Celebrating Easter.預覽

Paid in Full

by Mark Hayes

Each month, I hesitate to look at the details of my mortgage statement after it arrives. With several years of payments remaining, the total amount I still owe is an unpleasant calculation.

In contrast, imagine opening your mortgage statement next month and seeing a zero with a red stamp: “Paid in Full!” That would be a miracle!

Good Friday means something far greater for all of us. The words Jesus spoke just before He died, “It is finished,” are the equivalent of “Paid in Full.” Jesus willingly hung on a cross, cold and naked in the dark, beaten, broken, and left behind by His Father. Everything we have ever done is forgiven because of His monumental sacrifice in our place.

We refer to this day as Good Friday for a good reason: Jesus paid off your eternal mortgage and prepared a place in Heaven for you!

In moments of deep sadness or tragedy, when you are tempted to doubt God’s love for you, ponder over the scene of Jesus willingly being sacrificed for you. There is no more undeniable proof of God’s passion for you beyond that moment.

“He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all—how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give you all things?” (Romans 8:32)

Prayer: Dear Jesus, no words can express our amazement and appreciation for everything you were willing to do to save our lives. Let your amazing love move our hearts to trust you completely and find comfort in all circumstances. You secured our eternal lives and You care deeply about every detail of our lives on this earth. We know you are always with us. Guide our hearts to live with that confidence.