I’ve written before about how simple it is to follow Jesus. We’re pretty much called to do what he says. Now we like to overcomplicate this simple reality, but there isn’t much more to it than listening to Jesus.
The simplicity of following Jesus shouldn’t come as a surprise, though, because the gospel really is a simple story. On Easter the beautiful simplicity of the gospel was once again made clear to me through lyrics that I’ve sung countless times before.
The ground began to shake
The stone was rolled away
His perfect love could not be overcome
Now death where is your sting?
Our resurrected King
Has rendered you defeated
I love Kari Jobe’s song “Forever.” I have sung it plenty of times, yet on Easter morning, celebrating Jesus’ resurrection, I was moved to tears. The simple reality that Jesus’ love conquered sin and his resurrection defeated death astounded me. They astounded me when I was five years old and they astounded me again on my 35th Easter.
I was a sinner separated from God.
Jesus died on a cross in my place.
His resurrection gives me new life.
If I accept him, his death and his resurrection then I am put back into a right relationship with God.
Then I get to live my life as Jesus’ disciple for God’s kingdom.
The simplicity of that truth is only overshadowed by how truly amazing it is. Too often I live my life caught up in the busyness of work, getting ready to have a child and finding different ways to make a difference for God’s kingdom.
Instead, I should life my life remembering Jesus’ work on the cross, getting ready to live each day as a child of God and reflecting on the ways God’s kingdom has made a difference in me.
Working, being a good parent and serving God’s kingdom are great and admirable pursuits. However, we can’t get so caught up in our pursuits that we miss out on the simplicity of Jesus’ love for us and all that he has done.
What helps you remember the simplicity of the gospel?
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