By: Rex Stump
Wauseon, Ohio
It’s Spring, and many sports enthusiasts are excited for the NCAA basketball tournament, also known as March Madness!
But here in Northwest Ohio, I believe March Madness can describe many things!
For example, the weather is all over the place! Temperatures drastically change, like cars pulling off the Toll Road onto the exit ramp, 70 to 35! Seniors are suddenly scrambling to prepare for graduation and the next part of their life journey.
World events seem to be alarming, as well as our own personal events in life! It’s madness, right?
But all these things can’t compare to the madness Jesus experienced in a 24-hour period. In less than 24 hours, Jesus celebrated the Passover, washed His disciples’ feet, spent time in intense prayer, was betrayed, abandoned, arrested, and beaten. He experienced multiple trials filled with false accusations, cursing and beatings to follow.
He was bruised, spat upon, scourged to the point of death, and mocked. He was publicly shamed, and placed on a Roman cross, crucified, and utterly disrespected. Finally, Jesus was buried in a tomb…all in less than 24 hours. Madness, right?
The amazing thing is that Jesus, at any point in time, could have called upon legions of angels to rescue Him from all the pain, misery, and death. But God’s plan needed an ultimate sacrifice for all mankind. A spotless lamb of God. Jesus was the sacrifice, the Lamb of God.
For God so loved the world… HE GAVE His one and only Son! That one and only Son, lived, died, and was buried…and rose again! Had we lived in those days, we wouldn’t have predicted it. It would have been a bracket buster. But it was no surprise to God.
Today, we have His written Word, the Bible. It accurately explains history, explaining our need for salvation, and the answer, Jesus Christ. Do you believe this?
If you are experiencing a little madness in your life today, I encourage you to place your trust in God’s gift of salvation to all, Jesus Christ.
“Stay strong, stay focused…stay faithful!”
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Rex Stump is the Area Director for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and serves as a Pastor at True North Church in Wauseon, Ohio.