Dear Westminster Family:
I love how Charles Swindoll connected the struggle and pain of Jesus’ death on the cross with the strength and power of His resurrection. Reflect with me on these words from one of Swindoll’s essays.
“The battle against sin had been bloody and treacherous. Anyone who had the courage to visit that tomb shortly after it was sealed would certainly have wept bitterly. The battlefield, strewn with the litter of an awful fight, was only too vivid in everyone’s memory – a small pile of clothing, a spear, a matted network of thorns in the shape of a head, a bloody cross. And those words, those final words the victim uttered, especially that awful scream —
Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani!….My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me!
But what appeared to be defeat was actually the preface of victory. That ugly, rugged cross took its toll, but it failed to have the final voice…Deep in the silent night, against all odds and in mockery of strong-armed soldiers, that victim became the Victor. ‘Up from the grave He arose, with a mighty triumph o’r His foes.’ Or, as Charles Wesley wrote of that Easter-morning miracle
Love’s redeeming work is done, Alleluia!
Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!
Death in vain forbids Him rise, Alleluia!
Christ has opened Paradise, Alleluia!
The bloody battlefield paled into a misty memory as the tomb opened its jaws for all to enter. Death could not keep its prey…He tore the bars away…Alleluia!”
I look forward to sharing the celebration of Jesus’ victory with you all this week.
See you in church.
Pastor Gary