To Die for - Literally

S - "While they were talking about what had happened, Jesus appeared and greeted them. They were frightened and terrified because they thought they were seeing a ghost. But Jesus said, “Why are you so frightened? Why do you doubt? Look at my hands and my feet and see who I am! Touch me and find out for yourselves. Ghosts don't have flesh and bones as you see I have." After Jesus said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. They were so glad and amazed that they could not believe it. Jesus then asked them, “Do you have something to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish. He took it and ate it as they watched. Jesus said to them, “While I was still with you, I told you that everything written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and in the Psalms had to happen.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. He told them: The Scriptures say that the Christ must suffer, then three days later he will rise from death. They also say that all people of every nation must be told in my name to change their thinking in order to receive freedom from sins." Luke 24 TS

O - Jesus leads the way, is the way, for every human being.  He led the way through all of earth's very worst, requested forgiveness for those who manifested such tragic brutality and included in his kingdom any who would but ask.  Jesus accepts the most unjust, painful  and humiliating death any person can experience so that regardless of when or how people die -- he is and has made the way for them.  He is buried and waits for his resurrection.  Though he has the power to literally get up from the dead all on his own he waits.  His waiting, like his coming, living, teaching and dying, is for us. He will experience this so we can follow him through it.  He is the way to resurrection because he himself is the resurrection and resurrection life. His call to all people never changes: "Follow me."

A - Jesus thinks every human being is worth dying for and living for.  His entire life and experience on earth was for people, all people.  He didn't fulfill the Scriptures to prove they were right nor to prove his identity.  He did all he did for us (7.4 billion and counting).  He does this in such a way that all can literally follow in his steps … through death and resurrection - literally.  At our worst and the world's worst he refused to exercise his divine nature or prerogatives.  He humbly accepts the worst to guarantee us all the capacity to participate in the very best both heaven and earth offer; life vibrant and irrepressible, forever life.  I will follow him no matter where he leads or what I face.  He has loved us first and most and refuses to change his mind; even when I give him reasons to. 

P - Lord who is resurrection life,

Am still so amazed that you love us like you do.  Thank you for never quitting on any human; thank you for never quitting on me. You are the way and I will follow.  I really do love you back!

Steve