When I was a boy, celebrating Easter was something of a “junior” Christmas celebration at our house. We weren’t yet believers in Christ. My sister and I explored the contents of Easter baskets, went to grandma’s house for lunch, hunted Easter eggs, and celebrated the holiday without much recognition of its true meaning. In the spring of 1969, all of that changed.
At my mother’s behest, my family began attending church and the truth of Jesus Christ changed our lives. Two weeks following Easter of that year, on April 20, I asked Jesus to come into my life. My mom did, too. I was young and didn’t understand much about the Bible, but I knew that what Christ offered, I needed. He offered me eternal life with Him in heaven, and to a 9-year-old boy, that sounded like the best deal ever. I accepted His free gift of salvation and from that day forward, my life was transformed. Oh, I would struggle with a sinful nature (still do), but there has never been a doubt the Holy Spirit of God came into my life that day. A “God-consciousness” consumed me that has never let me go my own way. Amazing.
It is difficult to explain what happens when we receive Christ, but millions will testify, and have testified through the ages, that something significant happens within us. The Bible explains the Holy Spirit becomes our guide and comforter. But how do we quantify something we can’t see? How do we sufficiently describe outwardly what has happened within? Such can only be evidenced in the witness of a changed life.
The words “amazed” or “amazing” are used throughout scriptures and songs that describe Jesus, what He has done, and our relationship with Him. Worship leaders commonly rely on a database to research and catalog songs. The word "amazing," in reference to our Lord and His sacrifice, appears in over 5,000 songs! Take a moment to think through familiar hymns, gospel songs, and newer worship songs that acknowledge the amazing work of Jesus – name them and sing them! Indeed, we should be amazed when we consider what God has done for us through Christ!
In the days leading up to Jesus’ arrest and trial, there was no hesitation or anxiety in Him, only determination and resolve. As He endured the excruciating agony of crucifixion, suspended by angry spikes on a wooden crossbeam and soaked in blood, those who witnessed His suffering were undoubtedly stunned and amazed by what they heard and saw. It was an awful scene marked by awful sounds – taunting... spitting... slapping... questioning... ridiculing... hammering... screaming... gasping... wailing. Like animals, His tormentors attacked the wounded One condemned to death.
But in the midst of the chaos, in His final moments, amazing words were spoken from His parched lips... “the debt is paid...” “forgive them...” “it is finished.” The sky darkened, the earth shook, and rough Roman soldiers (Gentiles, no less) confessed their belief that indeed, He was the Son of God. Amazing. There has never been another day like that one.
If you don’t know Him, believe... place your trust in Him for the redemption of your soul. Release any reluctance or pride causing you to hesitate. There is nothing you can do to deserve this gift, nor will you ever be able to earn it. If it were possible for us to earn salvation, there would have been no need for Jesus to die on a cross. Our salvation is not dependent on what we are able to do, but solely on what He has already done. Jesus said in John 6:47, “Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life.” That’s His promise to you and me. Amazing.
Pray this simple prayer from your heart to begin your journey with Christ: Lord Jesus, I invite You into my life right now. I believe You died on the cross and rose again for me. I confess that I’m a sinner and have done wrong. I ask for Your forgiveness. I accept You as my Savior and will follow You as my Lord for the rest of my life. Thank You for the gift of salvation. Amen.