Living He Loved Us, Dying He Saved Us

Today is Good Friday and the start of Easter weekend, and it's always such a great time for reflection. We have heard so many times that Jesus died on the cross and rose again that it has almost been trivialized in our brains. We forget how truly awesome it is. I was thinking about it last night from a new perspective and I still cannot completely wrap my head around it, so I wanted to share.

I'll use Parker as an example and try to keep this as light as possible. If someone told me I had to die in order for Parker to live, it would be an unthinkable and nightmarish situation, but I love Parker so much that I would be able to do it with little to no reservation. Not only do I love him so much, but he loves me that much too. It's not fun to think about, but I could die knowing the person I love most in this world got to live. Jesus died so that all of us could be saved. When He was dying on the cross, there were a few people there that loved Him and were grief-stricken, but the majority of the people there hated Him and mocked Him during those final hours of torture before He died. Jesus not only died for those who loved Him, but He died for those who hated Him. What kind of love is that?! How could He sacrifice Himself for people who despised and rejected Him? It's just amazing to think about, and I don't know if it is a love we can humanly comprehend.

Glorious Day by Casting Crowns (Jeff Johnson does a great version too) is my favorite song during Easter time because the lyrics are so raw and powerful.

This is such a special weekend to reflect on the ultimate sacrifice and just thank God for sending His Son to die for us. Not only did He die, but He overcame the grave and rose again. Again, I think we have heard it so many times that it has lost some of it's conviction, but I am challenging myself to really meditate on that for the next couple of days. I am so excited for this weekend and look forward to the Easter baskets and the candy and the big Sunday lunch, but even more so I am excited to let this weekend remind me how fortunate I am to be saved. I did absolutely nothing to deserve this gift, but Jesus did it because He loves us.