Friday, April 18, 2014

The Free Gift of Love




Good Friday for many is a time of reflection about the Crucifixion of our Messiah—a time to remember what He endured so that we might be made the righteousness of God through Him. But I think we often miss the big picture of what was truly done for us. Yes, eternal life with God—but so much more was at stake—so much more was gained and given.

For me, “The Passion of the Christ” was the best movie ever made to depict Yeshua’s (Jesus’) Crucifixion. I remember as a baby Christian one day reading Matthew’s version of when the guards accosted Yeshua in the Garden of Gethsemane, and all that was done to Him. It lead me to read the other three accounts by, Mark, Luke and John in one sitting. I remember crying like a baby as I pictured them spiting on him and what that must have looked like. I wanted to know exactly what type of whips where used to beat him and found they had pieces of metal in them so it would tear his skin. Even now as I sit here writing this, my heart is growing heavy just thinking about it.

When Sunday comes we will shout with joy as we think about His resurrection! There will be a spirit of jubilation in the air…for He has risen!!! And then when Monday comes, many of us will go back to living lives that are far from victorious. Lives filled with sadness, dread and hopelessness. Lives void of all that Yeshua’s free gift of love has entitled us. Again, we will have missed the big picture.

When Yeshua said, “It is done!” He was talking about so much. Not only was a way made for us to be forgiven of our sins and reconciled with God, but also that life on this earth would be different for those who belonged to the Household of Faith.

It means we don’t have to wait until death to experience a wonderful relationship with ADONAI (the Lord our God), Yeshua (the Christ) and the Ruach HaKodesh (the Spirit of God). It means we have a great hope while here on this earth.

This past week a friend wrote on Facebook, “I want to lead like Jesus!” my comment was, “I want to follow like Jesus!” Why? Yeshua did everything the Father told him to do. He did “nothing” apart from God. His ministry and life on this earth—was ALL about pleasing and obeying God! Yes, even unto death. But His death wasn’t just for life everlasting—it was for joy, peace, healing and a new life while we are here on this earth.

Sisters, it is time for us to stop weeping over spilled milk (life’s past mistakes). It is time to rise up and stand tall in this wonderful gift of love that has been bestowed upon us. It is time to show the world how great our Savior and Lord is through our actions. It is time to start living a life that draws others to us.

A few weeks back I went to a meeting of my sisters-in-Christ. It was a wonderful fellowship and great food too boot! ~Smile~ And we had a great time talking about the Lord, but there was a common thread for this particular group. Several ladies were experiencing difficulties with people on their jobs. Yes, the enemy really seems to have a stronghold on Believers when it comes to troubles at the workplace. And trust me “when we are going through” you can bet others are watching—closely. I most certainly understand because I have walked in their shoes, so I’m not making any type of judgment—just an observation.

But if we could look at things the way the Messiah did through His relationship with the Father then our job troubles might go something like this—Our Father (God) is CEO of the company we work for, and all we have to do is be patient and obedient as to how we are to respond and let Him handle things.  If we have that belief and attitude we should be able to handle anything and anybody—victoriously! Yeshua did. I know, you’re saying to yourselves, “Well, of course He did—He was God! Well, let’s look at Paul then—he did too! How? He understood all the Crucifixion and Resurrection entailed for him and for us.

Daughters of the King, let us take this time to reflect on what this selfless gift of Love truly entails. It is time to grab hold of it to the fullest, so that our lives will have more joy and our hearts are at peace. Our lives should be such that people are so intrigued, they are drawn to us in ways they can’t even understand. You see, the anointing and light of Christ will do that to people. I know it did for me.

My prayer is that we start to learn more about what the Crucifixion did for us, as we study the life of the Messiah—so that the world will know that we are His. Amen.  



Until next week!

Love and Hugs....Ponnie

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