Easter

...for he will save his people from their sins. (Matt. 1:21b)

I began reading through the New Testament today.  As I began reading the book of Matthew and came to the above verse, I found it hard to move on.  So I didn't.  When reading through the bible, I try never to treat it as a check off but read it slow so that it can speak to me.  By that I mean, if something hits me in such a way that I can't concentrate going any further then I don't.  That's when I stop and ponder and study.  It's the Holy Spirit's way of saying "Stop, hold up, I've got something to teach you here."  Hebrews 4:12 says, "For the Word of God is alive and powerful.  It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow.  It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires".   When something strikes you while reading scripture stop and take note, God is trying to say something to you.

For he will save his people from their sins.  As I ponder these 9 words, I began to understand the power of them.  This doesn't say he saves the people who sin.  It's says he will save his people from their sin.  We. Will. Sin.  This is for all you do gooders, ladder climbers, perfectionist weight carriers, people like me.  But listen up!  HE saves us!  We. Cannot. Save. Ourselves. Never. Ever.   No matter how hard I try, no matter what I do or don't do... I will never measure up, and I can never earn His love. Ever. I can't.  BUT there is good news .....and that IS Jesus!  By what He has done, He has saved me from my past, present, and future sins.  And God completely forgives and loves me just as I am.  All and only because of Jesus.  When God looks at me, he sees Jesus.  It's as if Jesus was a lens in which God looks through to see me.  If I would get that and stay in that truth, I would walk in such freedom, love, and power!  But I still find myself most times yet, dragging out that stupid ladder, to do my stuff that I think God could love me more by them.  Don't get me wrong the do good stuff is awesome, in fact, we are totally equipped to do lots of good stuff, but it's not to earn love but it's a way to love.  Big difference.

My do good stuff should come out of my love for Jesus.  To obey what He asks of me is the way to show Him that I love Him. It's not a have to, it's a get to.  The opportunity to obey is to speak God's love language.   "He who has my commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me...".

This Easter as I look to the cross and look to the empty tomb with joy, I will sit in the presence of His complete and perfect love for me.  This love is free.  Ditch the ladder, I'm gonna.

Just a chunk.