Finding Simple Grace on the Road to Easter
We have all entered holy week. To be honest, I’m not sure I’m ready. I didn’t experience my typical Lenten season.
Since my sweet Pastor husband has a new job, I’m not involved in just one church. So, I didn’t sing in an Easter choir. I didn’t participate in a fast for Lent. In addition, I didn’t enjoy one of my sweet Pastor husband’s Easter sermon series. Neither did I plan a big Easter feast, nor invite friends over to celebrate.
And yet, God faithfully led me to the cross.
Activities that Revealed the Cross and Grace
As I look back over all we’ve done since Ash Wednesday, several events reminded me of my need and God’s grace. First, I began physical therapy to solve issues I was having with my right knee. Each week when I go to therapy, God reminds me I am broken physically and not perfect. Plus, I assuredly know I am not forever young.
Next, we all experienced the time change. In addition, in our house, the Bug Guy came. Spring is around the corner, and the earth will blossom again. God reminds us through creation that He is the God of new beginnings.
Third, in the Saint Louis area, everyone is big on Fish Frys. In my previous community, the Catholic church had a fish fry every Friday evening, but it didn’t affect the community as a whole. In my new community, all sorts of churches host Fish Frys on Friday. A national fast-food chain even has Fish Fry ads for our area! We are experiencing a new Easter tradition that reminds us of God’s story from Creation to the Israelites in the wilderness and then the Promised Land, to Jesus, and beyond. Who knew Fish Frys could speak of hope?
Fourth, the Missouri District of the Nazarene hosts a Pastors’ event during March. Many pastors gathered at Pinecrest, our district campground for encouragement and training. God reminded me I was part of a community that is passionate about God’s story, His grace, His faithfulness, His love, and His redemption.
Lastly, I read Jennie Allen’s new book, The Lie You Don’t Know You Believe. God spoke to my spirit and pointed me to the truth that my life is a choice between two Kingdoms. The enemy tricks each of us with his lies and keeps us trapped in sin, confusion, and/or shame. Christ came to give us forgiveness and welcome us into God’s Kingdom of acceptance, freedom, and hope.
Scripture that Revealed the Cross and Grace
God also led me to the cross through my daily quiet time. No, I didn’t complete a specific Lent Bible study as I’ve done in years past. Nor did I read the gospels and follow Jesus’ journey to the cross. However, God clearly revealed the truth of my desperation and the greatness of His mercy in a variety of scripture passages.
- Psalm 34:18. God is close to the brokenhearted, and He rescues us.
- Romans 12:1-2. God’s mercies are abundant and He is in the business of transformation.
- 2 Corinthians 10:4-5. God demolishes strongholds.
- Romans 1:17. In the gospel, God’s righteousness is revealed, and we live by faith.
- 2 Corinthians 4:16-18. God renews our inner person, day by day.
- Colossians 3:1-4. Christ sits at the right hand of God, in victory. We must set our minds on the reality of heaven and eternity.
- James 4:6. God gives greater grace to those who humble themselves before Him.
- Isaiah 1:16-18. We are to be washed and cleansed. We must stop doing evil.
- Matthew 11:28. God invites all who are weary and burdened to come and He will give rest.
- 1 Timothy 1:15-17. Jesus came to save sinners. He gives mercy and eternal life even to the worst of sinners who believe.
- 2 Corinthians12:9-10. God’s grace is always enough. He perfects His power in our weakness.
- Proverbs 14:12. Man believes he knows the right way to live, but it leads to death.
- Philippians 3:18-21. There are two types of people. Those who live as enemies of the cross of Christ, and those who eagerly wait for Jesus’ return because their citizenship is in heaven.
- 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. We who have accepted Jesus as our Savior have been bought at a costly price. We are not our own, we are a temple for the Holy Spirit.
The Power of the Cross and Grace
God graciously spoke to me about my sin, Jesus’ willingness to suffer and die for me, and how Christ paid my debt. God reminded me that the cross holds my redemption. He welcomes me into His family and His Kingdom. I now live forgiven, righteous because of Jesus’ righteousness, and as a dwelling for God’s Holy Spirit.
One morning, the author of the devotional I read wrote, “…Jesus is who He says He is: our Redeemer, Savior, Helper, and Encourager. This sums up God’s work which He does every day without ceasing. He saves, helps, encourages, and loves like no one else could.”
Final Week of our Journey to Easter
I don’t know what you have done to prepare for Easter. Perhaps you are like me, and you didn’t do anything intentionally. You may be one who has done several activities to enable you to fully experience the glory of Easter. Whichever has been your approach, God is pursuing you. He is always pursuing each of us, all of us.
This week, as we journey the final days toward remembering Jesus’ death and resurrection, will you slow down? Will you open your eyes and look for the various ways God is speaking to you? Search for how God is reminding your heart that He loves you, and that He continues to offer you life abundant and free.
We are Easter people, and Christ invites us to come and accept His grace. He is risen! He is risen indeed! Hallelujah!
Road to Easter Photo by Cristine Enero on Unsplash
