The Cross, the Resurrection, and the Space Between

Happy Easter weekend! Nothing beats the sheer joy and hope that resounds and radiates from a church service on Easter Sunday. It's my absolute favorite . . . but before we jump to the celebration, let's remember that there would be no resurrection if the heart-rending grief of the cross hadn't come first. 

Our salvation cost Jesus his very life. The death that Jesus died on that very first Good Friday was necessary to cancel out everything that is ugly and evil and wrong in this world. He offered himself up as the perfect sacrifice, the only one that would do. It is by his sacrifice that we are healed.

But it's the resurrection that changes everything. Because Christ has been raised, we are confident that death doesn't get the final say. Life wins, and we have hope for a future where there will be no more death, no more tears, no more pain, no more sickness, no more suffering, and no more sorrow. 

Hallelujah, indeed.

This weekend, as you live and breathe in the space between the cross and the resurrection, may you remember that enduring the brokenness of this world is simply making you more like Jesus, who called you to take up your cross and follow him through the suffering to the endless joy on the other side.

Until next time, grace and peace.