When I think about Jesus and how he died for us, really think about it, the flogging, the beating, the humility, the pain he endured. I am overwhelmed by so many emotions. I am grateful, thankful and joyful that he took on my sin to save me from eternal damnation. I am also mad, so sad, even ashamed that I haven’t, couldn’t, can’t make better choices so he wouldn’t have needed to endure all that for me. I am ever so grateful that Jesus died to restore me to a right relationship with God. I am thankful that Jesus sacrifice means my restoration to righteousness cannot be taken away.

“Since we are receiving our rights to an unshakable kingdom, we should be extremely thankful and offer God the purest worship that delights his heart as we lay down our lives in absolute surrender, filled with awe.” Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭28‬ ‭TPT‬‬

I understand Jesus went willingly to the Cross for us, but it doesn't stop me from thinking about the torment he endured to save us all. His death wasn’t quick and painless. He was tortured, humiliated, rejected, lied about, spat on, laughed at, beaten. He felt fear, rejection, sadness, grief, anxiety, pain, so much pain, pain beyond anything any of us will ever experience. I think about the nails pounded into his hands and feet, the crown of thorns smashed on to his head, the spear thrust into his side, the blood, the tears. The suffering the agony. It breaks me.

If that wasn't enough, when Jesus took on our sin, he became separated from his Father. For his whole life God had been his constant companion. His mentor, his teacher, his advisor. Always with him, always available at his side, always encouraging him and comforting him. That was until he willingly went to the Cross to take on our sin. Jesus then faced that all alone. He did it willingly and did it for you and me. Wow! We have no concept of true sacrifice when compared to that! Do we fully know that kind of love. Do we properly appreciate everything Jesus is offering to us through his sacrifice?

Jesus sacrificed yet we reap the benefits. It's like winning the lottery without purchasing a ticket, only better.

Let's not squander this perfect gift of salvation and redemption. We have freedom. Our chains are gone. Our sin has been washed as white as snow. No more bondage. No need for guilt or shame, anger, bitterness or condemnation. Shake off those chains, break down those walls, banish the lies. Every day is a glorious new day for us. A day the Lord has made, let us be glad and rejoice in it! (Psalm 118:24) Let us be thankful. Let us live our best life each and every day to honour the sacrifice Jesus made. In tribute to his sacrifice, we must live with intention, live with purpose, live with joy. Never growing weary or giving up.

It’s time to get on our knees and thank Jesus for all he has done and ask what I can do for you today. Then go do it! And keep on doing it, because the burden of our past sin has been expunged, we are no longer counted as guilty. Our guilt and shame have been taken by Jesus and replaced with grace. Thank you, Jesus!

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.” ‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Thank you for the sacrifice you made on the Cross for me. I will live my best each day, looking for opportunities to honour and glorify you. I am thankful to be alive, set free and grateful for your breath in my lungs. Thank you for this gift of life, I will live each day in surrender and with gratitude. Amen.