Pastor’s Corner: “Destitute and Bankrupt”
Matthew 5:3-12 (NIV) – 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
On Good Friday when things were at their worst and the disciples had nothing to put their hope in, real life was won and heaven was open to them. When things are at their worst, and all hope seems to be gone, the reality of the only hope of life, joy and peace in Christ Jesus is revealed. When everything that is counterfeit that we depend on is exposed, taken away and the dust is settled, Jesus is still standing. THE CROSS IS EMPTY AND SO IS THE TOMB. You can try to bury Power, but it won’t stay there. You can try to bury Truth, but it is not dead. You can try to bury Love, but it cannot be contained. Jesus is alive, He won the victory of sin and death. And He’s still the same. He never changes. He made a way for us to live free.
1 Peter 2:14 “‘He himself bore our sins’ in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; ‘by his wounds you have been healed.’” What does the cross mean to you? Many people in the world today view it as a symbol of Christianity, but stop and think about what it represented in Christ’s day. Nobody wore a miniature cross around the neck or displayed one in a place of worship. The cross was a torturous means of execution, and the mere thought of it was repulsive. God took something that represented pain, loss and death and turned it into something that represents life, love and grace. He takes the worst and turns it into something beautiful.
He can take us in our mess, pain, loss, lack of hope and turn us into something beautiful! The reality is when things are at their worst, God is revealed as the only source for life, love, peace and joy that we can depend on. Everything else is revealed as counterfeit. He extends grace to remind us we don’t have to stay stuck in our struggle and pain. He holds good in store through it all, able to bring greater purpose, greater beauty, and greater strength. He never intends for us to remain in the pit of our despair, for He breathes fresh life. Every time you see a cross, remember what it really was — an instrument of execution. Then thank Jesus that He was willing to be crucified so the Father could forgive you of your sin. Though the scene of your redemption was horrendous, Christ turned the cross into a place of great triumph. God brought beauty out of the brokenness of the cross. He gives beauty for our ashes.
Today, may you be able to see and let go of everything that is counterfeit and receive true life!
In His Grace,
Pastor Hamilton and Family