By Staff
Lisa Tindell
Most people think about new spring dresses, baskets filled with treats and even an bunny hopping around delivering colored eggs to be hunted by any person under the age of 100 when the word Easter pops to mind.
I must admit that I am usually among those numbers who have those same thoughts. I’ll even admit that I spent the better part of the week planning the menu for my family’s Easter lunch.
On Thursday, however, I began to think about exactly what day was approaching and why it is something to be honored, remembered and yes, even celebrated.
I love the story surrounding the parts of the dogwood bloom. The story about the significance of the “blood stains” on the petals and the crown of thorns at the center has been with me for many years and I’ve shared it with my son several times.
I also took the time to explain to my son why he didn’t have to go to school on Good Friday. Although he knows about the crucifixion of Jesus, I guess his nine-year-old mind just hadn’t caught on to the story good enough to hold fast to the idea of that horrific sacrificed being considered “good” in any way.
This weekend has been especially poignant for me. I’ve lost a few very special people in my life since last Easter. An uncle is gone and two dear friends were called away to Heaven just last month.
As I think about where my loved ones are during this special holiday time, I realize how lucky they are and just why they are walking in Glory today.
Accepting the gift that God provided to us by allowing his son to die on Good Friday is why Uncle Max, Jim and Pug are in heaven with him today.
When I consider the things that Jesus went through to save us all from a fiery eternity, I feel unworthy and humiliated at having been the kind of person that would need that kind of sacrifice just to save my sorry hide.
In John 10:11, Jesus said “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.”
Jesus knew is destiny and, although He was tempted not to accept the assignment, He came through for every person who ever has or ever will draw a breath of life.
If you have never watched the Mel Gibson movie, “The Passion of the Christ,” I encourage you to do so.
I’ve read the Bible and many other accounts of the period of time leading up to and including the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.
How could anyone love someone He has never met so much that He would be willing to die for them?
John 15:13 says, “Greater love hat no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
I’m thankful and humble today that Jesus considered me a friend even before He knew me. I’m thankful for the blood and I’m thankful for salvation. If you see me today, pay no attention to the tears you may see in my eyes. They are tears of shame for having been one of the reasons Jesus had to bear the torture He endured. They are tears of thanks as I realize that I don’t have to spend eternity wishing I had made a different choice. They are tears of joy to know that I will, someday, join my loved ones in a place where there will be no more tears of sorrow or pain.
As you share this Easter with your friends, family and other loved ones, remember what the day is all about. Remember that Jesus died for you in a way that no man would ever do for you again. Also remember that He did it all so that you could be with Him in heaven, forever and ever. Amen.
Lisa Tindell is news editor for The Brewton Standard. She can be reached by email at lisa.tindell@brewton