Greatest Act of Love
In the daily rhythm of life, it’s easy to get caught up in the physical problems that confront us. Whether it’s financial stress, health issues, or relationship troubles, these challenges can often feel overwhelming. But as pastor Drew pointed out, “You think you have a physical problem, but let me reveal a spiritual one.” This profound statement alluding to Jesus words, invites us to look beyond our immediate concerns and consider the deeper, spiritual issues that lie beneath the surface.
The Willing Sacrifice
Jesus went to the cross willingly, fully aware of the monumental task that lay before Him. This was not a decision made lightly or under duress; it was a conscious choice driven by an unfathomable love for humanity. On that cross, a debt that required blood to be paid was indeed paid. Blood was drawn from His hands and His wrists, and it was that very blood that paid the price that you and I deserve to be paying.
The Weight of Our Sin
As Jesus hung on the cross, He bore the full weight of humanity’s sin and pride. Imagine the emotional and spiritual burden of carrying not just one person’s sins, but the collective sins of all humanity. For the first time in eternity, Jesus experienced what it was like to be separated from His Father. This separation was not just a physical distance but a profound spiritual chasm, a void that He willingly entered so that we could be connected to God and no longer had to be separated.
The Magnitude of the Payment
Drew asked, “When we say that “Jesus paid it all with His blood,” do we truly grasp the enormity of that statement?” This was not a small debt that could be easily washed away. No, it was a massive problem that we had no hope of saving ourselves from. Our sins created a debt so large that only the blood of Jesus could wipe it out. Until His blood was shed, we were hopelessly lost, condemned to a life of spiritual separation from God.
The Purpose of Understanding Our Debt
Drew continues to say how he didn’t spend 15 minutes talking about debt to make us feel bad. The purpose was not to induce guilt but to help us see the glory and power of Jesus on the other side. Understanding the magnitude of our debt makes His sacrifice all the more awe-inspiring. It shifts our perspective from one of despair to one of profound gratitude and reverence.
The Spiritual Problem
Our physical problems, as daunting as they may seem, are often symptoms of a deeper spiritual issue. Sin creates a barrier between us and God, a debt that we cannot pay on our own. This spiritual debt manifests in various ways—broken relationships, inner turmoil, and a sense of emptiness that no earthly solution can fill. Yet many keep trying to find some unattainable pleasure or happiness. Jesus came to address this root problem, offering a solution that goes beyond temporary fixes.
The Power of Jesus’ Blood
The blood of Jesus is not just a symbol; it is the very substance that bridges the gap between humanity and God. In the Old Testament, the sacrificial system required the blood of animals to atone for sins. These sacrifices were temporary and had to be repeated. But Jesus’ sacrifice was once and for all. His blood is powerful enough to cover all sins, past, present, and future. It is the ultimate atonement, the final payment that settles our debt in full. No person is capable of doing that, no matter how “good” they may be.
The Gift of Connection
One of the most beautiful aspects of Jesus’ sacrifice is the restoration of our connection with God. Sin separates us from God, creating a chasm that we cannot cross on our own. But Jesus’ death and resurrection built a bridge over that chasm. We are no longer separated; we are invited into a relationship with God, a relationship that is intimate, loving, and eternal.
Living in the Light of His Sacrifice
Understanding the depth of Jesus’ sacrifice should transform the way we live. It should fill us with a sense of awe and gratitude that permeates every aspect of our lives! We are called to live in the light of His sacrifice, to let His love and grace flow through us to others. This means forgiving as we have been forgiven, loving as we have been loved, and serving as we have been served.
The Call to Action
So, what does this mean for us today? It means that we should not take Jesus’ sacrifice lightly. We should not settle for a superficial understanding of what He did for us. Instead, we should delve deep into the significance of His sacrifice, allowing it to transform us from the inside out. This transformation should be evident in our actions, our words, and our relationships.
Remember This…
Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross was the ultimate payment for our sins. It was a willing, conscious act of love that addressed the deepest spiritual problem we face. By understanding the magnitude of our debt and the power of His blood, we can fully appreciate the glory and power of Jesus. Let us live in the light of His sacrifice, allowing it to change us and draw us closer to God. For in Him, we find not just a solution to our physical problems, but the answer to our deepest spiritual needs.
Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes invites you to join us in this Sunday. Together, we can experience God’s Grace and share the love of Jesus with those around us.
