Holidays
I’ve often been told I take things personally. In most cases, I would have to admit it’s true. Sometimes that‘s not good, but as the world celebrates our greatest Christian holiday, I have found reasons to take Easter personally. Join me for a moment as we step aside the big picture and take a look at two scenes we can all celebrate on a personal level.
We know the story of that weekend: the cross, pain, the betrayal, suffering, agony of death, then victory in the resurrection. But the why is the most fascinating, yet humbling, part of the story.
There’s a short, but powerful, phrase often overlooked during Friday‘s events. Three authors noted it in their accounts of that day. Mark tells us in Chapter 27, verse 38, “the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.” Imagine the scene as the heavy curtain hanging in the temple to separate the Most Holy Place from mankind, ripping in two, granting access to each of us once and for all. The place available only to the High Priest, once a year, for the purpose of making atonement for the sins of the nation as a whole was opened for anyone 24/7.
I could go to my pastor and confess my sins. He would pray. If I confess to a priest, he could issue a penance. If I went to the President of the U.S. and admitted a transgression, he may pardon me. But even the highest court in our land, the U.S. Supreme Court, could not offer forgiveness or promise Heaven.
Jesus Christ went the distance for us, becoming the final, perfect sacrifice. His passion opened a door that revealed the privilege of a personal relationship. The author of Hebrews reminds us in 4:15, “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” Then, he continues to remind us of the gift of grace that was given in that moment of time when a veil that was meant to separate, was removed. “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16).
As we move forward a couple of days to Easter morning, imagine the women on their journey to the tomb. Heartbroken from the weekend’s events, they approached with the anticipation of offering their love and respect with prepared spices. They must have been stunned to their senses when they witnessed an empty tomb. As if the past week hadn’t been more than they could comprehend, now the body of their slain son, friend, savior, was gone. Just as questions began forming in their minds, two angels appeared beside them, ready with answers. Luke tells us the men reminded them “remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.” (Luke 24:6,7)
The next verse reminds me of many of us in times of need. “And they remembered his
words.” They already had the answer. The disciples who heard the prophecy straight from
the Master, had shared the message. Now those words were brought to their
remembrance to help them understand.
In our own times of questions, we almost miss the answers because we simply forget what He has said. Like the women on a mission, we focus on the situation, not the One with the answers. We need to be reminded, to remind ourselves, to remember the promises in His Word.
Now let’s look at two men who experienced unexpected freedom with their own brief, yet personal encounters with the Savior of the Universe. Each one convicted, condemned; each awaiting his own death. One received a second chance; the other, his only chance. Barabas wasn’t expecting a last minute pardon, especially from a stranger. Imagine the look that crossed his face, thoughts that ran through his mind. Did he have questions, or just run before someone realized they had made a mistake? Did he leave town immediately, or did he make his way into the crowd, as an innocent man hung on a cross, in his place? Barabas knew what he had done. He knew that everyone else knew, too. The shock of the release as the guard set him free may have worn off, but that moment was etched in history forever. He represents many of us, sentenced to a fate we couldn’t escape.
Death was inevitable for the thief hanging only feet from his Savior. Only moments from eternity, what did he have to lose? In a last-minute confession, the thief on the cross received hope in exchange for the only thing he had left to offer: belief. There was no sign of hope, no chance for escape, and no sign of redemption, from where he hung. He represents the rest of us. Those who can’t save ourselves from consequences of humanness. The sin doesn’t matter. The result is the same. We are all in need of a Savior. The thief met his only minutes before his eternity began.
God’s grace was revealed through the torn veil and the empty tomb. Barabas and the thief were the examples of those who, not only witnessed, but experienced, how amazing grace really is.
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