Love Is ... What You Value Most
As we approach Easter, it's natural to reflect on what truly matters in our lives. We often consider our most prized possessions - like our homes, cars, or cherished heirlooms. Some might say their family or health - even life itself - is what's most valuable to us. But what if we're missing something even more precious?
Life itself is undoubtedly a beautiful gift. Yet even this most fundamental possession is fleeting. History and science confirm the inevitability of death for all living things. This sobering reality prompts us to dig deeper and ask: so .... what is our greatest treasure?
The answer lies in understanding God's original design for humanity. We were created in His image, intended for intimate relationship with our Creator. Adam and Eve walked with God in the Garden of Eden, experiencing His presence and wisdom firsthand. We were made for relationship - but sin entered, severing that connection and bringing both physical and spiritual death.
This separation wasn't God's will - it was man's. Even in that moment of humanity's fall, He set in motion a rescue mission spanning millennia. In Genesis 3:15, God declared to satan: "I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed (offspring) and her Seed; He will crush your head, and you will strike his heel." This prophecy pointed to Jesus Christ, who would ultimately defeat death and restore the relationship with Him that was lost.
The apostle Paul expands on this in Romans 5. He explains that through Adam's sin, judgment and condemnation came to all. But through Christ's perfectly sinless life - and sacrificial act on the cross, the free gift of justification and life became available to everyone who believes. This is the essence of the Gospel - we are declared innocent - justified; "just as if we'd never sinned," through faith in Jesus.
Consider the profound implications. The peace with God that Adam and Eve enjoyed in Eden can be restored to us. The reign of sin leading to death can be replaced by the reign of grace leading to eternal life. This is our most valuable possession - a life that never ends, hope that never fades, secured through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
On Palm Sunday and as Holy week progresses - we see the path from triumph to tragedy vividly portrayed in depictions of Christ's passion. We see Him brutally scourged, His flesh torn away. We witness the agonizing journey to Golgotha, where He was nailed to the cross and suffered an excruciating death. This wasn't mere spectacle or martyrdom - it was the ultimate expression of love and the measure of our value to God. You are His most Valued - possession - You!
The journey from intellectual assent - to heart-level faith is often the greatest distance Jesus must travel. It's not measured in miles but in the space between our head and heart. We may know about Jesus, but have we allowed Him to enter our hearts?
For those who feel unworthy or struggle with self-doubt, remember the words of Lauren Daigle's song "Valuable":
"I watch you from afar and think what a work of art
Like the depths of the Grand Canyon or a canopy of stars
...
Oh, every tear He catches with his hand
And He knows the way your heart breaks within
You see, you're valuable"
So, so valuable"
This is God's perspective on you. No matter your past, no matter the lies you've believed about yourself, you are infinitely precious to your Creator. The cross stands as eternal proof of your value to Him. He values you most of all!
As we approach Good Friday and Easter, let's reflect on the true meaning of our value in the creator's eyes. As well - to reflect on our most priceless possession - which isn't found in material goods or even in this temporary earthly life. It's found in our personal relationship with God (restored once again) through Jesus Christ - who delivered to us through His death - the gift of eternal life, offered freely to all who believe.
Whether you're exploring faith for the first time, rediscovering a relationship with God after wandering, or seeking to deepen your existing walk with Christ, know that He stands ready to make that journey with you - from your head to your heart. Open yourself to His transforming love today. For in Him, we find our true worth and our eternal home.
Hosanna! - (save me - I pray) Jesus!
Amen!
As we approach Easter, it's natural to reflect on what truly matters in our lives. We often consider our most prized possessions - like our homes, cars, or cherished heirlooms. Some might say their family or health - even life itself - is what's most valuable to us. But what if we're missing something even more precious?
Life itself is undoubtedly a beautiful gift. Yet even this most fundamental possession is fleeting. History and science confirm the inevitability of death for all living things. This sobering reality prompts us to dig deeper and ask: so .... what is our greatest treasure?
The answer lies in understanding God's original design for humanity. We were created in His image, intended for intimate relationship with our Creator. Adam and Eve walked with God in the Garden of Eden, experiencing His presence and wisdom firsthand. We were made for relationship - but sin entered, severing that connection and bringing both physical and spiritual death.
This separation wasn't God's will - it was man's. Even in that moment of humanity's fall, He set in motion a rescue mission spanning millennia. In Genesis 3:15, God declared to satan: "I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed (offspring) and her Seed; He will crush your head, and you will strike his heel." This prophecy pointed to Jesus Christ, who would ultimately defeat death and restore the relationship with Him that was lost.
The apostle Paul expands on this in Romans 5. He explains that through Adam's sin, judgment and condemnation came to all. But through Christ's perfectly sinless life - and sacrificial act on the cross, the free gift of justification and life became available to everyone who believes. This is the essence of the Gospel - we are declared innocent - justified; "just as if we'd never sinned," through faith in Jesus.
Consider the profound implications. The peace with God that Adam and Eve enjoyed in Eden can be restored to us. The reign of sin leading to death can be replaced by the reign of grace leading to eternal life. This is our most valuable possession - a life that never ends, hope that never fades, secured through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
On Palm Sunday and as Holy week progresses - we see the path from triumph to tragedy vividly portrayed in depictions of Christ's passion. We see Him brutally scourged, His flesh torn away. We witness the agonizing journey to Golgotha, where He was nailed to the cross and suffered an excruciating death. This wasn't mere spectacle or martyrdom - it was the ultimate expression of love and the measure of our value to God. You are His most Valued - possession - You!
The journey from intellectual assent - to heart-level faith is often the greatest distance Jesus must travel. It's not measured in miles but in the space between our head and heart. We may know about Jesus, but have we allowed Him to enter our hearts?
For those who feel unworthy or struggle with self-doubt, remember the words of Lauren Daigle's song "Valuable":
"I watch you from afar and think what a work of art
Like the depths of the Grand Canyon or a canopy of stars
...
Oh, every tear He catches with his hand
And He knows the way your heart breaks within
You see, you're valuable"
So, so valuable"
This is God's perspective on you. No matter your past, no matter the lies you've believed about yourself, you are infinitely precious to your Creator. The cross stands as eternal proof of your value to Him. He values you most of all!
As we approach Good Friday and Easter, let's reflect on the true meaning of our value in the creator's eyes. As well - to reflect on our most priceless possession - which isn't found in material goods or even in this temporary earthly life. It's found in our personal relationship with God (restored once again) through Jesus Christ - who delivered to us through His death - the gift of eternal life, offered freely to all who believe.
Whether you're exploring faith for the first time, rediscovering a relationship with God after wandering, or seeking to deepen your existing walk with Christ, know that He stands ready to make that journey with you - from your head to your heart. Open yourself to His transforming love today. For in Him, we find our true worth and our eternal home.
Hosanna! - (save me - I pray) Jesus!
Amen!
HOPE Blog ... Pastor Bob DeFelice
Sometimes random - sometimes not - some things I think - measured against scripture.
"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
~ 2 Timothy 2:15
"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
~ 2 Timothy 2:15
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