Easter

As a Christian, Easter is the entire point. There is no meaning in the rest of scripture if Easter is a hoax.

The hope that comes from acknowledging our depravity is found in the redemption available to us through Christ’s resurrection.

I could explain and argue for my faith from a logical perspective. I could use data points and historical texts to support the existence of Jesus and building off of that I could give you logical reasoning to support why I believe what I believe. But that isn’t what my faith is about.

Jesus didn’t come so that we could win an argument. He came to save us. He came so we could have a relationship with Him.

I know some people find theological debates to be invigorating, but for me, the most compelling introduction to faith isn’t found in the intellectual but the relational.

As humans we all know what broken love is like. I don’t like making bold claims about universals, but I feel confident in saying that we have all experienced a version of love that has left us with wounds.

A partner.

A parent.

A friend.

A mentor.

It doesn’t matter who, someone in your life has let you down. Even if they truly love you, they’ve still chosen themselves over you at times that have left behind hurts. You have experienced broken versions of love.

We are only ever capable of broken forms of love because we are all broken. The love that we reflect is like broken shards of mirrors - beautiful at times, but still gagged on the edges.

Our hearts will never find contentment until they find Christ. No one else is capable of serving as a substitute for his love.

He loves unconditionally.

Not dependent on how you look.

Not dependent on the people you impress.

Not dependent on the salary you make.

Not dependent on how funny you are.

Not dependent on the people who have picked you.

Not dependent on the things you’ve accomplished.

Not dependent on how well you serve.

Not dependent on who has called you worthy.

His love goes beyond every version we’ve ever experienced. It finds you in the most crippling spot and pulls you to Him. There is absolutely nothing we have to offer Him. All we have done is create the cost that He died to cover.

But in the greatest act of sacrifice ever He died.

He died and He rose.

He lived a perfect life - absolutely blameless. Something that even if you could have a blank slate tomorrow you would fail at within 24 hours. Choosing kindness, humility, selflessness, purity, over and over without fail. Never slipping into selfishness. Never falling into pride.

And the cumulation of all that was so that He could die.

So the only person who was fully holy would be separated from the Father.

Would know the pain of that split.

And then rise.

The debts that we owe could never be covered by our own righteousness. No other human who loves us could love us to the point of salvation. Our sins are covered only by Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Without Jesus’ resurrection there is no point in living. No point in following Him. No point in why we were created.

If you don’t know Him, that is my prayer for you. That in the places of your heart where you feel dirty and broken, in the places where you feel vile and unloved, in the places where you feel crushed and ashamed, you would meet the one whose love is bigger than all the brokenness. Whose love has pursued you relentlessly when you did nothing to deserve it.

You are loved.

More than you will ever understand.