Seeing Red

Today we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Imagine what it must have been like to be a part of this monumental historic event from crucifixion to resurrection.

First there was an angry mob who demanded Jesus’ crucifixion; then grief for many as Jesus hung upon the cross—His body pierced and bleeding. After Jesus’ death there was fear and likely despair. Then at the sight of an empty tomb there was confusion. Even when Jesus was seen alive there were those in disbelief and some who had their doubts about His resurrection, as there are today. 

The Good News is that because Jesus endured the cross to death the veil that separated man from knowing God was torn in two. At this time the earth shook, rocks split, and tombs broke open. Scripture tells us that the bodies of many holy people we’re raised to life. They came out of their tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and went into the holy city, appearing to many people. Can you imagine!?

It was a truly terrifying moment for those who saw these things happen. In fact, a centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus exclaimed in their terror, “Surely He was the Son of God!”

For those who followed Jesus, confusion and doubt would turn to joy when they received the news that Jesus was alive! However, to the disciple Thomas, who needed to see the proof with His own two eyes, Jesus spoke these words: Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.

What Jesus was expressing here was the blessing of faith: having never seen the proof with our own eyes, but accepting it to be true with our hearts. It’s a huge comfort and blessing to be sure of things we haven’t seen. We call this hope. Because Jesus lives, those who believe, and have hope in Him, are made right with God through Jesus shed blood.

The Blood of Christ

The song below isn’t your typical Easter song, but this isn’t a typical Easter either. The title and chorus to “I See Red” is a reference to the blood of Christ (not anger.) This song is about struggle and hope.

The blood of Jesus’ sacrifice reminds us that we’re not alone. We weren’t created to do this alone. Even when we’re struggling in our relationship with Him we can always start over again. This is what Jesus’ sacrifice accomplished. Forgiveness is through His shed blood, for He took the blame and bore the guilt and shame of our sin for us. That’s an amazingly gracious gift. Jesus is always worthy of our praise even in these challenging times.

Do you know what repentance really is? It’s surrender. It’s throwing up the white flag and saying I want to do things Your way, Lord. We have God’s help to do this, for Jesus loves us. The proof was on the cross.

The first step of faith is to say yes to His offer and then allow Him to have your heart, soul and mind. I wish that someone explained to me that this doesn’t happen overnight. I beat myself up for many years believing that I was a terrible Christian because there was so much I didn’t understand or believe. Accepting Jesus is just the beginning of our new life in Him. It takes time to build that close relationship with Jesus and gain both understanding and a strong confidence in Him. Even then sometimes we have to start over again when we’ve drifted away from Him.

Sorry, no lyrics. I couldn’t find a decent video that was accurate.

“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”

Ephesians 2:13 New International Version (NIV)

“And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Acts 4:12 (ESV)

(Photo credit goes to Pixabay.com user Mircealancu.)