Some time ago, there was a man who did some amazing things, but maybe not the things we think of when we hear of Him. The things He did were almost unheard of at the time, and not a lot of people shared the same character traits as He. Unfortunately, not a lot has changed.

For example, this man laid down any hopes and dreams He may have had, only to put others before Himself. This is something not a lot of people are willing to do, wouldn't you agree?

Not only that, but this man also laid down His needs and desires, and put the needs of others before His own. In a world where many cry out "What about me? Where's mine?" this is indeed a foreign concept.

This man went where He was told to go, and did what He was told to do, rather than going and doing as He pleased. Today, there are those who consider it an untenable burden to even be told about what He did, much less to follow in His footsteps.

This man even laid down the highest level of divine glory and majesty -- a level that we can only begin to imagine -- to become a humble and lowly man, born in a barn, and laid in an animal's feeding trough. Yet, for us, self promotion is the order of today.

In the end, this man laid down His life for me, and for you. Some of us won't even take the time to lay down our cell phone for another person, much less our pride or our desires.

There are many people who disparage this man even today. They lie about Him, say profane things about Him, and do their best to find fault with Him. However, no matter what they say, His character is flawless.

They laugh, they mock, they ridicule, just as they did when He walked the earth, but none of this matters to Him. Even as they mock, He weeps for them, calling out to them, "Turn to me! Turn to me! Why won't you just turn to me?"

Despite what these may believe, He loves them thoroughly, completely, and unconditionally, even if they hate Him with every fiber of their being. He knows their pains and their sorrows. He knows their hopes and their dreams. He knows what they fear, and what gives them comfort. And even for those who hate Him, He desires to lift them up, to bear their burdens, and to be good to them, if only they would free Him to do so.

This man was no ordinary man, this man is the Savior of the world. (1 John 4:14) This man paid the price for our sins and our transgressions, that we might have life, and have it abundantly. (John 10:10) Some dispute the fact that we even have sin, yet it is many of these same people who will look out on the darkness of this world and say "If there is a God, why would He allow bad things to happen?" They don't understand. In fact, none of us do; that is, until the truth is illuminated for us, and we turn to see it.

Of course I'm sure you know by now, the man I speak of is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. He is a man like no other, and this is the time of year when we Christians remember not only all He suffered on our behalf, not only how He bore our sins, and how He was crucified for our sake, but also His resurrection and the victory He won for all who would receive Him.

Jesus is worthy to be praised, honored, glorified, and... remembered. May each one of us remember and honor the Lord's sacrifice for us, and may the Lord Jesus Christ be honored and glorified through us. And for those who have not yet received them, may they consider, may they turn, and may they see.

Father, I thank You for sending Your Son for my sake, for my salvation, and for the salvation of all those who would receive Him. Father, let Your light shine brightly in this struggling world, illuminating the truth of You and Your Word, and may all of us turn to You and see. In Jesus Name.

~~~~~
Matthew 28:1-7 (NIV)

1 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

5 The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."
~~~~~

If you liked this message, then I'd like to ask you to please consider contributing to the work God has called me to do by giving a financial gift. Your support is vital in helping the message of "Freedom in Christ" go forth, bringing liberty to all. (Galatians 5:1) The Lord has made us to lean upon one another, and in doing so, together we are strengthened. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12) So take all that I have freely offered, but then, consider giving back, as this is what the Lord would have us do. Click the "Gifts" link at the top of this page to find out how you can help.

May God bless you richly!

Mark Moyers