As I write this we are in the midst of Holy Week. Hopefully we are each thinking on the events that are leading up to the Passion, Christ’s sacrificial atonement and death for our sin, and the resurrection, Christ’s victory over sin and death. I think about each action that he took, whether his triumphant entry, his cursing a fig tree, cleansing the temple, or taking the Passover with his disciples, all meant to fulfill a prophecy or to teach us about what he came to do. These things reveal to us the majesty and glory of God. His supremacy over all things as you follow his redemptive plan throughout scripture since the beginning. We see the willing submission and obedience of Christ to the will of the father. We see the horrific price that sin and justice demands, and how Christ accomplished all that was needed to bring about forgiveness and restoration.

In the midst of it all, I hope we do not forget this one thing, God loves us. Scripture tells us clearly that because “God loved the world, he gave his one and only son.” It tells us that the ultimate display of God’s love for us is revealed in Christ dying for us (Romans 5:8). Scripture is filled with references to this amazing truth, the God of heaven loves sinful people and is willing to go to great costs to redeem us to himself.

In moments when you are prone to feeling like God doesn’t love you, I implore you, look at the cross. Let it remind you of God’s great love for you in Christ Jesus. Let it remind you, child of God, that “nothing can separate you from God’s love” (Romans 8:38). Let it stir your affections for God and create a deep abiding love for him, after all “we love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19).

For His glory and your joy,

Pastor Charlie