If you live anywhere in the vicinity of Baltimore you are keenly aware of the tragedy that occurred in the early morning hours of March 26th, 2024, with the collapse of the 1.6 mile long Key Bridge, a major roadway in and around the City. With respect to those who lost their lives in this catastrophe, I read many comments from others who had recently traveled over the bridge and were thankful that they were not on the bridge during this tragic event. And yes, we should be thankful in all circumstances, because any one of us could have been on this bridge or in a similar situation, and everything for us would change in that instant, as some of you are keenly aware (I Thessalonians 5:16-18). And I pray for many whose lives have changed and are dealing with life’s difficulties every day. But the reality is that none of us know in this uncertain world when illness, pain, or death will strike. So, as I thought about this event and the difficulties around the world, it led me to ponder what I am truly thankful for in my life.
And I know that there is one thing I am the most thankful for in my upbringing and in my life, and it has nothing specific do with my parents (even though I believe they did the best they could to provide me with a solid upbringing), or my siblings (although they helped me grow up and contributed to me having a happy childhood), or anything or anyone else that I have experienced along my sixty-four-year journey. What I am most thankful for does not even include my most beautiful wife and our wonderful son, or my health, or my fascinating career journey which has led us to owning an amazing business, because ultimately all of these things will pass away. Don’t get me wrong here, I am very thankful for all of these things, but ultimately what I am most thankful for is that God, the creator of the Universe, loved me so much that he sacrificed his own perfect son Jesus Christ on a cross as a sacrifice for my sinful life, so that I will spend eternity in Heaven in God’s presence. For without the hope of God’s forgiveness for my sins, my life would not be worth living. And I do want to acknowledge that my parents did play a role in what I am most thankful for because they raised me in a Christian home and exposed me to the truth of the Bible. And during the Easter season, if you have not figured this out, Christ’s death on the cross and resurrection, and the hope of God’s grace, is what Christians the world over celebrate at Easter.
So here is the conclusion to the matter. If you do not know Jesus Christ as your personal savior it is not too late to realize that no matter how good you think you are, in the eyes of a perfect God, you are a sinner who in your present condition can never be in His presence. Therefore, to receive the gift of eternal life, you must repent for your sinful life and acknowledge what Christ has done for you on the cross in his death and resurrection. That is the only way to spend eternity with God in Heaven. Otherwise, He will acknowledge that you are not willing to submit to His will and accept this perfect gift, and ultimately you will spend eternity separated from God in Hell. For God says “That if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9, NASB). These are not my words, but they come directly from the God of the Bible. Additionally, if you are raising a family, there is nothing better you can do for your children than to introduce them to the truth of the Bible, and to raise them in a household where they also have the opportunity to accept Christ as their savior and to live a life that is pleasing to Him. So, take time this season to understand the true meaning of Easter. And if you do not know where to start, find a strong Bible believing church and begin reading God’s Word, the Bible. I would recommend the book of John. And feel free to message me and I will share more.
“And when they had crucified Him, they divided His garments among themselves by casting lots. And sitting down, they began to keep watch over Him there. And above His head they put up the charge against Him which read, “THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.” (Matthew 27: 35-37)
“And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and gave up His spirit. And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth shook and the rocks were split. Also the tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; and coming out of the tombs after His resurrection, they entered the holy city and appeared to many. Now as for the centurion and those who were with him keeping guard over Jesus, when they saw the earthquake and the other things that were happening, they became extremely frightened and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!” (Matthew 27: 50-54)
“And many women were there watching from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee while caring for Him. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.” (Matthew 27: 55-56)
“Now when it was evening, a rich man from Arimathea came, named Joseph, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut out in the rock; and he rolled a large stone against the entrance of the tomb and went away. And Mary Magdalene was there, and the other Mary, sitting opposite the tomb.” (Matthew 27: 57-61)
“Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the tomb. And behold, a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone, and sat upon it. And his appearance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. The guards shook from fear of him and became like dead men. And the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you to Galilee. There you will see Him; behold, I have told you.” (Matthew 28: 1-7)
“And they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to report to His disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Rejoice!” And they came up and took hold of His feet, and worshiped Him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go, bring word to My brothers to leave for Galilee, and there they will see Me.” (Matthew 28: 8-10)
“But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated to them. And when they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful. And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to follow all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:16-20)