Just wait

Eyes widened. Little hands covered her eyes. “Daddy, I’m scared.”

Watching her reaction pierced my core. Because in all honesty, her reaction was the appropriate one to the scene that was unfolding before us.

And yet for me, I didn't react.  Perhaps because I’d seen it before.  But as I watched the little girl retreat into her dad’s arms, my heart started turning.  I became increasingly more thankful that I knew the end to this story because if not, then fear and despair would be overwhelming. And right.

What was the scene that caused such a response? The crucifixion of my Savior.

For my fellow believers, put yourself for just a moment in the mind of someone who is watching the story of Jesus for the first time.  Go back to the time of your childhood as you watch the Man who was also fully God, live a humble and beautiful life. He healed the sick, restored the broken, provided for the hungry. He proclaimed with humble certainty "I am the way, the truth, and the life*… I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.”**

The One who lived a perfect, sin-less life only to be betrayed by a friend, denied by a best friend, and tried as a criminal. Although the human judge believed His innocence, he was too cowardly to stand up to the mob of bullies, and so he turned over this precious Man’s life to the Cross.

When the little girl muttered her fear and horror, we were watching the Man carry his own Cross to the crucifixion spot.  The scene only grew darker as the soldiers stretched out His severely beaten body in order to pound nails into His hands and feet. The Father forsook His only beloved Son. 

The girl recoiled. The soldiers did not.

We watched Him die. And His mother weep. And despair settle.

“Why Daddy? Why did He have to die?”

“Just wait honey… just wait!”

We watched 3 horrific days pass... BUT THEN... 

The girl’s eyes opened wide. Confusion and excitement covered her face. Joy replaced the fear. Smiles replaced the frowns.

I watched her discover the Son of God’s tomb was empty as He triumphantly proclaimed victory over evil in this world and beyond!Jesus IS alive! We HAVE reason to hope! We HAVE salvation! Her excitement stirred my heart and birthed a prayer:

Father, let me always be as a little girl hearing the story for the first time.

When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory." Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. ***

Death has died and love has won! This video of  the song Mercy Tree so beautifully depicts the Easter story- take a minute to watch!

… And for those who might not know…

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23

For the punishment of sin is death, but the gift of God (salvation) is eternal life in Jesus our Lord! Romans 6:23

But God shows His love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Jesus died for us. Romans 5:8

If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved! For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved! Romans 10:9-10

Receiving salvation is as simple as praying these truths back to God and accepting His love and offer of salvation.You can pray something as simple as:

God, I know that I am a sinner. I know that I deserve the consequences of my sin. However, I am trusting in Jesus Christ as my Savior. I believe that His death and resurrection gives me forgiveness and covers my sin. I trust in Jesus and Jesus alone as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank you Lord, for saving me and forgiving me! Amen!"

Let me know if you do- I’d love to rejoice with you!

*Jn 14:6;**Jn 11:25-26;*** 1 Cor 15:55-57