In opening his letter to the church at Galatia, Paul writes, “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forever and ever.” (Galatians 1:3-5)
Note especially what he writes about Jesus Christ. “…Who GAVE Himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age…” Jesus Christ wasn’t forced to die on the cross for us, HE GAVE HIMSELF. He DIED willingly for us! Like the words in the song, “…He could have called 10,000 angels to destroy the world and set Him free…BUT He died alone for you and me!”
We deserve NOTHING good, and He deserved NOTHING bad – yet He took the bad so that we might have His blessing, His love, and His mercy and grace. When we stop to TRULY think about that – there shouldn’t be a moment’s hesitation about us giving up our lives to follow and obey Him. We should LOVE HIM SO MUCH that NOTHING else in this world even matters outside of pleasing Him.
As we celebrate Easter this weekend, remember that! HE GAVE HIMSELF for you and me!