The church I serve in Short Gap makes and sells over 25,000 chocolate covered peanut butter and coconut eggs during the Easter season. For the first few years Eric Moore faithfully dipped nearly every bit of the peanut butter we used out of the jars. That’s about 855 of the 40 ounce jars of peanut butter over 16 days. That’s about 53 jars per day. And nobody gave it a thought. Eric selflessly scraped in anonymity.
This year I’ve helped him some. So has Dan Lynch. And Dan keeps saying, “I’ve been taking Eric for granted. Getting this peanut butter out of these jars is the most difficult job in this place.” Dan is right. Dan and I now have an appreciation that very few others have.
Sometimes I am reminded how I under-appreciate what Jesus did for me on the cross. It’s so easy to say, “Jesus died on the cross for me”. I confess that I have said it and heard it so many times that it has become something I say and hear without the appreciation it truly deserves. While he could have called 10,000 angels to save Him, He did not. He went through with the torture of the beating, the nails in his hands and feet, the crown of thorns shoved into his head, and being spat upon and mocked. And I rarely appreciate it like I should. We look at it as if it was easy for Him. It was not easy for Him.
Thank You, Jesus. I know you have forgiven me of my sins through Your death and resurrection. Now forgive me of my apathy toward You. I want to live more holy, love more selflessly, and honor you with my life on this earth. I need your help. Help me, Jesus. I cannot wait to see You and thank You in person. In Your mercy, let it be as I have asked.
And if you are not weeping right now, you under-appreciate what Jesus has done for you and I have not done my job in today’s post.
*
*
*
*
*
Scott Knowlton's Blog 