“The resurrection gives my life meaning and direction and the opportunity to start over no matter what my circumstances.”
~ Robert Flatt
Jesus Chose to Die so that We Can Choose to Be Reborn in Him
Watching the sunrise crest over the horizon every morning reminds me of Christ’s renewing spirit in me. Jesus was living in perfection with our Father, God, and the Holy Spirit before he chose to come to earth and be the redemption for our sins. To think of a perfect king who would willingly sacrifice himself for imperfect people is hard to fathom. Yet, the proof of Christ’s sacrifice through the Bible and many other history books is irrefutable.
Jesus began his life on earth by being born as a baby. He left this earth after being resurrected from the dead. The choices Jesus made and the life he led taught us that it is possible for imperfect people to love God above all and follow Him. Jesus also showed us how to be his disciples as we work with him every day in an intimate relationship.
Walking with Jesus Requires Our Believing and Receiving
For years, I struggled to believe that I was worthy of Christ’s sacrifice. I doubted that if I were the only person on earth, he would have died for me. All of these lies I believed came from my imperfect love experiences throughout my life.
As I began to study God’s word and let Jesus show me his heart and character, I was overwhelmed by his unconditional love. I could finally sing the song Jesus Loves Me from my heart and weep at the honor of his sacrifice for me. I owe Jesus my heart, soul, my everything.
So, how do you honor the perfect King Jesus who broke you free from the shackles of sin and death? Do you ignore his sacrifice, love, mercy, grace, instructions, commands, and example to follow? If I claim to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, my Savior, my King, I will honor him with my life’s service. I will live the words of Paul, the apostle.
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Gal. 2:20, ESV)
Jesus died for all so that all who live – having received eternal life from him—might live no longer for themselves, to please themselves, but to spend their lives pleasing Christ who died and rose again for them. (2 Cor. 5:15, TLB)
Serving Jesus on Earth While Living in His Spiritual Kingdom
Most people don’t live in kingdoms on earth. It’s also sad that in our society, many of the creeds of serving a king, including honor, bravery, integrity, loyalty, or allegiance, have also faded. However, the kingdom of God is alive and well, and believers dwell in God’s spiritual kingdom on earth even though they may not see it.
How believers serve and honor King Jesus must be apparent in our everyday life. Without the loving sacrifice of Jesus and God’s resurrection of him, we would still be enslaved. We would not have Christ in us or the Holy Spirit.
The Truth of Christ’s Resurrection on Easter
When I celebrate Easter, I see the Angels opening up the tomb and Jesus walking out in a bursting beacon of light. I see Jesus loving and walking with people. I see Jesus teaching and helping people. I see Jesus alive, and that gives me the strength, hope, joy, and love I need to face my days in a way that would honor him.
This Easter, celebrate the sacrificial love and resurrection of Jesus. Remember that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in you. Take some time to praise God and Jesus through prayer and worship. Let your celebration spill into every day.
One of my parent’s favorite hymns was Because He Lives. Read or sing these lyrics and let God’s truth soak in.
Because he lives I can face tomorrow
Because he lives all fear is gone
Because I know he holds the future
And life is worth the living just because he lives
And then one day
We’ll all cross that river
And fight life’s final war with pain
And then, as death gives way to victory
I’ll see the lights of glory and I’ll know he reigns
Because he lives I can face tomorrow
Because he lives all fear is gone
Because I know he holds the future
And life is worth the living just because he lives
Jesus lives! Live in his resurrection power!
