Pathways Press.com

Written by Linda Bailey, a contemporary pastor.

In the lead up to Easter we are reminded of this incredible sacrifice that Jesus made for each one of us. And if we truly let that message sink into our souls, we cannot help but see that there is nothing on this earth that could ever offer us the love, acceptance, grace and mercy that God extends to each of us through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. That, while all the messages of our culture sound appealing on the surface, Jesus sacrificed everything so that our lives could have true meaning – being in an intimate relationship with God. When our relationship with God is restored through His mercy and grace, we can’t help but respond by replicating Jesus’ actions. We too can “take the very nature of a servant” and work alongside God to help all of creation restore their relationship with their Creator. Any time we show God’s love, mercy and grace we are opening a window for people to see His face.

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. [Hebrews 4:15-16]