today lets remember that Christ doesn’t have to do anything more for us. It is we who need to lay it down, we can then experience the purity & freedom that has been purchased for us.

Not too strange for Jesus

Think of a time recently when you have encountered the presence of your King in the hungry, the stranger, or the sick. Is there a stranger who seems just a little too strange for you? Or a sick person a little too sick for your comfort? How many do we avoid welcoming because we think they may cost a little too much? We look to the death & resurrection of Jesus’ as the way & cost paid for us to enter into His Kingdom. I’m sure glad that I was not too strange for Jesus.

No better

Sometimes I find myself really getting ticked off at people like Quran burners that jeopardize the lives of brothers & sisters in other parts of the world. Who protest at the graves of fallen soldiers, & those who pitch miracle healing water that’s been “prayed over for 17 days”. I just can’t see how anyone could see this as Christ like behavior. Then I consider all the times I have miss represented Jesus in my own behavior. How many people have walked away from an encounter with me hurt, confused, angry, or empty. Is my sin any better? This week as I consider the Cross & Resurrection I will remember & be glad that my sins were nailed on that cross too, along with yours, and theirs.