The Great Exchange

As I was rocking a sleeping Gwendolyn in my arms the other morning and thinking about how I love every single inch of her...I was reminded of how much God loves us as his children. It's so amazing to think that even as much as I love my daughter, His love for us doesn't even begin to compare. It's difficult to fathom really. If asked of me, I'm not sure I'd be able to sacrifice my child, yet that's exactly what he did for each one of us. We've probably all heard the Easter message before...Jesus died on a cross for our sins and rose from the dead three days later.

How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure


How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory

I mean, when you really think about this....it's simply incredible.

God sent his son Jesus who knew no sin to die on the cross and take our sin upon himself. He did this for all past, present, and future sins. He took our sin and in exchange we were credited his righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21.) If we're in Christ - following him and living in faith alone - the gift of eternal life is available to every single one of us. Without his death, we wouldn't know the promised gift of eternal life with him in Heaven. And in His dying, we too died to our earthly desires. They have no power over us. If we're in Christ, the Holy Spirit is working and living within us. We owe him everything.

Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers


It was my sin that left Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

And then after dying and being buried in a tomb, he rose just like he said he would. He defeated death. He ascended to be with God in Heaven and promised to return. John 14:2-3 tell us that he prepared a place for us, and if he's prepared a place for us then surely he'll return for those who are in Christ Jesus and believe in him. In the mean time, we are to follow and obey his commands. (Easier said than done, right? Exactly why we need to humble ourselves and accept his grace.)

There's so much more to his sacrificial death and resurrection - the Gospel - when I begin to think and read about it. I am just so thankful that he has ordained my days and leads the way. That doesn't mean it's always easy - our sanctification is daily and none of us will ever fully arrive - but I believe that by grace we are saved. If you believe that you are saved by faith alone, then that amazing sacrifice and grace is for you as well.


I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

"How Deep the Father's Love for Us" has got to be one of my favorite songs of all time. The words are so true and I become overwhelmed by gratitude for all that he endured on my behalf whenever I hear it.


It was my sin that held him there...


His dying breath has brought me life...


But I will boast in Jesus Christ...


His wounds have paid my ransom...

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Lord, we am so undeserving of your love and mercy, yet Father I ask that you pour it on us today. Be present in our homes. Be present in my lives Your sacrifice on the cross is nothing short of amazing. We deserve wrath every day and yet you took our place to save us from our sins. Your love for us is incomprehensible and we'll never fully grasp the great height and depth and breadth in this broken and fallen world. No matter our circumstances, you are so worthy of our praise! Thank you for fulfilling your promises. For those who are in Christ, I believe the promise you made while on the cross to the criminal who acknowledged you will be true for us as well..."I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise." (Luke 23:42)

I pray the Gospel would reign over our hearts and in our lives and transform us. Fill us with your Holy Spirit. Thank you for your work on the cross and for conquering death.  May your will be done in our lives! Amen.

Happy Easter! 


He is RISEN!