Are you a list person? Do you like to check off your to-do list? Do you make a shopping list? Do you enjoy a funny Top 10 list? You might have a bucket list of things you want to accomplish in your life. And hopefully, you don’t have a hit list. ☺ Lists help us keep track of important details and info.
A lot of people make Christmas Lists, but we also need to make an Easter List. Colossians 2:14 reminds us of a list that Jesus dealt with when He was on the cross: “He canceled the debt, which listed all the rules we failed to follow. He took away that record with its rules and nailed it to the cross.” When it comes to the cross of Easter, there are 3 important lists that we need to remember.
Our Forgiveness
The first list is the list of our sins. Isaiah 65:6 says, “Look at this! Their sins are all written out— I have the list before me. I’m not putting up with this any longer. I’ll pay them the wages.” Everybody has a record of sins we’ve committed. Since none of us are perfect, we all fall short of the high standard of God. The price of our sin is a huge disconnect between us and God.
Our Future
But there’s another list that’s written in the Book of Life talked about in Revelation 3:5. This permanent list is a record of everyone who has trusted in Jesus as the Forgiver of their sin and the Leader of their life. And if your name is on that list, then the first list, the one with all of your wrongs, is shredded and your future home in heaven is sure and secure.
Our Friends and Family
Which brings us to the last list: the list of people that you’re praying for to trust in Jesus. When Jesus was on the cross, He wasn’t thinking about Himself. He was thinking about others who needed God. And we need to be thinking about others too. We don’t want to come to church on Easter and hear the greatest news in all the world without bringing someone with us!
Make a list right now of people in your circle of influence who need a connection with God through Jesus and start praying your heart out for them. Make it a priority this week to invite them to church with you on Easter Sunday to give them the best opportunity to connect with God. When you do, you will have made an eternal difference in their life!