Resurrection: Bringing the Dead Back to Life

Last night, I believe, was the first Maundy-Thursday service I have ever participated in.  It was a great time of reflection and fellowship.  After our meal, there were songs and some time to meditate on key Scriptures dealing with the passion of Christ.  Then, we celebrated the Lord's Supper together.

It was during this time that something happened and made the experience a very personal one.  I poured out the grape juice into the cups and passed them around.  At that moment, I thought of Christ's final meal with his disciples and wondered what they all must have been thinking as he was doing a very similar act.

Then as we were silently reflecting on the broken body and shed blood of Jesus, I noticed the mason jar that was once full of grape juice was not completely empty.  That's when it hit me:  When Christ was suffering very real physical and spiritual pain, there was nothing left for him to give.  He life was all He had to offer and He gave it completely to His Father's will.  Not a drop of life was left in Him once he breathed his last.  His goal (God's will) was completed and His life was accomplished.  If there was anything left, he couldn't have said, "It is finished."

In those moments of reflection I prayed for forgiveness.  At times I, like Peter, find myself denying the full authority and work of Christ.  I am willing to give what I want to give but that's it.  I am the jar that isn't completely empty.  Unlike Christ, I am quick to save some of my life for myself...to do the things that I want to do.  I am an idolater of self.

Thank God that what Christ accomplished secured true life and forgiveness forever for any who would believe (including me).  This pain of death and spiritual punishment was all according to God's will to save His people, whom He has made his family.  Without the shedding of Christ's blood, there is no forgiveness of sin.  There is no entering the household of God.

I am so glad we can rejoice that Christ gave His life for the salvation plan of God.  He reduced His life to nothing so that we might have everything!  I hope you can rejoice in this season as well!