17th April 2025

Approaching Easter

 For in You, O Lord, I hope;

You will hear, O Lord my God.

 Psalm 38:15

Today's Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:35–43.

As we approach Easter, I am reminded of the seven sayings of Jesus from the cross and the glory and the power in each saying.

Jesus was alone. He had come to His own, and His own did not receive Him. When He was being arrested in the garden of Gethsemane, we are told that “all the disciples deserted Him and fled” (Matthew 26:56). The crowds who had so recently shouted, “Hosanna!” would soon shout, “Crucify him! … Crucify him!” (Matthew 21:9, 27:22–23).

Now even His loyal Twelve had left. And at last we hear Him cry out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34). Not only had He been forsaken by His human companions, but now in that desperate and lonely hour, He, because He was bearing our sins in His own body on the cross, had been forsaken by God. On the cross, the Lord Jesus was enduring the suffering and judgment of Hell for you and for me.

How can you show your gratitude to God for allowing His Son to endure your shame and suffering of the cross?

Prayer: Father God, Grant me a grateful heart for all that You have done for me in Your Son Jesus Christ. Give me a heart so full of joy, that it overflows with a desire to tell others of the Saviour. In His name I prayer. Amen.