by Desiree Bustamante

Christ eradicated the power of death.

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

The little girl on the right, with the short curly hair, lives in El Salvador. She is recovering from Leukemia, caused by the chemical runoff from a battery production plant, which has seeped into the water the neighborhood uses for drinking. There are other children in the area who also have the disease. Although the illness brought her close to death, this child is fortunate that she responded well to chemotherapy and has been in remission for a couple of months.

“My health is broken because of my sins.
 My guilt overwhelms me—
    it is a burden too heavy to bear.”
Psalm 38:3-4 New Living Translation

Because of the pollution of sin in this world, we are as sick spiritually as this little girl was physically. We had no hope of recovery, and eternal death was certain. Then our Savior stepped in, to heal us from our sin, and gave us eternal life in Him. Instead of each one of us dying a dreadful death from sin, He suffered unbelievably to save us from the horrors of eternal death.

Today is Shrove Tuesday, a day where some take time to confess their sins before God, and a day many revel in sin before they observe rituals of Lent. No matter how today is observed, Christ died for all sinners…everyone on this earth. He wants every single person to be saved and we all need His salvation.

Ash Wednesday arrives tomorrow, marking the beginning of Lent. Take some time to reflect on the Scriptures. Walk through Christ’s life to His bitter end, and Easter’s glorious resurrection. Pray for those you know who are sick with sin and need His healing powers of salvation. Remember His sacrifice for you and share Christ’s love freely, and generously, this season.

 “But he was pierced for our rebellion,
    crushed for our sins.
He was beaten so we could be whole.
    He was whipped so we could be healed.
All of us, like sheep, have strayed away.
    We have left God’s paths to follow our own.
Yet the Lord laid on him
    the sins of us all.”
Isaiah 53:5-6 New Living Translation

“We believe that we are all saved the same way, by the undeserved grace of the Lord Jesus.”
Acts 15:11 New Living Translation

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado