A Word from Your Missionary:
“The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed and be raised up on the third day.” – Jesus Christ (Luke 9:22)
On the third night of the “Preacher Swappin’, People Hoppin’ Revival” as Jeff Morgan, pastor of Antioch Baptist Church, preached on the above passage, he said “Aren’t you thankful that Jesus suffered for you? And that He was rejected for you? And that He was killed for you? And that He arose for you?” He further pointed out that Jesus did all this because it was worth it to Him for us to have a relationship with Him.
Earlier that same night, I listened to my wife Marni tell the story of Jesus’ arrest, mistreatment, death, and burial to a group of AWANA Sparks (K-2nd graders). Her voice shook and even broke as she expressed the price Jesus paid for our sin. The weight of His sacrifice was evident as she shared with the children.
After these two reminders I found myself pondering the indescribable act of the cross. What our Lord did for us overwhelms me at times to the point that I have no words. Every effort at thanking Him seems too small. Even obedience to His will seems miniscule compared to His obedience to the Father. To think that my sin resulted in His suffering is too much to bear. Fortunately, His grace is sufficient. In our weakness He is strong. He carries our burdens. And He knows how very small and frail we are.
As we observe a time of remembering the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord this month, I pray that we will each know the forgiveness that He made possible. That we will live in the freedom His death provides. That we will not shy away from proclaiming His story to anyone within earshot. Let us make His name known throughout our cities, our state, and our world.
“And when before the throne, I stand in Him complete
‘Jesus died my soul to save,’ my lips shall still repeat.
Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain. He washed it white as snow.”
In His Name,
Steve Laughman
