Valentine’s Day is one of the most romantic times of the year. Flower shops prepare for weeks in advance, candy manufacturers work overtime, and card displays sparkle with red, pink, and white.
It is the celebration of love.
It is also the season of diamonds, dinners at fine restaurants, and a huge hit to the pocketbook. In addition, any husband that fails to bring home flowers is certain to be sleeping on the sofa for the night.
How does the Father above celebrate his love for us? Does he send us flowers, candy, or special sparkly cards? Or does he send us something better?
Ephesians 1:3 reminds us of the greatest gift of all. Christ. When Jesus hung on the cross, he did more than die and ascend to sit at the right hand of the Father. Rather, he was lifted up so that we might know every benefit of his atonement.
Isaiah 53:4-5 lists six facets of the atonement Christ brings to us:
#1 – He bore our griefs.
Grief in Hebrew means sickness. Jesus took them all away.
#2 – He carried our sorrows.
Sorrow is mental pain. Jesus gives us comfort in our distress.
#3 – He was wounded for our transgressions.
Transgressions are our failures to live to his expectations. Jesus sets the bar high in hopes that we will strive to please him.
#4 – He was bruised for our iniquities.
Iniquities are intentional sins. Jesus came for the redemption of sin.
#5 – The chastisement of our peace is upon him.
Peace means our welfare and prosperity. Jesus is our source of blessings.
#6 – With his stripes we are healed.
Healing is just what it seems. Jesus wipes away physical disease.
Jesus gives us no reason to send him to the sofa for the night. Rather, we should bring him flowers...and candy and cards. He deserves all the recognition and praise we can offer.
Christmas might be long over, but Jesus is still the reason for the season. Let’s keep him as part of our Valentine’s Day festivities.
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