“Now it was the third hour and they crucified Him.”
Mark 15:25

Unbroken Hallelujah

I am sometimes bewildered by the way we celebrate holidays. Holidays are fun. They often involve family gatherings and special foods. They trigger memories of past celebrations, how we grew up doing it this way or that way at our house. I am all for holidays and family and the silliness and joy of it all. These are days set apart to commemorate some significant event, or celebrate freedom, or traditions from our history, or remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, or to mark a new beginning. 

But there is one holiday that silences and humbles me—Easter. For me at least, bunnies, eggs and those little yellow peeps just don’t speak to me. I’m not anti-bunny, I am simply captivated by something larger and so wondrous I can barely wrap my mind around it.

There was an actual day when God Himself, not only willingly, but deliberately died for me. The Majesty on High was sacrificed for the meager woman that I am. Creator God was laid on the altar for the sake of the dust of His creation. The Holy One was humiliated and humbled that I might become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21). He takes my breath away!

This is the pivotal day of history. Everything else before this event was leading up to this incomparable feat. Everything after this date reflects the power and beauty of what was accomplished on that day.

The Bible begins with creation and from that flows the chronicles of men, nations, battles, love stories, and the prophets of old. God is dropping hints all over the pages of the Old Testament, yet no one could see this inexplicable act of love and grace in its entirety. The angels wondered, prophets scratched their heads, patriarchs caught but a glimpse and put their hope in God. And then Messiah is born and lives among us. He leads by example and teaches us in all patience and wisdom until the day He is taken away.

Jesus knew His time had come. He did not turn away, but boldly stood His ground in the midst of that terrible danger. He felt every blow. His blood ran in the streets of Jerusalem. He hung between heaven and earth and paid for every sin we have committed or will entertain throughout all ages. His heart was broken as the Father looked away. What astonishing, undeniable, compelling love was openly displayed by our whipped and beaten, suffering Savior.

Oh, but glorious day! It doesn’t end there. It just keeps getting better. Resurrection morning broke bright and clear. Death could not hold Him. The love of God triumphed over sin, hell, and death. And you and I are forever free! Eternity is won and forever we are God’s. This is a day of jubilee. I will celebrate! Hallelujah!

“Father, I bow before You overcome and amazed at the price You have paid to love us. Thank You for the cross. Thank You for the empty tomb. Thank You for Your astonishing love. In the name of the One who has loved us, Amen.”