And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.

~ Romans 8: 28-30

You’ve probably heard of the “3 Rs of learning” (well, if you’re over 40, that is). “Reading, writing, and arithmetic”—or “reading, ‘riting, and ‘rithmatic”. (Yeah, I know, it seems a bit ironic, doesn’t it?) The concept of these education must-haves originated with St. Augustine in one of his writings from the fourth century. But the mispronunciation of this education triplet is thought to have been coined in a speech by Sir William Curtis about 1807.

1. Payment. At the very moment we surrender to Jesus as Lord and Savior, accepting what He did on our behalf, the payment we owe to God is paid in full. Our sin is nailed to the cross of Calvary, and we are made righteous in God’s sight, clothed with Christ’s righteousness (Galatians 3:27; 2 Corinthians 5:21). We are forgiven, made new, sealed with the Holy Spirit, and heaven bound. In an instant, you and I are justified…and because of Jesus, God looks upon us “just-as-if-I’d” never sinned. And it’s one and done.
2. Process. This is sanctification. It’s a journey from that moment of salvation until we are in the presence of the Lord. And it’s not easy. Although we are brought from spiritual death to life at our moment of surrender, we’re still living in this fallen world, in this body of flesh. And the path onward is hard. It takes work, practice, and perseverance. Do not misunderstand, friend, we do not work, practice, and persevere to earn our salvation! We put in the effort to become more like Jesus day by day. We run toward the goal with steadfastness and joy. Sometimes we step off course, but we turn our eyes back to the cross and keep going. Switching analogies here to bring the point home…like a sculptor at work, the Holy Spirit and God’s Word chisel us to create the masterpiece we were meant to be (2 Peter 1:10; 2 Corinthians 3:18). 
3. Perfection. When are we fully transformed into that masterpiece? When we slough off this body of death and step into the presence of Jesus—this is glorification. And how do we know we will be perfected one day? Because it’s promised to us! The Apostle Paul says, “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6). Not only will we have a new physical body (praise the Lord), but the very presence of sin will be gone (Revelation 21:27)! Today, as we walk through the world, it’s like living under the bottom of a tapestry. There are messy knots and broken threads that seem useless. But once in heaven, our perspective shifts to the top of the tapestry. We will see how every stitch has been purposeful…how every seemingly chaotic color scheme below actually fits into a meticulous design. On that day, we will know fully and see the perfected beauty of it all (1 Corinthians 13:12).

Lord, thank You for salvation, for paying the debt I owe but could never pay on my own. Thank you for the Holy Spirit working in me to transform my life daily to be more like Jesus. And thank You that one day I will be in Your presence forever and completely free from the very presence of sin.

And they were glorifying God because of me. 

~ Galatians 1:24

Let’s face it, people talk about other people. We gush over celebrities, comment on who’s doing what around us (and how they’re doing it), and we express disdain when we witness someone doing what we call evil. And although gossiping is clearly defined as a sin in God’s eyes (Psalm 101:5; Romans 1:29; 1 Timothy 5:13), we Christians are guilty of doing it…even sometimes under the guise of a “prayer request” on behalf of another. 

Yep, people talk. But we’re not going to address the negatives of using our tongue for slander and gossip—not this time, anyway. The fact is that every word we utter and every action we take combine to establish our reputation. This is true whether it’s a one-off interaction with someone at Walmart, or within a decades-long friendship. But we’re not even going to dive into how we must be motivated by what God, not other people, thinks of us—this, too, is a whole other sermonette (Galatians 1:10). Instead, let’s look at what people are saying about us…or rather, what they say about God because of us. 

As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16; Ephesians 5:8). And by doing so, in word and action, we are to glorify God. Eating, drinking, working—everything! All for God’s glory (1 Corinthians 6:20; 10:31)! But as Jesus clearly states in Matthew’s gospel (5:16): We shine before others so that they give glory to our Father in heaven. Or, as the Apostle shoots it straight: “And they were glorifying God because of me” (Galatians 1:24). 

This is what the Christian life is all about, isn’t it? Giving God glory. But it’s also about ensuring that you and I live life so that others will glorify God because of us—our words, actions, and attitudes. So, let’s search ourselves, shall we? In the past week (or day even), how have we been responding to challenges, pain, disappointment? How have our interactions with others gone, especially with those whom we disagree (or drive differently from)? Attitude check: Have we been complaining, arguing, griping? And, yes, how have we been wagging our tongues about others? 

There’s so much division and anger and hatred fomenting today. Lies, fake news, social media vitriol. Not to mention, a whole lot of self-glorification. But, friend, within this darkness lies ample opportunity to shine. To do all things, always and only, for the pleasure of God and to magnify His glory…and to invite others to do the same. Because it just takes a tiny spark of light to chase away the darkness.

So, let’s commit to making a reputation for ourselves. To give off a sweet-smelling aroma and the warm light of love and grace, so that we leave people talking. Not talking about us, though…instead, let’s leave them amazed at the loving, grace-giving Lord we serve.

Lord, I will not fear (or care about) what people have to say about me—You are my Audience of One. And may I walk closely enough to you in this life that, like the Apostle Paul, others glorify you because of me.

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

~ Colossians 4:6

If you Google the origins of “salty talk”, you’ll be led to the 1800s and the crass language of sailors in that day. This seafaring definition even evolved from crude speech to angry outbursts. In today’s current slang, someone is “salty” when they verbally react with some mix of anger, resentment, bitterness, or irritation.

But the true root of “salty” speech goes back to the first century—and its definition was entirely different. Jesus Himself urges us to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16), to live in a way that represents the Lord and points others to God’s glory. It is the Apostle Paul, however, who focuses on our words, exhorting us to use salty talk. (Well, to be fair, it was almost 1000 years prior to that when the Psalmists and King Solomon wrote a lot about the ways we should and shouldn’t talk—see Psalm 141:3; 12:3-4; 34:13 and Proverbs 8:13, 21; 15:1 just to start—but it was Paul who coined the “salty” expression.)

So, what does it mean to be gracious and season our speech with salt (Colossians 4:6)? Well, we know that salt purifies, prevents corruption, and adds pleasant flavors. These aspects set a solid foundation. In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul actually gives us some specific applications. First, we’re to speak truth in love—just like Jesus. And the more we grasp and practice love-plus-truth communication, the more we become like Him (Ephesians 4:15). And we need to edify, or build up, others—no need for dishonest, demeaning, or undignified talk (v29). Our words must also be kind, tender, and forgiving (again, reflecting Christ), while we avoid bitter, angry, and disparaging talk (vs 31-32).

The way Paul equates “salt” with “grace” is truly the best indication of how we, as believers, must use our words. It is by grace, through faith in Christ, which we are saved—getting what we don’t deserve because God loves us so much. And we’re called to love others like God loves us (John 13:34)…with outrageous grace! Sometimes it’s hard to speak truth, life, and grace. For sure. But salting our words is a simple and profound way to extend grace to others (yes, even when it’s undeserved…kind of like when God extended His grace to us). 

So, although our culture defines “salty talk” according to the darkness, bitterness, and clamor of this earth, let’s take back Paul’s original meaning…and flavor our world with grace.

Lord, my words matter. A lot. May my words be salty in a way that pleases You and gives You glory…most importantly, pointing others to Your amazing grace.

Lift up your hands to the holy place and bless the Lord!

~Psalm 134:2

Among Christians there can be a big brouhaha about the musical part of Sunday worship. Some demand solemn hymns—anything else is irreverent, they say. Others want loud, contemporary praise that blows off the roof. Sometimes, the desire for “a good show” strips this portion of a church service of all worship, turning it into mere performance. The bottom line to know is this: Doesn’t matter your taste for tempo or volume, just be sure that the words coming out of your mouth directed at the Lord are Biblically sound. Your songs are prayer and meant to be proclamations of truth, so do not compromise on this.

But another “oh-we-don’t-do-that” issue among believers is the physical action taken during praise and worship. Obviously, there’s a wide spectrum out there, from hands in pocket and mouthing words to running around the sanctuary with flags. But staying in the middle of this range, let’s talk raising hands.

So, I’m totally stealing the following points from my pastor. But when I heard him give this quick-hitting list from the pulpit—as a total aside to the verses on Galatians he was teaching—it struck me as a must-share concept. He didn’t elaborate at all, but I knew I needed to. He was not only advocating for raising hands in worship, he was pretty much slapping us upside the head for not (in a loving, pastoral way, of course). Here are the reasons he gave why lifting hands is a must-do:

• “Victory!” If you’ve ever been to a sporting event, whether a pro match of some sort or your small child’s, you’ve done this: a score is made and the game is won, and your arms shoot up with a shout from your mouth. “We won! We won!” Well, friend, thanks to the victory of Jesus, having conquered sin and death on our behalf, we are on the winning team! We have eternal victory through Him…and that’s much better than a win by our favorite football team!

• “Daddy, hold me!” Think about a toddler—maybe you have one (or two) now, or you may have to recall those days. When they’re afraid, tired, or anxious, all they want is to be held. So, from their near-ground-level perspective, they look up and reach up—with words or without—to say, “Hold me! Pick me up!” What an awesome reminder to us as children of God. He is our Abba—Daddy (Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:6)—and will comfort us when we look up and reach for Him. 

• “Oooh! Oooh! I know the answer!” Not sure if you were this kind of student (or you mocked those who were), but I loved knowing the right answers in school. I’d raise my hand high in hopes of being chosen—had to make all that studying worthwhile. In times of praise to our Lord, all believers know the Answer! Jesus! He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. The Narrow Road. So, let’s raise our hands high in that knowledge.

• “I surrender!” Now, from my pastor, this was hysterical because our church is a “movement for all people to discover and deepen a relationship with Jesus.” And, we have a very wide swath of church fam. So, he could correctly point out that many of us would relate to raising hands in surrender when confronted by the police. But so can every single believer. We have all surrendered our lives—our wants, our desires, and our will—to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. And we know the joy of that surrender. So, lifting our arms in worship is a simple reminder of this beautiful truth. 

•  “Help!” (This one is my own addition to the list.) Think about when someone is need of saving—struggling in the water, having fallen and unable to get up, or frantically trying to get the attention of another to come give assistance. Arms up is a response of absolute desperation. Aren’t we all in this place more than we’d like to admit? Desperate for the Lord’s answers, comfort, peace? Let’s throw up our hands because He will provide—He is our very present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1).

Heavenly Father, I am so very grateful to be able to raise my hands to You in worship, whether recalling the victory I have in You, my surrender, or my absolute desperation…knowing You will always be there for me.

How then are they to call on Him in whom they have not believed? How are they to believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how are they to hear without a preacher? 

~ Romans 10:14

At a recent church retreat I attended, the group was asked to write out a one-minute gospel presentation. The challenge was this: When you’re in conversation with someone and have the opportunity to share the Good News of Jesus, how would you go about it? As followers of Christ, this is something that all of us—new in the faith or long-time believers—are called to do. The Great Commission (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19) is given to every Christian (not just those with the “gift of evangelism”, as can easily be an excuse for not sharing). And although I’ve written out the gospel hundreds of times (literally), I struggled to find the “perfect” words that particular morning.

I hunkered down at a desk that faced a gorgeous sunrise over the river, sweatshirt hood up so as to tune out my cabinmates moving in and out of the space for coffee and their own journal-writing endeavors. And I struggled. Not that I struggled with the truth of the gospel—it’s simple really: We’re all sinners. The wages of sin is death. But, while we were yet sinners, God sent His Son to pay the penalty we owe, so that we can have eternal life—no more condemnation. Believe and confess, and you’ll be saved (John 3:16; Romans 3:23; 6:23; 5:8; 8:1; 10:9)!

Easy-peasy, right? Um, not necessarily.

Although the truth of the gospel is straightforward and clear, each message receiver is in a different place. So, we must be cognizant of to whom we’re talking, discovering the “pain point” they’re expressing, and listening for an open door for telling them about our hope—Jesus. The bottom-line goal is to meet people where they are and help them take the next step toward Jesus (could be sowing a seed, watering, fertilizing, or reaping). The awesome news of the Good News is that it is not WE who do the saving. God does, though the Holy Spirit opening the eyes of their heart to accept Christ by faith. (This fact takes an enormous amount of pressure off, doesn’t it?)

Back to my retreat story. So, I labored over my journal pages for a long time, writing and rewriting…not really understanding why this process was so stressful. I did have a definitive place from which I wanted to start, so it was just about paving “the right” path to Jesus. In the nick of time, I finished. It was more like two minutes, but it was where I landed—ready or not. When we were in our small groups to share, I read it out. Looking up, I saw tears flowing from the eyes of several people. See, the Holy Spirit had me laboring over my words because HE had something to say—a specific wrapping of the gospel that someone needed to hear. He just used my pen. Although I had thought my two-minute spiel was convoluted, it was perfected by the Holy Spirit to be heard in just the right way for those who needed to hear what He had to say to them.  

Again, this the glorious thing about sharing the gospel (and I’m preaching to myself here, friends): The Holy Spirit knows who we’re talking with, where they are in the stuff of life, and what they need to hear. And He will do the work when we yield to Him. We just have to be ready (1 Peter 3:15), be bold (Romans 1:16), and open our mouth (or pick up a pen). 

So, what about you? What do you say? I challenge you to write down the Good News—and then open your mouth.

Father, by the power of the Holy Spirit living in me, make me bold and unashamed to share the Good News of Jesus with others, reminding me that it is not me, but YOU who does the saving.

So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so must you do also. In addition to all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.

~Colossians 3:12-14

Showing my Gen X colors here, but there was a time when “dress for success” was a thing. Going to work meant putting on a suit and tie or fitted skirt and crisp blouse. The idea was that you dressed sharp to display a positive attitude of competence and ambition. We dressed for the position we wanted, staying goal-focused in thought, word, and action. You could say that, generally, the workforce dressed to reflect their professional calling and personal aspiration.

Even before the insanity of 2020, there was a marked deterioration of attire. “Casual Fridays” became a daily thing…I even recall when my boss at the time announced that leggings were allowed at the office. At. The. Office. Of course, mandated work-from-home led to a more rapid decline in professional demeanor (not just in apparel either). These days, as I sip my morning coffee and look out the window at the middle- and high-school kids walking out to the bus stop, I’m seeing a brand-new degradation: Every boy, every day, dons pajamas and Crocs. Going. To. School. Yup, the school-aged and professionals alike are clothed in manner that not only strays from ambition but seems to exhibit apathy and laziness. I digress.

As the Apostle Paul exhorts believers, he’s very adamant that we dress for success—taking off the offensive clothes that reek of our old sin-loving self and former ways to put on ones that reflect our new identity in Christ. See, we’re made new in our salvation, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:17-24), so we can’t possibly put on Christ (Galatians 3:27) when we’re still wrapped up in filthiness.

What clothing items do we need to remove, exactly? According to Paul’s respective letters to the Colossians (chapter 3) and Ephesians (chapter 4), these include: lying, stealing, obscene talk, bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, slander, and malice. (Um, ouch.) Once we put those clothes in the trash (don’t even think about donating them!), what is Paul’s “what-to-wear” wardrobe advice?

We are to put on truth, compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, forgiveness, patience. And you know how every outfit needs that one element that pulls it altogether—a great jacket, for instance? Paul has similar instruction for our Christlike ensemble: “And above all these, put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony (Colossians 3:14).

Friend, this wardrobe transformation can be tough, as those old familiar clothes can be really comfy (even though they offend others). And it’s tempting to pull an item or two out of the garbage. But when we surrender our lives to Jesus, we get our own personal shopper, so to speak—the Holy Spirit residing in us, who gladly empowers us dress in accordance with who we are in Christ (not were). Will we be perfect this side of heaven? Nope. But we can clothe ourselves in a way that reflects our true calling, our ultimate glorious ambition. Every single day let’s wake up and dress for success.

Heavenly Father, thank You for making me new in Christ, holy and beloved! May I daily put on a wardrobe that reflects Your love, forgiveness, and grace.

…having canceled the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. 

Colossians 2:14

Ah, tax season. Fun times. How do you play the tax game all year? Do you keep everything you can each payday in hopes of breaking even (or not owing too much) on April 15? Or do you let the government take bigger chunks with each check in anticipation of a fat return each Spring? (Well, not so much this year, I’m afraid.) Some of us just put our heads down and pay what we’re told, not thinking much about taxes (it’s just something that’s sure…like death, right?). Others of us know a lot, keeping up with our accountants—maybe even having thoughts about what a better/fairer plan for the IRS might be…like a flat tax for all. No matter what you pay or how you pay (from paychecks, purchases, or property), the fact of the matter is that we all owe.

Shifting from fiscal to spiritual, it’s also a fact that we all owe. 

And friend, spiritually speaking, it’s a flat tax, so to speak: Everyone has the same debt and penalty coming—the debt of sin with a penalty of death (Romans 6:23). And no matter what games we play through our lives, we can’t decrease what is owed. Not by good works, big giving, or spotless church attendance. The balance sheet will never be in our favor—we cannot eradicate our debt by our own efforts.

Praise be to God, our debt has been canceled—paid in full when it was nailed to the cross (Colossians 2:14)! Jesus lived the perfect life we could not, dying the death we deserve as penalty, and defeating death by rising from the dead three days later. If you’ve ever paid off a huge financial debt, you’ve experienced the relief and freedom that results…this is like that, only infinitely better! Because our spiritual debt is removed, it no longer impedes our life or sets the path to a bleak eternal future. 

To take our (slightly flawed) tax analogy further…think about those years that you finished prepping your taxes to find out that not only is there nothing due from you, but you’re getting a huge refund! It feels like a lavish gift, doesn’t it (even though it’s your own money, sigh)? Believing that Jesus’ work on the cross counted for you and surrendering to Him as Savior and Lord not only pays the full debt you owe, but you are also given an inheritance in God’s kingdom (Colossians 1:12, 22; 1 Peter 1:3-4). The righteousness of Christ—His perfection and holiness—is credited to you (Romans 3:21-22, 4:5; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Philippians 3:9). Think about this…not only is your debt paid in full, you walk away infinitely wealthy, inheriting the eternal riches and glory of heaven! It’s kind of like your tax refund being a blank government check—giving you access to the US Treasury printing presses. 

The weight of our sin debt is heavy. In fact, we cannot carry it, and we’ll never, ever be able to pay it. But God made a way. Jesus can take away your heavy burden of sin—and its penalty. It costs you nothing because it is a lavish gift of grace. So, this tax season, if you have not done it, hand over your certificate of debt to the Lord Jesus Christ. Be free of the penalty and bask in a glorious eternal inheritance.

Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son to live the life I cannot and pay the debt I owe. Thank You that through Jesus I have been set free, not having to be weighed down by my sin any longer (Galatians 5:1; John 8:36; 2 Corinthians 3:17). 

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.

Romans 5:8-10

You probably looked at the title of this devo and thought, “What the what?” But bear with me while I explain. Recently, my husband and I rewatched Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, the first movie in that series starring Johnny Depp—haven’t seen it in probably a decade. (Hold onto your hats…that movie is currently 21 years old.) Basically, Jack Sparrow, former captain of the Black Pearl, was trying to get “his” ship back. Meanwhile, the current captain and crew, who were all cursed (think zombie-like or dead-undead), were trying to collect all the cursed Aztec gold pieces they had stolen 10 years prior in order to break the curse and be made alive again. But in addition to needing all 882 gold pieces, they needed one other thing: the blood of another crew member who had sent one of the gold coins to his son. (They drowned that guy, “Bootstrap Bill”, so they actually needed his child’s blood.) It’s an entertaining, action-packed film that’s amazingly void of the cultural offenses of today’s films. 

So, what’s with the whole “Pirate gospel” thing? Well, given my love (um, obsession) for Ephesians 2:1-10, my mind is always thinking about how one moment we’re dead in our transgressions…but upon surrendering to Jesus as Savior and Lord—BAM!—we’re alive in Christ! It’s a miracle in my life and others’ that never ceases to astound me (and I hope you feel the same).

During the scene where Jack Sparrow, after he also becomes a cursed undead, is sword fighting with the undead Captain Barbossa of the Black Pearl, I’m watching them move around the setting as clothed skeletons when the moon shines on them…when they’re out of the moonlight, they look alive. The bout takes them, visually, from alive to dead to alive to dead in moments. See where I’m going? What a great visual for salvation! Dead one moment, alive the next!

But what’s really cool about this unlikely gospel analogy is how the curse is permanently broken for the sailors: A blood sacrifice is needed…the blood of Bootstrap Bill’s son, William Turner. 

The blood of the son breaks the curse of death. Getting those goosebumps yet? Friend, this is the gospel! We are cursed—dead to and in our sin, bound for eternal suffering. But, with the blood of the Son—Jesus—we are made alive with Christ (Ephesians 2:1-10). By grace through faith, not by our works. No need to collect gold coins—or gold stars, as many of us chase down in our works-based efforts. Through His crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus satisfied the debt we owe but could never pay, and He broke the curse of death. By His victory, we are made new (2 Corinthians 5:17), delivered from darkness to light (Ephesians 5:8; Colossians 1:13). 

See, the gospel of grace—the miracle of transformation—is echoed all around us. We just need to be on the lookout, and be ready to give a reason for our hope (1 Peter 3:15)…even if it’s by means of a swashbuckling pirate movie.

Heavenly Father, thank You. Thank You that Jesus broke the curse of sin and death. For me. May I look for every opportunity to share this very good news with those around me.

If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

Romans 10:9

Easter. For some, it is a day of colored egg hunts and baskets full of jellybeans and chocolate bunnies. For others, it means a day off of work. Plenty of people acknowledge it’s a “holiday” of some sort, but don’t give it much thought at all. In fact, going back to school or work after the weekend, you may hear, “Did you have a nice Easter?” But this is generally asked as a pleasantry. The Easter holiday is culturally neutral.

For believers, though, Easter commemorates the most important event in history—in all eternity. It is the hinge on which our faith rests. Jesus, fully Man and fully God, paid the penalty for our sin by dying on the cross in our place. Then, on the third day—Easter Sunday—He rose again in victory over death. In His conquering of both sin and death, we can trust Him as our Savior, surrendering to His Lordship. We believe that by His work—not our own—we are reconciled to God, to be resurrected with Christ (John 6:40; 11:25; Romans 8:11). And as the Apostle Paul wrote, if Jesus has not been raised from the dead, our faith is worthless, and we are to be pitied (1 Corinthians 15:12-19).

No neutrality here. Either Jesus is who He says He is—and Easter’s celebration of Resurrection Day is valid…or Jesus was a liar (or crazy), and we’re just as deluded. The niceties of “Happy Easter” become really strange when you think about it. If it’s true, we must be extraordinarily elated over the New Life in the Risen Christ! If it’s not, it’s just plain coo-coo, so it shouldn’t really be a “thing” at all.

There’s a very famous quote from C. S. Lewis (from a 1942 speech and published in Mere Christianity in 1952) that addresses this topic:

I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept his claim to be God. That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic—on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg—or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him and kill him as a demon or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God, but let us not come with any patronising nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.

No neutral ground.

Among all His own claims to be God and the Messiah (John 8:58; 10:30; 14:6; Mark 14:61-62—to list just a few), Jesus said Himself, “The one who is not with Me is against Me.” In other words, no neutrality. No, “Jesus was a good teacher” (which you hear a lot by church people and atheists alike). No, “Jesus is Way-Shower” (per the Unity Church, for instance). No, “Jesus is a created being and the brother of Lucifer” (Mormonism). And no, “Jesus is one of many gurus/prophets who can show us how we can realize our oneness with God—to be like God” (Hinduism…and even some current “little gods” false teachers like Steven Furtick).

Friend, we either believe Jesus is the Second Person of the Triune God, Emmanuel, and Savior of the world…or He is not. Is Easter a day for dress-up and bunnies? Or is it a celebration of the Risen Christ, conqueror of sin and death? We must choose a side. The battle is heating up…so, are you for Him or against Him?

Heavenly Father, the enemy hisses so many lies—in so many ways—to confuse people and keep them from knowing the Truth of Jesus Christ. Lord, open the eyes of the blind, lift the veils of lies, and reveal that there is only One Way back to You.

But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities. The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. 

Isaiah 53:5

Do you get this? Really? If you’re a new Christian, the astounding fact of Jesus’ sacrifice—His brutal crucifixion to take the penalty we deserve—may be fresh in your mind and heart. But, maybe, if you’re older in the faith, you’ve let this Truth settle in under layers of (worthwhile) Bible study, years of Christian serving, and a certain “comfort” in your salvation. Hopefully, the spiritual preparation for this Easter—in particular during these last days as our Lord endured a mock trial, scourging, and torturous death—has brought to mind and heart the reality of what Jesus did to reconcile sinners to Himself.

Sometimes we forget, don’t we? There’s a whitewashing of sorts in the declaration, “Jesus died for me.” We know “it is finished”…but what about the act of “finishing”? What about the intensity of suffering Jesus endured as fully Man and fully God, the fear and confusion of His close friends, the horror and desperation of His mama? And what about God the Father, having to participate in the sacrifice of His Son—an act set forth from eternity past (Acts 2:22-24; Revelation 13:8). And what about the certain anguish as the relational perfection among the Trinity was temporarily broken because of sin…my sin and yours?

My salvation and resulting soul transformation came with the recognition that I could never work or earn my way into right relationship with God. I could not “do”—but with Jesus, it was “done.” And when I “got” this, it changed everything for me. My sanctification walk has been filled with the fires of refinement, and the Lord has constantly been teaching me through joys and trials. But about 10 years ago, the prophetic words of Isaiah about the suffering Servant (53:1-12) became palpable to me when my son was brutally attacked. 

One day in math class, my son was talking and laughing with his friend about some shared experience earlier in the day. A girl seated across the room, who somehow felt like she was being mocked, perceived my son’s laughter to be directed at her—which it was not. She stood up, walked to his desk, picked up his half-full metallic water bottle…and proceeded to strike him in the head several times. As his blood streamed down his face onto his crisp ROTC uniform, she ran out.

When I got to the school minutes later, my only concern was for my son’s condition. My emotions were all over the place—shock, fear, anger. But once we got him home from the hospital (after multiple staples placed in his head), my husband and I met with the school’s police officer and learned the girl had just transferred to this high school from another city, where she’d been relentlessly bullied. She was deeply hurting and had lashed out in her frustration and pain. The next day, we met with her mom (and the officer) and shared that we (and our son) forgave her daughter and were not pressing assault charges. We were able to talk about the Lord and even prayed with her and the officer for her daughter’s emotional healing and salvation.

Days later, while I was walking the dog and talking with the Lord about the incident, He brought Isaiah 53 to my mind. And I literally fell to my knees on the street with the revelation: My son was wounded for someone else’s transgression, beaten so another person could have an opportunity to know salvation and be free. But my son, unlike God’s Son, was not maimed beyond recognition…and He was not hung on a tree by spikes and left to die. As I sat there on the pavement, tears streamed down my face in thanksgiving for the infinitesimal taste I’d been given of the Father’s sacrifice—how God silently watched His Son be mocked, shamed, suffer, and die for someone else. For me.

Father God, may I never get comfortable with what Jesus did on the cross for me. May I constantly stay in awe of His sacrifice—and Yours—for my healing.