This Easter has been a sombre one, tinged with sadness as I think of family and friends navigating tough times, such as loss, health issues, and many more. Two themes have stood out for me this Easter: spiritual blindness and the significance of Jesus being the gate for salvation and safety.
John 9:39 NIV
Jesus said, "For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind"
Despite having physical sight, we are more often than not, spiritually blinded by the world’s influences, preventing us from recognizing God’s grace in our lives. We get caught up easily in our past and present circumstances: bitterness fills us up, and we fail to see beyond the pain & find it difficult to feel God’s presence. Even when miracles do occur, guilt and shame keep us from acknowledging them and fully surrendering to God.
During the week, the news of a friend’s loved one passing away from cerebral malaria, just two weeks shy of graduation, was heartbreaking. This news resonated deeply, as I survived cerebral malaria nearly 40 years ago and was in a coma at Port Moresby General Hospital for a couple of days. I’m struck by the apparent decline in PNG’s healthcare system. It’s saddening to think that lives that could have been saved are now being lost.
I wrote about my experience a few years back – here’s the link:
https://idauhahine.com/2020/03/08/now-is-all-we-have/
In moments like this, fear and doubt set in, and you tend to question your faith. Forgetting that, in all circumstances, God remains supreme. And that we have been brought back to Him by Jesus’ death and resurrection.
Prayer:
Thank you, Jesus, for reminding me this Easter of my spiritual blindness and most especially for Your sacrifice on the cross for ALL mankind. May Your Holy Spirit guide us to live with eyes open to see Your wonders and to share Your mercy with others around us.
In John 10:7-9, Jesus says, “I am the gate for the sheep.” He’s not just a gatekeeper, but the gate itself.
This gate analogy is both powerful and beautiful. Jesus isn’t just guarding the gate; He’s the gate itself, providing direct access to salvation.
Just as we feel secure when we reach the gates of our homes, we can trust and be confident that we’re safe from sin and death when our lives are rooted in Christ.
Easier said than done, right, as we’re prone to lose that sense of security when loved ones and we ourselves face various struggles. We start to question God, like one of the criminals who was hung alongside Jesus. We choose not to recognise Jesus for who He is.
This Easter has brought me a renewed sense of hope: I’m not expected to be perfect to be saved. Christ’s love and sacrifice are for imperfect people like me. Like the 2nd criminal who recognised Jesus for who He is and asked or, more like, pleaded with Him directly for help. And this is Jesus’ reply to him:
Luke 23:43 NIV
[43] Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Amen 🙏 Jesus is the gate for ALL mankind! There is salvation and security in Him alone: all we have to do is ask Him for help!
I want to share an Easter prayer sourced from YouVersion:
Jesus,
We grieve that the torture and sorrow You endured on the cross were necessary to save humanity. You didn't want us enslaved to fear, anxiety, or sin-so
You sacrificed Yourself so that Love could win.
It's Love that hung upon the cross and gave up everything to rescue us. "It is finished" was a cry of victory, because You defeated everything that held us in captivity.
Because of Your sacrifice, we can experience intimacy with You forever. Thank You! Help us to know You more and show us how to share Your love today and every day.
Use us to reach the world with the hope found in You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
To God be the glory always ❤️🙏
Idau Hahine 