by Desiree Bustamante

Sin brought death to the world, but Christ destroyed sin with His life!

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking this SoundCloud link

“Praise the Lord, the God of Israel,
because he has visited and redeemed his people.
He has sent us a mighty Savior
from the royal line of his servant David,
just as he promised
through his holy prophets long ago.”
Luke 1:68-70 New Living Translation

“That’s not how this works. That’s not how any of this works!”

I’ve quoted these lines many times since I first heard them in a TV ad. Several older ladies were visiting when one of their friends failed to understand how posting to Facebook works. She tapes her vacation photos to her living room wall, prompting her friend to say those words in frustration.

Nothing that is happening today was what God originally intended when He created the earth. Sin has eroded and destroyed the pure and holy world He made into one of decay, selfishness and hatred. It wasn’t how God’s original plan was supposed to work.

Lent is the time to reflect on the amazing love God has for us. He chose to rescue us from the sin and destruction we cause every day. Had Jesus not died for us, we would have no choice but to live under the constant weight of our sin, with all its consequences, and our existence would end here upon our death. But God’s glorious gift of the life of His only Son freed us from sin’s devastation.

By Christ’s death and resurrection, He secured an eternity for you to be with Him when your days on this earth are completed. With all humility, approach the cross with praises to the Savior who loved you so much that He took all your pain and guilt on Himself, so you can live as His beloved child in the paradise reserved for you through His sacrifice.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church Colorado Springs, Colorado