by Kala Loptien

Why did he have to die?

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

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.
1 Peter 2:24 English Standard Version

Children are often so genuine and direct with their language, aren’t they? They’re filled with curiosity and wonder…and, most often, filter-less. Even small children are already in pursuit of truth and how to make sense of it all. In the last several months, I’ve been asked some of the most profound and thought-provoking questions — all from the mouth of our six-year-old daughter. (Psalm 8:2).

In a “letter to God” assignment at school, she wrote: “I’m sorry you needed to die on the cross.” Like many of us, she’s bothered that her/our sins are the reason He “needed” to die. I frequently fumble through my responses but always come back to the big book of answers. I love thinking about the Bible as God’s letter to us — a guide for life and a reminder of His love.

Though challenging to fully comprehend and explain, He died because He loves us with an everlasting love. The God of heaven and earth created us and wants us with him forever. He knew we needed a Savior. In order to do that, He had to take our place and endure the cross, bearing the weight of all our sins. In exchange, we received His righteousness and eternal life. Two paradoxical realities exist: we are sinful humans and we are fully justified before God. The first is a result of a fallen world. The second is because God loves His children dearly. End of story.

My daughter and I often talk about how it’s a good thing to feel sad about our sins. That leads to a repentant/contrite heart, which then allows us to receive the free gifts of mercy and restoration. From there, we press on towards the goal, forgetting what’s behind. Grace changes you. We are sorry; and He indeed needed to die so that we might be made alive in Him.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, CO