Easter (Devo, R3D1)

I don’t know about you, but I love Easter. I mean, how can you not? All the candy, hunting for Easter eggs, the bright and happy colors…. 

And, this is from my heart, not just because I’m a PK (pastor’s kid), but my absolute favorite part is how Jesus died for me (don’t worry, he died for you, too!). 

In her book, Who Are You Following, Sadie Robertson Huff writes this part, which I really loved: 

He (Jesus) cares for you as the individual you are – flaws, imperfections, doubts, and all – and He is interested in knowing your whole story. You do not have to reach some level of perfection or likability for Jesus to acknowledge you. He already acknowledges you because He loves you with an unending love. (p. 55)

Religion might make you think you have to do something to obtain God’s love, but a true relationship with Jesus says you already have God’s love. Remember, “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son” (John 3:16). God did not say He waited for you to be so enjoyable, agreeable, and attractive in order for Him to love you and send His Son to save you. He said He already loves you so much that He willingly dove into a relationship with you. Society might make you feel pressure to perform a certain way to be liked by Jesus – but don’t let society have the final word in your heart. The cross proves that Jesus’ love is already established for you. (p. 55-56)

God willingly dove into a relationship with you. You are imperfect. You make mistakes. But no matter what, He wants to be with you.

That’s why He sent Jesus down to die for our sins on that cross. He didn’t want sin to separate you from Him! He wants to be with you – here on this earth and forever in heaven.

Go take a look at Psalm 136 (I encourage you to grab your Bible, not search it up), then come back.

You back? “His love endures forever” is repeated constantly in this chapter. Why? BECAUSE IT’S SO TRUE.

Jesus died for you.

Jesus died for me.

Jesus died for everybody in this universe, no matter who they are or what they’ve done. He willingly wants a relationship with everyone.

In this day in age, we may feel pressure to act a certain way, dress a certain way, talk a certain way, or look a certain way in order to be liked by people – that pretty girl at youth group, that hot guy at school, or to be let into the popular group.

But listen up: Jesus died for you, just as you are. You don’t have to have cool new Nike shoes, a new iPhone, or look a certain way in order for Jesus to say, “Oh, yeah, he/she’s cool, I’m gonna die for him/her.”

Nope. He died for YOU as you are – without makeup, without new kicks, without you being popular or being the best on the team – as the imperfect person you are.

Romans 5:8 says: But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

While we were still sinners. That’s a pretty powerful love right there. Just think about that for a second.

Could you think of someone you would die for? I’d like to say I would, but if it really came down to the moment, I have no idea. Could you? It just proves how great God’s love for us really is.

Here’s another question: Could you think of anyone who would die for you? I know a few people that might, but I can think of one person who I know will, without a doubt – His name is Jesus.

Daily Challenge: Today, as you celebrate with family and friends, I encourage you to tell them and remind them that Jesus died for them as they are. Maybe read some of this devo to them. Help them remember that his love endures forever.

Comment: What are you doing today to celebrate Easter? (Don’t get distracted with all the eggs and candy; make sure you remember the real meaning of Easter!)