Easter is a special time for me and my family, but sadly we often get busy with life, realizing that the most impactful and historical event as a Christian happened, Christ was crucified and rose again, taking up our sins for mankind. Easter although is Americanized to reflect spring, bunnies, chocolate, egg hunts is anything but a happy event, but a day Jesus gave his life for all of us on a Cross.

Unable to fathom that Jesus was born to die. Imagine having a child whose sole purpose was only to die, as a parent that is incredible hard to imagine.

Although I could never understand, as a Parent I understand that I would be willing to die for my daughter, my wife if it meant they would get something in return that would change their life for the better.

Christ Died for You and Me

Christ died so that you and I could be freed from sin, although as humans we are sinful. Laying the way for us to go to heaven, live eternally but we MUST give our lives and hearts to Jesus, which even today many are unwilling to do despite what Christ did for us. 

Truly Jesus is the Way, Truth and the Life (John 14) as he has given Christians a home, when we live this earthly plane, heaven or hell are the choices, but those who reject Christ choose hell.

Hell or Heaven Awaits

Some would say, what kind of GOD send people to hell and in all trust Jesus does send people to hell, we send ourselves because we are given a choice to believe, often for many in the U.S. we are given the gospel in so many different ways, it is practically everywhere, online, on television, on the radio, in email as there really is no excuse for not knowing who Jesus is.

There are countries who do not allow the Gospel in any form, making it illegal but God and God’s people find a way with underground ministries, churches, and gatherings but there are other places that it appears the gospel can not reach, but God is makes it possible and it doesn’t want anything to go to Hell.

Christ died an excoriating death, beaten, whipped, hung on the cross treated worse than a common criminal, a common criminal was probably treated better in those times and even today.

Christ knew this was the toll he would have to pay for our salvation and although I can not imagine how painful it was. Having watched the passion of the Christ which I find very painful to watch seeing Christ’s flesh literally ripped off, eventually no longer looking like a man.

I think about Isaiah 53: 17-12:

7 He was beaten, he was tortured, but didn’t say a word, like a lamb taken to a be slaughtered and like a sheep sheered, he took it all in silence.

8 Justice miscarried, and he was led off – and did anyone really know what was happening? He died without a thought for his own welfare, beaten bloody for the sins of the people.

9 They buried him with the wicked, threw him in a grave with a rich man, even thought he’d never hurt a soul or said one word that wasn’t true.

10 Still it’s what God had in mind all along, to crush him with pain. The plan was that he given himself as an offering for sin so that he sees life come from it – life, life, and more life. And God’s plan will deeply prosper through him.

No one can imagine the pain he suffered purposely, dying the most humiliating way on the cross, spit at, mocked. Today in a way is no different as people mock, laugh, curse God for their own troubles and some spread hate in the name of Jesus. 

We all hurt God in our sin today, but when we give our Heart to Jesus we are forgiven, given salvation.

I know Where I’m going

I know in my heart, when I die, whether a natural death or by my own hand, that I will go to heaven. I know the last part may see controversial because one may think, well if I die by my own hand I give up my right, my salvation and should go to Hell, but I believe God doesn’t strip me of my salvation because he knows I love him and I do everything in power to live a life of goodness and devotion to  him, but I am still a severely flawed human, broken, but he forgives me and I am his child.

Christ made it possible to no longer fear death, as he said I have a place in heaven, filled with many mansions and I know one of those mansions he had set aside for me in paradise along with those whom I love and have passed like my mother, grandparents, loved ones, I will see them again one. 

This easter, lets spread love and Joy, and yes, I know it’s difficult to not make Easter about the easter bunny, eggs, springs, candy and chocolates because frankly Children especially may not fully understand what the true meaning of easter is, but why take their joy away to easter and the love that should be shared.

Personally I am guilty of buying my daughter easter baskets, chocolates eggs and candy, showering her with love and although she is 11, I share the meaning of easter and what Christ did for us, but I always want her to remember this time in her life as  a time of happiness, because we should all be Happy we have a home in heaven due to Jesus paying the price for our sin.

Have a blessed Easter and Resurrection Sunday! 

The Angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know, that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.

Matthew 28:5