"He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification."  (Romans 4:25)

Have you ever had someone sacrifice for you?

Maybe it was parents who worked, scrimped, and saved so you could enjoy the extras in life.

Maybe it was a spouse who gave up an evening to shuttle kids to a practice so you could have time to yourself.

Maybe it was a friend who drove more than half way to meet you for lunch or coffee.

The church calendar is structured so that we spend the 7 weeks leading up to Holy Week, intentionally, thoughtfully considering Jesus' life and ministry.

His whole life was a sacrifice.  He gave up heaven and being tended to by angels, in order to be here for us.  He laid aside nearly all the benefits of being God, and took upon himself all that it means to be human.  "He was delivered over to death for our sins."

But thankfully, that's not the end of the story!  "He was raised to life for our justification!"  The cross, alone, didn't sum up the life of Jesus.  It was a precursor to an empty tomb!

The only thing left to do at this point is for you and me to say "Thank you!" 

With words?  Yes.  But with actions too.

And with attitudes.

And with priorities.

With our entire beings.

May God help us to remember and honor his sacrifice in all we do today!

Grace & peace