The Gift of Grace

Luke 34:1-8
On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ” Then they remembered his words.

Sunrise reminds me of the glorious day Jesus defeated death.

When I attended college in Kentucky, they offered a special Easter sunrise service. That year I stayed on campus, and I looked forward to the idea of an outdoor time of observance and worship. Early Sunday morning, we gathered on a hill on campus, sat on the ground, and praised Jesus as the sun rose on the horizon. The experience has stuck with me all these years as a time to reflect on Jesus' sacrifice.

Easter, celebrated in the spring when new life sprouts from the earth, evokes a sense of renewal in me due to the love Jesus has for me. God's plan to give the life of His own Son for my sins, still blows me away. I don't deserve God's love or grace, yet He has cleaned my slate of sins with His blood.

God chose blood for sacrifice and throughout the Old Testament people presented their finest animals to God. In the New Testament, Jesus took the place of the animals and gave His life. What I love most is God breathed life back into Jesus, just as He breaths life back into me through his mercy and grace. When I seek his mercy, He pours His love over me.

This Easter, celebrate the gift of grace.

Alive? What Do You Mean He's Alive?

Luke 24:1-6
On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb.  
They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! 

In mid-March, South Carolina beckoned me. I flew down to spend a few days with my youngest daughter. I left gray skies and the possibility of snow in Ohio. On Monday, Hannah and I headed to Falls Park. I love standing on Liberty Bridge that overlooks the Reedy River and waterfall, the centerpiece of the park. Along the walkways, tulips and pansies blew in the breeze. Redbuds bloomed and the grass had greened up. New LIFE surrounded us. And I loved it! There's something about the freshness of spring that reminds me of the new life I have in Jesus.

Early in the morning—on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and her friends walked to Jesus' tomb. She expected to find his body there. Instead she found hope. Amazing, refreshing, exciting new hope! I can't begin to imagine how Mary's mind must have reeled. "Alive? What do you mean he's alive?" She had to have asked. Two men in gleaming clothing stood before her and told her, "He is not here; he has risen!"

Just as Jesus said he would.

He died for our sins. God brought him back to life...for us! Yes-for all of us! Jesus loves us so much more than we can fathom.

On this Easter, thank God for his son and the beautiful grace covered path he paved for us to heaven.

Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” John 20:18