03/16/23

As we come closer to the Easter season, I wonder how many would consider the sacrifice that was made on the cross. For some reason we have combined the remembrance of our Lord’s sacrifice with an already existing Holiday that has nothing to do with it. And so, we are stuck with those celebrating Easter as a Christian Holiday and those celebrating it as a Pagan holiday.

Regardless of how you celebrate the day, the sacrifice that Christ made on the cross was a very real one. The history books tell us that Jesus came and taught and performed miracles, but those who were there and witnessed his teachings and miracles will testify that he was also the Son of God. The same son of God who was prophesied about in Genesis 3:15, Deuteronomy 18:15, Psalm 110:4, Isaiah 11:1,10 & 53, Malachi 3:1, etc. It was no surprise that God would come to Earth as man and sacrifice himself for our sake. It was something that those of the Jewish faith waited on for thousands of years. Then when he finally came, some accepted him, but it was the Jewish leaders who had him put to death. But this is what needed to happen, and it was the entire reason that Christ came, that he could take our sin to the cross. 

That event that took place around 2000 years ago, changed the world. Now whoever you are, whoever is reading this has the opportunity to have a personal relationship with the God who created the universe. The Lord is willing to wash you as white as snow, forgiving you of all your sins, which when we are honest with ourselves is something that we are all in need of. We all have made mistakes and many of us carry around a burden that we don’t feel we can let go of. But I am writing this so that you might realize that that burden has already been taken care of. Christ is willing to take that away from you if you are willing to give it to him. That is what we as Christians are celebrating this coming resurrection Sunday. That the same Christ who died on the cross for our sins, also rose from the dead, as was witnessed and testified by thousands who saw him after his crucifixion. 

I’ve heard from many that they feel their sin and burden are too great to be forgiven and I can’t blame anyone for feeling that way if they’ve never experienced the extent of God’s grace and his forgiveness. But we are talking about a God who willingly suffered an excruciating death on the cross in order that any sin may be forgiven. When we read Matthew 11:28-30 we see that Christ doesn’t limit who he’s willing to forgive or what he’s willing to forgive us of, it’s for anyone for anything at any time.

“28 “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take up my yoke and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” [1](CSB)   

So, this is the question you need to ask yourself, are you willing to let go of that sin, the burdens that have been weighing you down. So many of us carry such a heavy burden that we are drowning but just when it feels like we are about to go under, there’s Christ standing on the water with an outstretched hand, willing to pull us up (Matthew 14:22-36). Have Faith in Christ and trust that he can forgive your sin, that he can free you of your burden and give you a new life!

Associate Pastor Clay Hanley