While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. – Romans 5:8

Christ died for me. Say it to yourself slowly. Isn’t it crazy how you and I who have been Christians for so long can say it just like we are saying something trivial, like “McDonalds served me fries”?

I heard a preacher challenge me one time to say it until I broke. He said that done properly I would eventually weep as His Presence engulfed me. So, I took a walk. At first it was mundane. I just said it a few times quickly. Then, I realized the walk was going to be at least a mile, so I slowed down . . . Christ . . . died . . . for . . . me.

Eventually, I just stopped at Christ for a while. I thought of all that I knew about Him from listening to preachers over the years, and reading the gospels for myself. I thought of all the miracles: opening blind eyes, making the lame walk, healing lepers, and raising people from the dead. He was amazing. Then, I thought of the day I first prayed to Him as a 16-year old kid. He touched my heart that day. Even after all these centuries have passed, He still touches hearts and lives. He is amazing!

Died. I thought of Peter and how he chopped off a soldier’s ear when they came to take Jesus away. Peter was trying to protect His Lord and keep Him alive. Jesus basically told him, “If I wanted to, I could call on my Father who would destroy them all, but I’m not here to do that, I’m here to fulfill Scriptures.” In other words, “I’m here to die for sinners.” He would quickly be sentenced to death based on lies and accusations. Hours later he would be scourged. To this day, the most powerful scene in any movie is in the Passion of the Christ when Jesus looks up to heaven and says, “Father, my heart is ready.” Our Lord and Savior did not beg to be spared, but took a Roman scourging with only you and me in mind. They would nail him to a cross and with absolutely no bitterness in His heart would say, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” Six hours later, He died.

Christ died.

For me. If I had been the only one two thousand years later that would have received Him with joy, He would have given just me eternal life. As much as I have disobeyed Him, had wrong attitudes, misrepresented Him, and blamed stuff on Him, His love for me has never failed. He continues to show me goodness, mercy, and grace that have followed me all the days of my life.

Oh what a Savior!

I love You, Lord!

Christ died for you, too.

Say it until it means something to you.

Adam