Most cows ignore them, the large egrets that hang around cow pastures searching for insects. But a brand new calf is a different matter. I saw him slowly edging up to the long-necked, long-legged bird. When he got too close, the snowy-white bird spread its wide wings and gracefully lifted off into the air. The little one learned that day some creatures aren’t earthbound like him. Have you ever wished you could fly, like a bird? I have. Soaring around looking down on the earth below would be so much fun. Although adventurous types tried over and over, it took humans thousands of years to invent ways to safely fly. I guess God figured we could get ourselves in enough trouble without having that skill as well.

My daughters rarely give me anything without a bow attached. No matter how small or common an item it comes with a bow. It made me think about giving, in whatever way, for various family celebrations or Christmas gifts, charitable donations or church offerings. Do I really give with a bow attached or out of some sense of responsibility or obligation. Well, if I must, I must. I wouldn’t want anyone to think I’m not generous. The Bible has something to say about that way of giving. It also has something to say about those who give great amounts out of show. Any giving without love attached is not joyful giving. Let’s bring all our gifts, especially those before God, with bows attached. He loves the cheerful giver!

The prophet Samuel was highly disappointed when Israel asked for a king. He had served as a judge and God’s prophet for practically his whole life, but now the people preferred a king. Samuel described the economic and personal sacrifices they would have to make if they had a king, but they were determined. When he said they were rejecting God, they didn’t change their minds, but realized they might be in trouble. Afraid, they asked Samuel to pray they wouldn’t die. Samuel’s reply, “Moreover as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you” (1 Samuel 12:23a). Even though the people had rejected him and God, Samuel continued to pray for them. He said it would be a sin against God not to.

A few weeks ago I was burning wood in my fireplace, now suddenly the stark dark limbs on the oak trees are bursting with fresh green leaves. The blackberry vines climbing on the back fence are filled with blooms. Tiny figs are popping out on my fig bushes. Daffodils and tulips are blooming in my flower beds. It’s like the earth has come alive! Don’t you love Spring? It’s as if this season points to how Christ’s sacrifice changed everything. Jesus, the light of the world, conquered the dark powers of evil and death and brought us everlasting, eternal joy.

While preparing breakfast, I noticed my neighbors down the road saying goodbye to some friends who had spent the night. It was fun to watch because I knew the procedure. First, you mention you need to be leaving. After some discussion about whether or not you really have to go this soon (10 minutes at least), your hosts follow you outside to your car. While you load your bags, more discussion about hating to see you go so soon and how much they enjoyed the visit (10 more minutes). After you enter your car, at least 5 more minutes wishing you a safe trip and ya’ll come back soon. In the South if you plan to leave someone’s home at a certain time, start 30 minutes ahead of time!

As those of you who read these blogs know, I’ve struggled these last few weeks with why Jesus had to die in such a painful way. He died for our sins, but couldn’t he have died without being flogged half to death and without the cruel tortures of crucifixion? His death was prophesied, yes, but how could a merciful God of love do nothing to prevent such a horrendous death for his Son. This Easter morning, God reminded me who clamored, actually demanded over and over, for Jesus to be crucified. The instigators were the religious authorities of the time and the common people. It was me!

Death was their job. The Roman soldiers who crucified Christ were hardened veterans who had crucified so many people, it had become a joke. They laughed at the sign over Jesus’ writhing body on the cross naming him king of the Jews. What irony, a king on a cross. They may not have understood his language when he asked God to forgive them, yet all that happened during that awful dark day made the centurion and others realize Jesus was special. Though they were pagan and worshiped many gods, they knew the events surrounding this man’s death were different from all the other crucifixions they had ever witnessed. Little did they realize through this one man’s death, death itself was conquered, and life eternal was made available to each of them and to all the rest of humanity.

Jesus had to die for us, but why did he have to be tortured to death? The penalty for sin is death, not torture. Yes, he was the Lamb of God, but when we look to the animal sacrifices Jesus replaced with his very life’s blood, the animals were killed swiftly and humanely. I’ve heard theologians’ various explanations why, but they contradict each other so all can’t be right. Psalm 22:14-18, Isaiah 52:14 and Isaiah 53:10-12 show what happened was prophesied. God’s thoughts are above our thoughts. Perhaps Jesus’ tortuous death was to relate to what his followers would and did experience throughout the ages. Our anxieties, our griefs and our sufferings are taken up and sanctified in his. Whatever the reason, I know his suffering was done out of love for us. That’s who Jesus is!

As I drink my unsweetened coffee each morning, I’m reminded again of the great love God has for me that he would sacrifice himself for me. He gave up everything to become a human baby and to live out a perfect life for me. I don’t deserve that. And I surely don’t deserve him taking on the physical and emotional pain he suffered, let alone the excruciating physical torture of crucifixion, all for me. I don’t even love myself that much! Resurrection Sunday is coming. It’s that yearly reminder of how much my Savior loves me. Many wonder about their purpose in life, who they really are and why, but I am loved by God! That’s who I am!

“Is Christ the priority in your life or the center of your life?” When someone asks me a question like that, I think, Wait. What? How do I answer that? Our pastor explained. If Christ is the priority in your life, when you get up, you pray and read your Bible or a devotional before you start your day. Then you go on to face your daily responsibilities, whether driving to work or weeding your garden or answering your mail. Christ is your priority. But if Christ is the center of your life, he’s not only in your designated prayer time, he’s also in the car with you on the way to work and with you weeding the garden and involved in answering your mail or whatever you’re doing. He’s the center of all you do, not just your first-thing-in-the-day priority.