The Ultimate Debt Forgiveness

Easter is my favorite holiday.  Doesn't it sort of encapsulate everything we as Christians believe?

• We all do wrong, to some degree, and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)
• In God's justice system, forgiveness of sin requires a sacrifice. (Hebrews 9:22)
• We all deserve death for our sins. (Romans 6:23)
• Jesus came to save us from our sins.  (Matthew 1:21, John 1:29, 1 Timothy 1:15)
• Jesus lived a sinless life.  (1 Peter 1:18-19, 1 Peter 2:21-24)
• He took our sin upon Himself. (1 Peter 2:21-24)
• He voluntarily gave up His life for us. (John 10:18)
• He suffered and died to pay the price for our sin. (Isaiah 53:5, Romans 4:25, Revelation 1:5)
• His death was the sacrifice for our sins. (Mark 10:45, Romans 3:25, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, 1 Timothy 2:6, Hebrews 9:15,)
• After three days He rose again from the dead. (Mark 16:6, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, 1 Thessalonians 4:14)
• If we believe, forgiveness is given to us as a gift from God. (Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:8)

This past Sunday we celebrated Palm Sunday, a remembrance of when Jesus arrived in Jerusalem as King.  As is customary, we received palm leaves at church.  I like to fashion them into a cross to represent the week from Palm Sunday through Good Friday and Easter.  This is a week to remember just what Christ suffered for our benefit.  For how many people would you lay down your life?  Jesus did that voluntarily for me and for you.  It's almost more than I can comprehend.  Do we ever take that in stride?  Taking communion is certainly a reminder, but do we think of Christ's tremendous sacrifice more frequently than that?  Do we get desensitized to the beating, the blood, the pain, the humiliation of that sacrifice?  If so, what does that mean for our spiritual walk?

I am by no means perfect in this (or any!) regard, but if I'm drifting, Easter week brings me back on track.  What brings you back to focus in your walk with Christ?