Easter Reflection

I continue reading through the Bible this year as God has prodded me to do.  I have often been less than enthusiastic as I approach certain books of the Bible.  Can anyone think Leviticus or Chronicles?  These are spots where my conviction to read through the Bible begins to falter.  However, I realize that as I surrender what I find a challenge to read, He speaks.

I approach the books differently than I did in my younger days (not that I am old, let us be clear on that!).  I typically ask the Lord to show me what He wants to, but I confess I have not always done that with these more “interesting” books.  He has met me there through this journey at every turn and my list of items gleaned grows exponentially.

This morning, as I tackled my daily passage with Him, the following verse leapt off the page:

Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor shall children be put to death for their fathers;  a person shall be put to death for his own sin.  Deuteronomy 24:16

As we approach our celebration of Easter, the day of His resurrection, this verse was more than effective in bringing me to tears.    Wow!  Right there….a person shall be put to death for her own sin.  I am that person.  I could have been stoned by my people for a multitude of offenses.

But God…He stood in front of the first stone being hurled in my direction…

He paved a way out for me so that I may not suffer death but eternal life.  His name is Jesus.  He gave His own Son for me, for you, for all…and we are spared.   I am not only spared, but I am fully blessed.  I have the blessing of this life and the overwhelming life to come when I see Him face to face.

His death instead of my own.  What mercy, what grace!!!   So undeserved….and my heart is filled with gratitude, love and a deep need to cry, and bow in worship.

The cross, His ultimate sacrifice.  The rolled away stone,  His victory and my redemption…and the tears flow again….