PARADOX WITH A PURPOSE

Winter is not my favorite time of year. I like warmth, and although many might say Dallas doesn’t have a real winter, I still look forward to more pleasant temperatures. Besides, the return of balmier days is a signal that spring is coming, and with spring comes Resurrection.

Welcome to the Holy Season. Like winter turned to spring, it is a time of true paradox. We get excited over new life in Christ, but we must first reconcile our sin with the Savior’s death. We celebrate His body’s exchange for our eternity while we regret His heart’s ransom for our redemption.

It is a paradox with a purpose – our salvation, and His journey for our victory began at Gethsemane.

“Gethsemane”, the garden of pressing.

“’My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death’, he said to them.” ~Mark 14:34a

Gethsemane was where our Savior was afflicted before the lash of the cat-of-nine-tails, where He cried out before hanging between two thieves.

“And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.” ~Luke 22:44

Amongst the olive trees, Jesus grieved His sacrifice for you so profoundly that He sweat blood. That’s a sobering thought, isn’t it? That someone would be willing to suffer so greatly only because they love you so deeply.

Don’t miss the sacrifice. Jesus shed blood at Gethsemane and at the Cross - for you.

For whom will you shed blood?

Who do you know that needs a Resurrection?

It’s time to surrender to the call, to die to your flesh, your fear, your hesitations, and your doubts so that someone else might live. You have what it takes, so take action.

Your gift is anointed by the blood of Jesus. Use it.

Your story will lead someone to the Cross. Tell it.