A Day to Remember

Heart Prep

Dear Jesus, I could never thank You enough for dying for me. Please help me to walk in Your goodness because of what You’ve done for me. Amen.

Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that
while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

Look back to the events surrounding the crucifixion and consider John, Peter, and nine other disciples as they watch a friend and teacher celebrate the Passover and explain to them that the bread and the fruit of the vine represent His flesh and His blood and He is going to be sacrificed. Consider Mary as she watches her Son become her Savior. Consider soldiers who, during a regular day at work, watch unaware as a Jew dies for them. (Only one, as far as we know confessed that Jesus was The Son of God.) Maybe these were the same soldiers who beat Him and mocked Him, belittling the Authority of authorities, the Commander of the hosts of heaven. Consider Jesus on the cross as He says, “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).

When Jesus departed from His earthly form, Scripture tells us He descended into hell (Acts 2:31). Although there is much speculation as to what Hell was actually like at that time, we do know that Hell is a real place, a place of complete separation from God, and Jesus preached to the people who were there. We can only wonder what He said.  We don’t understand all of what happened, but we do know that on that day God fulfilled His promise to send a Savior, and Jesus was obedient unto death. He did this for me! He did this for you! Hallelujah! What a Savior!

When the devil brings up your past sins, remind him (and yourself) that they were nailed to the cross that day, and God remembers them no more (Hebrews 8:12). He put them behind His back (Isaiah 38:17b). He has trampled them and put them into the bottom of the sea (Micah 7:19) He has wiped them out –completely erased them (Isaiah 44:22-23). Hallelujah! What a Savior!