The Great Exchange

A friend sent a post on Thursday. It said this:  It’s Holy Thursday. Jesus woke up knowing it was His last day before the cross. And still … He got up. He didn’t run. He didn’t hide. He didn’t turn His back. Jesus faced hurt, rejection, betrayal, and pain with singlemindedness ... to glorify God and go to the cross for our sake.

Yesterday, our church hosted a Good Friday service. It was a wonderful yet sobering time of remembrance and reflection. I wish I could say I face hurt, rejection, betrayal, and pain in the same way Jesus did--with the desire to glorify God. But I can’t. Instead, Jesus offered an exchange, asking me to lay down all that hurt and pain at the foot of the cross. And in exchange, He will give me peace in a way that only He can give. And so, I did. And so, He did! It was freeing and joy permeated my heart, soul, and mind.

The lyrics to one of the songs we sang yesterday aptly expresses my gratitude for what Jesus did:

Thank You Jesus, for the blood applied
Thank You Jesus, it has washed me white
Thank You Jesus, You have saved my life
Brought me from the darkness into glorious light!

I am so grateful Jesus got up on Thursday morning determined to face the cross. This Easter, I hope you, too, have the peace that only Jesus can give.