Two Things to Remember

I have always loved Easter! In my early years, it meant a new pair of black patent leather shoes. As I grew older, Easter was a sweet time of spending the day with family.

I grew up in church, but Easter was just another “holiday” until the best day of my life – the day Jesus opened my eyes to the truth of who He is and what He had done for me. It was over 30 years ago, but I remember it like it was yesterday. Someone asked me who I thought Jesus was; and in that instant, all the facts I had learned growing up in church suddenly moved from head knowledge to heart knowledge. I don’t know why God used that moment, but I will be forever grateful.

And now at Easter, I intentionally remember two things:

1 – I remember who I was. To fully explain how far away I was from God would take more words than I can fit in a devotion. If you believe you are too bad, too beyond hope, or too far gone to receive God’s grace, let me assure you that you are not. God loved me even though He knew every detail of my past, and He loves you that much too. He had a plan to rescue me.

2 – I also remember who Jesus is and what He did for me. Around Easter, I read the all the gospel accounts of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. I want to remember what Jesus did for me and the humiliation and agony He experienced because He loves me so much and was determined to pay for all my sin so I could be reconciled to God. And just when I think I can bear it no more, Matthew 28:6 says, “He is not here; he is risen, just as he said.”

What should be our response to this amazing gift? Jesus answered that question not long after His resurrection when He said, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

Rather than remembering a new pair of patent leather shoes, Easter is a reminder of the peace, security, hope, love, and power Jesus has given me, as well as the challenge to share this with others. Now, with His help, I will seek to honor, obey, and glorify Him not just at Easter, but every other day for the rest of my life. Will you join me?

By Kim Livesay

Kim is married to her amazing husband, Bod. She works at the Lexington Rescue Mission where she daily gets to see Jesus bring hope to hurting people.