I drove Godzilla to Waco yesterday. My mother named my black 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van “Godzilla.” I met my parents at Hat Creek Burger in Woodway, Texas, to drop off 75% of our children. The drug deal - I mean the dropoff - went smoothly.
Only one child remained. It was Good Friday. Stephanie worked in the office, and I took care of Mister Micah.1 He took a nap before noon.
I had a chance to reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. It is perhaps the most meaningful thing you can ponder. If Jesus didn’t die on a cross, we would still be dead in our sins - no hope, no forgiveness, no eternal life, nothing (1 Cor 15:14; Eph 2:1; Heb 9:22). That’s bleak.
"But while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom 5:8). That’s the simple, good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Reader, I want you to hear this: Jesus, the Son of God, was brutally beaten, mocked, spit on, and then nailed to a tree so that we could believe in Him as a sacrificial offering for our sins (Isa 53). The Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29; Rev 5:6).
Man alive, I still can’t believe that God—by His grace—opened my eyes to the truth of Jesus's death, burial, and resurrection (Eph 2:8). Amazing Grace. How sweet the sound. That saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now I’m found. I was blind, but now I see.
People continue to come to Jesus. One of my Jewish friends from high school became a Christian. One of my Alief friends from the neighborhood became a Christian. The Creek Church, Fort Worth and Azle campuses, baptize people who believe in Jesus.
I pray, Reader, that you will ponder the most significant three days in the history of the universe - the cross, the tomb, and the resurrection. Friday is here, but Sunday is coming.
Let me ask you three questions.
If you were to die tonight, would God allow you to enter heaven?
Have you accepted Jesus Christ - the Only One who died and rose again for the forgiveness of your sins - as your personal Lord and Savior?
If not, why is that?
It’s risky to play games with eternity. Forever is a long time. You don’t want to be on the wrong side of eternity. Listen to me closely. Some of my readers have received eternal life because they believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God who was sent by God the Father to die on a cross and rise again. Some of you haven’t yet believed the gospel message. It’s okay that you haven’t believed it yet. It’s not OK to not believe it now. Big risk. Russian-roulette type gamble.
I love you, Reader, please think about the crown of thorns that was placed on his head. The beating he endured from the Soldiers of Pontius Pilate. The mocking and the purple robe. The jeers of the crowd, “Crucify him, crucify him.” They killed Jesus, but released an insurrectionist for crying out loud.
Put your faith in Jesus tonight. It will be the best decision you have ever made and will ever make. There is nothing more significant than the decision you’re faced with. You must believe in Jesus Christ as the only rescue route off the crashing airplane.
I will pick up our three boys on Monday afternoon. They will whine, fuss, and take naps. I love them regardless of their behavior. And I will continue to pray for their souls as I do consistently (3 John 1:2; Eph 1:18; Rom 8:34). God loves us despite our irritable behavior.
I have another nickname for him, but I don’t want to embarrass him when he gets older.
This is a very timely message. The temptation to get familiar with the message of the gospel is ever present but we need to always evaluate our work with God and do everything with eternity in view.
Thank you for this reminder.
Thank you, Randy. I love you and appreciate your support.