Over the Easter weekend, my family watched the movie “The Passion of The Christ,” directed by Mel Gibson. It’s an incredible account that puts vision to what Christ did for us as we celebrate Easter under quarantine.
Right before it started, my child asked me if I remembered the 1st time I saw the movie. I told him I saw it in the theater when it first was released. I remember everyone around me crying. In fact, I distinctly remember hearing sobbing. There was soberness in the audience that is rarely if ever, felt in an American movie theater.
I wasn’t one of the masses who were crying.
Why?
At the time of the movie’s release in 2004, I was fully immersed in a pagan lifestyle by participating in Wicca as a High Priestess. I was being stoic and detached from the visions of the movie. More than that, I was being stoic and detached from the knowledge that spoke to my heart through the movie.
The kicker about why I wasn’t crying? I was in shock. I was in shock that God would love me so much that He sent His Son to be tortured and killed for me. And what was I doing with that gift?
I was throwing it back in His face by practicing false religion.
The passion God has for us is amazing. It is always enough for each of us. While we acknowledge that God’s gift is enough, we also need to be aware that the enemy is constantly trying to divert us from our walk with the Father. In 1 Peter 5:8 we are told: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking who he may devour.”
In my life, it wasn’t enough that I was raised in a family knowing God. It wasn’t enough that I gave my life to Christ as a teenager. It wasn’t enough that I knew scripture. I was still deceived and turned my back on God.
The good news is that our Father is a forgiving one. A year after watching “The Passion of The Christ” in the theater, I denounced that false religion and returned to my walk with Christ.
Each time I’ve watched that movie since I’ve joined the masses who were crying. I’ve cried for the utter destruction of a man who willingly died for me. I’ve cried for my own sins against God. I’ve cried for those under the bondage of false religions. And I’ve cried for those who don’t know Christ as their personal savior.
On this Monday after Easter, this is my prayer:
Father God,
We are so thankful for your passion for each of us and that you were willing to provide the ultimate sacrifice of your Son on our behalf. I pray that those who have hardened hearts toward you will find their hearts softened. That those with scales on their ears will be able to hear the truth of the Gospel. That those who are worshiping idols and false gods will discover You, as the truth. That those who are vulnerable will be barred from falling prey to deception. If someone doesn’t know You, please put someone in their path that will speak truth into their life. Father, I pray a hedge of protection over any and all who are drawing away from you…let them see your love in a way that is fresh and new. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Sweet sisters of the Iron Porch, remember that the Father has a passion for you.
~Emily
Iron Porch 