As I read God’s Word in both the Old and New Testaments, over and over again, I see it ties together. It fits. It’s beautiful.
Today, I read the Law, the Ten Commandments (Deut. 5). I read the command to love the Lord my God with all my heart and soul and might (Deut. 6). I then read in the New Testament that the commandments are summed up in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love is the fulfilling of the law. (Romans 13:9-10). Love of God, love of man. These are the two that Jesus Himself identified as the most important commands (Mark 12:28-31).
Against the law, I recognize I fail; I sin at every point. Yet I rejoice in the finished work of Jesus Christ at the cross for my sin. No longer do we need the sacrifice of bulls and lambs, that could never truly save, again and again and again. (Hebrews 10:4, 11). We have the once for all sacrifice of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 10:12-14), the blood of Jesus, who gave us a new and living way, through whom we can have confidence. “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29).
As the Israelites placed the blood over the doorpost so that death would “pass over” and pass them by (Exodus 12), Jesus’ shed blood covers my life, so that I will not experience death, but instead have life in Jesus Christ by faith in Him. This is why Scripture calls him “Christ, our Passover Lamb” (1 Corinthians 5:7).
As we are about to enter Holy Week, the week leading up to Easter, take time to read the Gospel accounts (in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. This Sunday, Palm Sunday, we will remember Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem where He would soon be betrayed, arrested, tried, mocked, and crucified for the sins of the world. This will take us to Good Friday next week. And just when hope would appear lost, we will arrive at Resurrection Sunday.
While God’s law shows me my sin, His love and mercy bring me salvation. I thank Jesus for His atoning sacrifice that is sufficient to cleanse us from all sin, to give us life and hope. I praise Him that for the joy set before Him, He endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:1-2).
If you live in Chicagoland, I invite you to College Church for upcoming Easter services to find out more how Easter can change your life. This Easter, may we all worship and praise and thank Him. He is worthy.
“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom
and might and honor and glory and blessing!” Revelation 5:12
Praise Proclaimer 