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Whether it’s the weather fluctuation in the past few weeks, the increased amount of babysitting I’ve done for grandchildren, or the chauffeuring of the grandchildren I’m not babysitting to their various lessons and activities, I’ve yet to buy Easter candy. That’s okay. Easter is so much more to me than chocolate rabbits and jelly beans. I truly celebrate Easter every day. But this close to the holiday, I spend a few more moments pondering Jesus’ resurrection from the dead, and my thoughts always go back to the Garden of Eden.
Created in the image of God and clothed with His Glory, Adam and Eve were naked and unashamed. Once they disobeyed God, they realized their nakedness. Their guilt brought shame which they attempted to cover with fig leaves, then they tried to hide from the presence of God.
Before banishing them from the Garden, God made garments from the skin of animals sacrificed to cover the guilt and shame brought on by the sin of Adam and Eve. For many years after that, people sacrificed animals to atone for their sins, while prophets predicted God would send a Messiah to redeem man.
John the Baptist introduced Jesus as the Lamb of God Who takes away the sins of the world. God had sent His Son to be the sacrifice for the sins of the people. Although tempted in every area, Jesus was without sin, yet He willingly became the final sacrifice for our sins. “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.” 1 Peter 2:24
I could make a lengthy list of the sins from which I’ve been forgiven, the sicknesses from which I’ve been healed, and the freedom I’ve found from life’s difficulties, fear, and mental torment, all as a result of Jesus’ sacrifice. As difficult as each one was to bear, they were spread out over a 63-year period. What astounds me is that Jesus bore not only the contents of my list, but the lists of everyone at one time-a pain I cannot imagine, endured by a Savior I will not deny.
Although my sins were enough to nail Jesus to the cross, they couldn’t keep Him there. Easter Sunday marks His triumph over death. May we daily experience the results of His sacrifice, and live in the freedom He willingly purchased for us.

Ronny Michel may be reached at rmichel@rtconline.com