Yesterday was Good Friday. And it is a holiday which represents the remembrance of Jesus’ crucifixion and death on the cross. Although for me, I do not only reflect upon that event just one day of the year. I’m constantly reminded of Jesus’ sacrifice that took place on that day.
Like most anyone, I have experienced circumstances in my past that caused hurts I have long held onto (unforgiveness). I have committed acts of disobedience which caused me to sin against myself or others. Even now, I have daily struggled in the fight against believing lies within my mind (strongholds).
So, there I remained. Caught in between.
I have lingered upon the wrongs done and the sacrifice Jesus gave in order that my wrongs could be made right. And yet I have felt stuck. Not just yesterday on Good Friday. But, in the totality of all my yesterdays.
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.- Ephesians 2:1-3
That is, until today. The day in between the observation of Jesus’ sacrifice and the hope offered in Jesus’ resurrection, as celebrated tomorrow on Easter day.
That’s when it happened. The realization that Jesus is already resurrected struck my spirit. I mean, I already knew it to be true. But, here in between the remembrance of it all, I realized I had indefinitely stayed stuck focusing on Jesus’ death. Every time I have committed a wrong I thought to myself, “Jesus died for you to be made right.” And so, I have lingered upon death. I beat myself up in my mind over and over again. Stuck. Sinning again and again. Caught in between.
Today I was reminded of Jesus’ words on the cross, “It is finished” (John 19:30). All my transgressions from yesterday, today, and in any of my tomorrows. Finished. Death, where is your sting? Because the fact is- even on this Saturday in between these observances- Jesus is alive! (Revelation 1:18). He has already resurrected– which means rising again or raised to life again– and has ascended into glory.
Let me say it once more for emphasis; JESUS IS ALIVE! That means since I have handed over myself and my transgressions to Him, nailing those wrongs to the cross, drowning them in the blood He poured out for me (and for you), and dying of myself- I am raised to life again, too! No, I am not stuck. No, I am not caught in between.
because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.- Ephesians 2:4-7
I never had to be caught in between. But, it was in that place I was deceived by the enemy. It has been, and always will be, his mission to twist the words of the Lord. He seeks to keep God’s creation stuck in this sin-soaked world. However, the pivotal revelation that brought me from dwelling upon death to reveling in resurrection is found in true freedom.
So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.- Romans 8:1-2
God has raised me to life again! And, praise be to God, it is true for you too! Resurrection has already taken place. It is found in believing that the same power that raised Christ from the dead is living inside of you! (Romans 8:11).
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord…- 1 Corinthians 15:56-58 (NIV)
Sacred Sheep 