A New Life

On this Good Friday, as we remember what Christ did for us all those years ago, I watched "The Passion of the Christ" again. It breaks my heart to think about the pain He had to go through and what was shown in the movie wasn't even half of it because He was tortured more than we could ever imagine. But, I know that it breaks our heavenly Father's heart far more to see us, His children, sin and live life in a way that says we don't need Him. We are broken and undeserving of love without Him. 

I think one of the greatest parts Jesus' time on earth was when He was talking to the thief as He was hanging on the cross. In Luke 23:40-43, it says,

"The [criminal] protested...'We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn't done anything wrong.' Then he said, 'Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.' And Jesus replied, 'I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.'" 

Every time I'm reminded of this part of the story, I can't help but smile. Although every one of us deserve punishment for our sins, we are given a gift from a perfect God who gave up His life to give us life. He exhibits a love that no human could ever give to another.

Today, as I watched the movie, the moment that hits me every time is, "I will make all things new." Through His broken body, we are saved. We're redeemed. We are healed. And we're given a new life... an eternal one.