Today's Word of Blessing

LIFE THROUGH THE CROSSStella Dhinakaran

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.    (John 3:16)

Dearly beloved, Lord Jesus Christ said, “I am the way, the truth and the life” (John 14:6).

Once when I was travelling in a plane to another country, I looked through the window while the plane was taxiing in the runway. Then I was amazed to see a small vehicle guiding the big plane. It had the legend “Follow Me” written on it. Although the plane was a huge one, it had to follow that small vehicle in order to reach its destination in the airport.

In the same way, Lord Jesus Christ also says, “If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me” (Luke 9:23; Luke 5:27).

When Lord Jesus Christ sojourned on this earth, He went into the region of Judea and across the Jordan. That time, a man ran up to Him and fell on his knees and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Lord Jesus replied, “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven. Then take up your cross and follow Me.” Hearing that his face fell and he went away sad, because he had great wealth (Mark 10:17-21).

The Bible says, “But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it” (Matthew 7:14).

Today, Lord Jesus Christ is sitting down at the right hand of the throne of God after enduring the cross and the shame, because He knew the joy that was set before Him (Hebrews 12:2). That is why He told that person, “Take up your cross and follow Me.”

The Bible says, “Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed” (Isaiah 53:4,5).

Lord Jesus Christ endured all afflictions and pain on the cross in order to grant us life. He gave up His life as a supreme sacrifice on the cross. But on the third day, He rose up from the dead as He had already said (Matthew 28:6). Hence today, we not only meditate over the glorious cross, but also enjoy the forgiveness of sins, holiness and the eternal life granted by God.

When Lord Jesus Christ sojourned on this earth, a sinful woman stood behind Him at His feet weeping. She began to wet His feet with her tears, wiped them with her hair and poured perfume on them. She did that because she had great faith that He would deliver her from her sinful life. That is why Lord Jesus told her, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.” The Lord not only forgave her sins, but also granted her eternal life that day (Luke 7:38,39,50).

The Bible says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16; 3:36).

Accordingly, those who believe in Lord Jesus Christ will have eternal life. He purchased eternal life for us by sacrificing His life on the cross. He allowed His body to be torn for us. In case your iniquities and sins are a hindrance to receive eternal life, surrender your life at the feet of Lord Jesus just like that sinful woman. Then you will certainly receive eternal life.


Prayer:

Loving Lord Jesus,

You purchased eternal life for us by sacrificing your life on the cross. I believe in You and surrender my life at your feet. I choose to follow You. Grant me your forgiveness and accept me as your child. Give me the grace to inherit eternal life. May I have treasure in heaven.

I ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.