Graves into Gardens
Yesterday I laid my sins down at the cross...again.
Our church did something pretty cool for Good Friday. After the message, Josh (our senior pastor) gave everyone the opportunity to write down any sins we've been holding on to, and lay them at the foot of the cross that was on stage. Reluctantly, I did, too.
When the worship songs ended, Josh and James (our assistant pastor) picked up the bucket we had all placed our sin-filled cards in. I was nervous.
The first thought through my mind was that these were about to be read aloud for everyone to hear. That probably could have been reassuring to some, hearing that others struggled with the same types of sins, but I didn't want to relive even hearing those sins read.
But something different happened.
James lit the entire bucket of sins on fire!
In an instant, all those egregious sins, the ones that drove the nails into our Savior, were gone.
I was relieved, and more importantly reminded of that grace offered to us by our Lord. We only need to lay them at the cross of Jesus!
Maybe you're different, but I have to be reminded of the love of God from time to time. Reminded that we are all sinners. That all those sins, from innocent white lies, to mocking our own Savior or persecuting those who proclaim Christ, all sin was paid for at that cross.
Our sin and shame are no more through the blood of Jesus!
As the song "Graves into Gardens" echoes:
I pray you have a blessed Easter weekend as we celebrate Resurrection Sunday!