Everything Has Changed!



The other day I was in a chocolate shop with a friend and with Easter around the corner, they had their huge display filled with the customary chocolate bunnies. They also had numerous chocolate crosses. While the thought of eating a chocolate cross did struck me as somewhat odd, it got my mind going…

I started to be burdened by the fact that the most important, history-altering event the world has ever seen is so often replaced by a bunny rabbit. As cute as they are, they haven’t changed anything in the world.

Regardless of their beliefs about Jesus, no one can deny that Jesus forever changed the world. 

As a result, the last few days I’ve pondered what the cross means to my life personally. If Jesus was just born, taught good sermons and did some miracles and then went back to heaven- it wouldn’t have been enough. It’s His death and resurrection that changed everything.

 It allows me to know and experience God. All my shame and guilt that separated me from God, Jesus bore it. He experienced all the pain, separation, rejection, mockery, betrayal and punishment I deserve to experience for all of eternity. He felt the full weight of the whole world’s sin and yet He did away with it all when He rose to life, proving that He is more powerful than sin’s consequence. Christ is my righteousness needed to enter into God’s presence. (2 Corinthians 5:21)

It shows me the tender love of my Savior who knows how to love me in the way I most need Him to. He always deals with my greatest need first- a new heart!  He was tempted in every way we are; and even though He never sinned, He still understands our weakness. Because of this, Jesus can be gentle with me when I doubt Him, and walks me through the times I stumble and fall. In the process, He draws my heart closer to Him and shows me more of His beauty. 

It gives me hope. What looked to be the most horrible event in Jesus’ life was the very thing that allowed Him to glorify God the most, brought Him the most joy in the end and brought salvation to the world. Jesus begged for another way to save the world and yet He allowed God to use him in the way that most glorified Him. There are things and seasons I would rather not have to go through, but Jesus shows me that everything that happens in my life has a purpose and ultimately will bring God glory because my God is sovereign. When Jesus most needed God the night of his death, God sent an angel to strengthen him. He does the same for me.

It allows me to experience freedom in every area of life. I don’t have to live in sin and bondage anymore. God has changed my heart and is still changing my heart. Because of Him, I have the strength and the desire to obey Him so I can experience abundant life.(John 10:10)  I don’t have to worry or hold on to control because he provides everything I need exactly when I need him too. I don’t have to carry around unforgiveness or bitterness- I can extend mercy because I have been shown much mercy. I am totally secure in God’s love- there is nothing I can do to make Him love me more or love me less. The fact that Jesus had to die for my sin shows clearly that I am not good enough to earn God’s love but He freely offers His forgiveness and purity.

It gives me a future hope.  My life is hidden with Christ. The cross proves that God has the ability to take the worse circumstances and work them out for my greatest good. Even death, through Jesus, isn’t something I have to fear. It also gives me a reason to face and embrace suffering. Jesus suffered much to save me and because of that, God is bringing me to a place of being willing to suffer if it means more people can come to know Jesus. This life is a vapor; and I can look forward to the day God will wipe away every tear and make new everything that is broken. Having a hope for the future enables me to live differently now.

This is only scratching the surface of how the cross completely changes everything. Let’s ask God help us to see more clearly what He accomplished on the cross not only affects our eternity but also our everyday life.  I heard an illustration that has stuck with me:  “The gift of salvation that God offers us is like a million dollar cheque framed on our wall- it only takes effect when we cash it in and use it!” 

God offers us his incredible love, grace and salvation- may we all place our trust in Jesus alone for it is his death and resurrection changes everything!

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