He Had to Die to Rescue Us! (Lent Devotion 2021)
“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)
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the shadow of death a light has dawned” (Isaiah 9:2) was the prophecy declaring the coming of a Savior to the people of Israel. At the time, the people were living in turmoil and unrest from the growing threat of other nations. In addition, people were lacking a strong spiritual dedication to their God. Oppression then was the normal experience of life. During this time, the prophecy came, and it carried and directed the people right to the time of Jesus in the New Testament, some four thousand years later.
Matthew, one of the disciples of Jesus, repeats this prophecy when he writes about Jesus moving from Nazareth to Capernaum. While in Capernaum, Jesus began His ministry to save people from “the darkness” and from “the shadows of death”. At this time, the Israelites were living under the oppression of the Roman Empire. Many thought that Jesus came to save and free them from the Roman oppression. There was great confusion and disillusionment in the people when Jesus was crucified and died on the cross! How could this be?
Jesus had to die so that He could rescue the people not only from the Roman Government but to also save them from their sins. Jesus prayed in the last hours of his life, “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). It is in His dying that He paid the price of our sins, and is able to rescue us from the darkness and from the shadow of death.
This is the hope that enables me to sit with people who struggle with many life issues such as grief, depression, anxiety and fear. Such struggles can often leave one feeling that life is dark and hopeless. The message of this Great Light is the hope I bring to the people.
During this Lent Season, let us be reminded that the
“Great Light” has come and is here! Let us be encouraged that in Jesus Christ, you and I are living in this “Great Light!"
Prayer: Dear God, I ask that You would help me to live this great message and “truth” in my life today. Thank you for rescuing us from the darkness and eternal death. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Linda Martin (Cree)
Manitoba, Canada