Is there nothing more beautiful than the promise of Hope?
Though Good Friday and Easter are still a few weeks away, my kids are diving into Easter stories, books and crafts in school. In turn, I thought I’d spend some time exploring the story of Easter through Scripture, too.
The most resonant chord of the story of Easter is Hope.
Though it doesn’t really start this way.
28 After this, Jesus, knowing that all things had already been accomplished, to fulfill the Scripture, said, “I am thirsty.” 29 A jar full of sour wine was standing there; so they put a sponge full of the sour wine upon a branch of hyssop and brought it up to His mouth. 30 Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.
John 19:28-30
Pain and suffering and heartbreak and darkness preceded Jesus death. On the cross, sacrifice was met with anguish. And following, three whole days filled with agony, grief, despondence. Why??
Because He loved us.
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16
Where the nails pierced my Jesus’s hands, there is Hope.
Where the sword split His side, there is Hope.
Where the blood streamed from the tips of the thorns on His head,
there is Hope.
I love the connective and effect-bearing word because.
Because He carried the cross…
Because the sky went black…
Because His head dropped to His chest after tasting the sour wine…
Because He said, “It is finished,” and gave up His spirit…
Because the curtain was ripped in two…
We.
Have.
Hope.
Because Jesus chose to carry my sins and my burdens on that cross, I can inherit eternal life.
Because of His last precious breaths, I can breathe anew.
Because of His resurrection, I can have salvation and be with Him forever someday.
And guess what?? So can you.
These truths are for YOU, friend.
Because of the greatest sacrifice ever known, the greatest love story was also fulfilled.
Easter is COMING. And even though Good Friday must arrive first, we know there is Hope. In fact, BECAUSE Good Friday is coming up, we can have hope!
Won’t you join me in dwelling on this good news these next few weeks?
Blessings,
a fresh brewed faith 