Romans 5:7-8 NLT Now, most people would not be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.
He died for us – for you and me. He paid the price for the sons committed long before they were even thought of. In one of my favorite songs Trip Lee asks in a more grammatically incorrect way than I’m willing to type, “When have you heard a story about the hero dying for the villain?” I know I already said this, but really, He died for us, the villain, the stubborn, doubtful, selfish, purposely non hearing, hard-hearted, lost and blind us.
But, it’s not all about death, thank God. Three days later, despite the efforts of the leading priests and Pharisees, He rose again. Despite the seal that was placed on the tomb, the guards posted in trying to prevent the miracle and the plotting of many He once again stuck to God’s plan and rose from the dead.
Matthew 28:5-7 Then the angel spoke to the women. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you.
My sins, your sins, their sins are deep and plentiful, but they didn’t defeat Him. That tomb was empty. The lies, attempted cover-ups, bribes and doubt were all spreading like wildfire and still do to this day. But that’s not enough either. That tomb was still empty!
Chrystall Ladlee
photocredit: Wm. Hole - [painting] From The Life of Jesus of Nazareth (Eyre & Spottiswoode, Ltd., London)
