Thursday, April 2, 2009

THOUGHT: Makin' It Right

Easter's coming! And with it lots of gruesome stories of suffering, crucifixion and death. Why are Christians so awkwardly interested in Jesus' death? They make it sound like it was a good thing for their hero to be killed. What kind of a bizarre story is that?

What did Jesus accomplish on the cross? Through his death (and the real exciting part) of his resurrection, God is now fully reconciled to the world.

The whole world? You must mean just those who believe in God, right?

The whole world. All of them. God is gently reminding us that reconciliation is a two-way street, and God has done His part, totally, completely, finally. It is not the nature of love to force a relationship but it is the nature of love to open the way.

It is our part to accept the gift that we have been offered.

Christians celebrate the death of Jesus because of the door it opens. But to one who follows Jesus, to celebrate the death is joined entirely with celebrating the resurrection of Jesus. The path to true life passes through death. For us we must die to our old habits, our old way of living, our old selfishness and accept the new life we have been offered through which we are brought into new life, full life, joyful life, peaceful life, life with a hope and a future.

g-ram

No comments: