Today we had lunch at the hotel cafe. They were having a special Easter buffet. It looked very similar to the Easter decor in the US--colored eggs, special treats for the kiddos, and even an Easter Bunny. We wondered if hotels in other parts of China offer a special Easter buffet or only those hotels that have a lot of Western visitors. And we wondered what they were really celebrating during their Easter buffet.
There is plenty to celebrate beyond the egg-laying rabbit (shouldn't it be the Easter Chicken?). Jesus made a way for us to be right with God and as we learned recently, it doesn't require our additional efforts. We both felt close to God and right with God when we thought we were doing the right things (serving others, praying, reading the bible, etc.). But if that's all it takes, then Jesus didn't have to die, we just have to try harder. If good people go to heaven, then Jesus took quite a beating and God raise him from the dead for nothing--except rabbit eggs.
Jesus substituted his perfect life for our flawed life and when we believe that and put our trust in him, we receive the promise of eternal life with God. Then we can stand before God redeemed. Made new.
God recognized that we can never stand before him perfect and complete no matter how hard we try. So he made a way through Jesus Christ. The offer is available to anyone and it's free. And when we say yes, we are adopted into God's family. Which brings us full circle.
Monday is the big day! It's Mason's Gotcha Day. We'll post some pictures as soon as we can.
2 comments:
Amen! Thought of you guys today from the usually pew at Saylorville! Thanks for sharing your testimony of how God has opened your eyes and hearts! I'm so glad to have met you last summer at the pool! Now, I can't wait to see Mason with his Forever Family!!
What a beautiful message, it makes everyday wonderful, no matter the circumstances. I just saw Mason in your arms, tears are streaming down my face, tears of joy for all of you!! We are all so blessed!!!
Joy
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