Our Cross

I pray that this Passion Week Experience has made a lasting impression on you. This week between Palm Sunday and Easter is referred to as “Passion Week” because the word “passion” originally meant “to endure suffering.” From the moment Jesus began to descend the Mount of Olives on Palm Sunday, His love for us was reflected in every step He took toward the Cross.  Christ endured unspeakable suffering on our behalf. What, then, do we do in response to such amazing love?  

We deserved to die for sin, but Christ died for us. We were alienated from God, but Christ reconciled us to him. We were slaves to sin, but Christ set us free by paying the ransom for us. His death on the Cross was the payment for our sins, the only payment required. We can never be “good enough” to earn salvation; it is a free gift that is ours to accept or reject. It is an amazing exchange that takes place because of the grace of God: We receive what we do not deserve, and we don’t receive what we do!  When we receive this gift, we begin to experience a meaningful and fulfilling life now, and the assurance of a glorious life with Him for all eternity.  

This life is granted to everyone who places their faith in Jesus Christ. How do you receive this life? By following Jesus – which means to recognize your need for a Savior, admit your guilt and confess your sin, then receive His sacrifice on your behalf.  If you have never taken this step, you can do so right now by praying this simple prayer… 

Father, Thank you for loving me. Thank you for bringing me to this moment in my life. I don’t know everything, but Father, I know one thing - I’ve struck out, I’ve sinned, I’ve failed. And right now, because of that guilt I feel, I turn away from all known sin - I repent, I change my direction and I change my mind. And right now, I ask Jesus Christ to come into my life. I claim the scripture (John 1:12 KJV), for those who receive Him, to them He gives the power to become sons and daughter of God. Thank you, Lord, for salvaging me, for restoring me to the purpose for which I was made. Lord, at this special time of the year, I will never forget this moment. Thank you for assuring me that now and forever I’m in your family, I’m your son, I’m your daughter. We thank you for this unspeakable gift of salvation and pray in Jesus’ name. -Amen

The same kind of faith that we exercise when we invite Jesus to come into our life and to save us, salvage us, and take us into His family is the same kind of faith that continues to help us grow in our walk with God as we seek to live the Christian life. If you have wandered away from God or have allowed the cares or distractions of the world to rob you of the joy you once experienced, this may be the moment to ask God to clean up your life and give you the ability to worship Him again “with your whole heart.” Isn’t this Easter week a good time to experience the power He gives for a fresh start, and the power He promises so you can live for Him each day?