Life

Easter weekend was fresh. Friday night was just awful. I watched The Passion of the Christ and it was an act of endurance to watch the film twice in one night (needless to say, I think my act of endurance was quite miniscule in comparison to the actual passion itself!!!). While painful, it was quite beautiful and intensely humbling to join in communion while watching the passion. Honestly, I cannot think of a more meaningful moment of communion than viewing the horror of the cross and the consummate price paid for my freedom. Thank you, Jesus Christ, for the cross and the eternal ramifications of the 'finished' work of the cross. I am quite confident that I am merely touching the hem of understanding of the profound work done at the cross.

The good news of Easter is that the cross is an amazing act. Yet, Jesus felt free to blow up the grave and death and rise again! He is Life!! Even more, He extends life to each of us. I think that my biggest takeaway from this weekend was from the story of Lazarus. He was dead.... dead as a doorknob.... dead as a duck... dead as a doornail.... 6 feet under.... pushing up daisies.... That fella was gone. Jesus stepped up to the tomb and invited Lazarus out of the grave. Okay, I do think its profound that Lazarus was dead and is dead no longer according to this account.

What really challenged me was this reality... the greatest gift that Jesus gave Lazarus was one more day. He gave him life and invited him to recognize that he gets another gift of a day. He gets another moment to breath. He gets a second shot. I am thinking that Jesus didn't resurrect Lazarus to take up space on the planet. I am really thinking that Jesus resurrected him to live for the glory, renown, character, and fame of Jesus in this earth. Lazarus has one more day and that day is a gift of grace.

Jesus Christ stepped into my life 31 years ago and replaced my dead heart with a new heart and a new passion for Him. I embraced the epic story of God in Christ 31 years ago and Jesus resurrected my life. I really think that He did not resurrect me in order that I simply fritter life away! I think that my dead heart now beats for One Thing... One Person... One fame... and One passion.... to elevate Jesus Christ in this earth.

You've been given today. It's a gift. Here's a thought - Love deeply. Speak with grace. Forgive freely. Get to know God well. Live with abandon for the glory of God alone. Today is a gift.. enjoy this day!

Feel free to comment by clicking below.

For the Glory,

Mark