Will you be Mine?

February 14, 2007

By Greg Ebie

Happy Valentine’s Day! Susie is my Valentine, and she has been for quite a while now. This is our 25th time to celebrate February 14th since we’ve been married. We are so confident that we are each other’s Valentine that we don’t have to ask, “Will you be mine?” Instead, we can just look at each other and say, “You’re mine.” I’m glad our love for each other continues to grow leaving no room for doubt.

To show us just how much He loved us Jesus spread out His arms and was nailed to a cross. His love was so strong He willingly died in our place, but that is not the end of the story. The love of Jesus is so strong that He not only died, but also is raised again to life. The arms spread wide upon the cross can now embrace us in His living love.

The disciples were amazed by the reports of the resurrection. After witnessing the brutal death of Jesus, who would expect Him to overcome in victory? While Jesus caused the blind to see, the lame to walk, the dead to live again and more, the Healer was dead. How could He live again? Such questions must have filled the minds of the disciples when they heard Jesus was alive again.

“Meanwhile, the eleven disciples were on their way to Galilee, headed for the mountain Jesus had set for their reunion. The moment they saw him they worshiped him. Some, though, held back, not sure about worship, about risking themselves totally” (Matthew 28:16,17, The Message).

Matthew only gives a summary of Jesus’ resurrection appearances. I find it interesting how he describes their response — some doubted. John tells us how Thomas refused to believe unless he could touch Jesus’ hands and feet. Yet even the others had times when they must have rubbed their eyes and done a double take. Was it really Jesus? Was He really alive?

Don’t doubt Jesus’ love for you. Give Him all your worship. Jesus gave it all for us, so we can risk loving Him with all our heart, mind, soul and strength. If you think about it, there is no risk at all. God’s faithful love is stronger than the 25 years Susie and I have celebrated Valentine’s Day together. How will you respond when God asks you, “Will you be Mine?”

D. Greg Ebie is senior pastor of Praise Assembly of God in Garrettsville, Ohio, and an author of Daily Bread devotionals.