“The Day That Changed the World”

There have been other important days in history:

But none that could compare to this one.

Yes, if we mentioned Pearl Harbor Day, D-Day or 9/11, we’d remember when they occurred and why (even if we weren’t there or born yet): for they were days that changed the course of history.

For some Americans in their late 90’s, they can still remember the day the stock market crashed—while some Japanese in their late 80’s can tell you where they were the day the atomic bombs fell on Hiroshima and Nagasaki (Aug. 6 & 9, 1945).

Likewise, on a more personal level, we can remember other days that impacted us: the day we got married. . .when our children were born. . .when we graduated from high school or college. . .when we got hired or fired. . .when we built our dream house. . .or when a parent, spouse or child died.

Yes, we all have them: significant days that changed our lives.

But, none of them can compare to what happened in Jerusalem 2,000 years ago when Jesus died on the Cross—and three days later rose up from the dead.

To some, He was a liar and a lunatic: some misguided mystic or religious zealot trying to gain a following; but, to others (even today) He was/is the Son of God (and God Himself in human form) Whose Life, Death and Resurrection still change lives today.

Yes, even though He was born into a Jewish family in a Nowheresville named Nazareth, He was more than a carpenter’s adopted son or a Jewish messiah.  

Instead, He was/is the prophesied-and-promised, anointed-and-appointed One sent from God to make us right with Him so we can spend eternity with Him.

For sure, other religions have their own version of a messiah: one who’ll come and make things right; but, none of them point to One dying on a cross and say “There’s my Savior and Redeemer of the world.”

No, they want a world leader. . .someone riding in on a white stallion. . .wearing shining armor. . .with his sharp sword glistening in the sunlight. . .who’ll banish the enemy and make things right.

But, such wasn’t God’s Plan: for, before anything existed, He decreed that there’d have to be “the shedding of blood before there could be the remission (forgiveness) of sin” (Hebrews 9:22). 

He also determined that He’d do this in a most unusual way: by sending His “only-begotten Son into the world” (which we can’t understand) to be our Substitute and His perfect Sacrifice.

Yes, that Day at Calvary was an earth-shaking, history-changing Day—for it opened wide Heaven’s Gates to all who would place their trust in the One Who died on that Cross.

Thankfully, this doesn’t require us to understand all the ins-and-outs of the Mosaic Law, the Levitical sacrificial system, the Aaronic priesthood, etc.  Instead, in childlike Faith, we place our trust in Someone we’ve never seen: believing that Jesus’ Death on the Cross that day changed EVERYTHING: including us.  Hallelujah!!

Therefore, this week as you think about a world that’s falling apart and the gathering spiritual darkness, think about the Christ, the Cross and the Cost.  Think about the One hanging on that old, wooden Cross and hear Him whispering, “All for you, all for you.”

Remember that He was no victim or martyr; instead, He was/is “the Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world” and how His Blood “cleanses your conscience” from the guilt of past and present sins: making you right with a Holy God (John 1:29, 36; Romans 5:6-11; Hebrews 9:14).

And, don’t stop there; instead, think about what happened three days later. . .early on a Sunday morning. . .when the earth shook and the stone rolled away from the borrowed tomb.

Yes, think about what happened that Day and how Jesus’ Resurrection changed EVERYTHING: including the lives of all who place their trust in Him.  Amen and amen.

Thank You, Jesus.

        (NOTE:  If you’d like to contact Bro. Tom or receive his daily devotional, entitled “Morning Manna,” you can e-mail him at pressingon@hotmail.com).