For These He Came

He is risen.

This year, during the good Friday service and Easter morning service, I found myself looking around the audience a lot. I don’t think this was distracting from worship. In fact, it inspired my worship.

I watched families, couples, and singles (some I’ve known forever and some I’ve never met). Of course, the little girls looked adorable in their poufy new Easter dresses and the little boys looked snappy (though perhaps less interested in their new clothes and less comfortable). But I wasn’t really looking at the clothes. I was looking at people and remembering their stories. I saw families that had once been torn apart brought back together. I saw once rebellious children now following the Lord earnestly. I saw men once addicted to porn loving and leading their wives. I saw women once caught in substance abuse now filled with the Holy Spirit.

For these He came. The broken, the rebellious, the wretched.

I saw others. Their stories may be less dramatic, but the change in their life isn’t. I saw friends once crippled by anxiety and depression, now living in trust and freedom. I saw once grieving families filled with hope and healing. I saw those once prideful bowing their heads in awe. I saw those once timid, standing in worship.

For these He came. The broken, the poor in spirit, the mourning.

I know I must have seen some who don’t think they are broken. I am sure I saw people who think they are good enough. I probably saw people who enjoyed a nostalgic Easter service, but don’t live like He rose from the grave.

For these He came. The ones He loved first, the lost sheep for which He’ll leave the ninety-nine, the prodigal son He’ll run out to meet.

He makes us new. He can make you new.

He is risen indeed!

Photo by Pedro Lima on Unsplash