Some see the message of the Gospel as the ultimate story of redemption, but I do not always find it to be so encouraging. Many feel burdened down by the weight of their sin, but why should they? We were created with God knowing full well that we would be susceptible to sin and never, no matter how hard we try, ever be able to live a perfect, sinless life. We have been predestined for failure before we were even conceived. Why then, should we find such hope in the message of the cross? That is God saying, “You have been created in such a way that you will constantly sin, but I have such great love for you so I will send my son to die for you, and because of this you should praise me forever”. God allows the problem of sin AND he provides a solution. It does not make sense for someone to be praised for fixing an issue that they caused. The fact that he would kill his Son for this seems like a waste. Yet, this is where the circle begins to take shape. For maybe, this “waste” of Jesus is the most powerful thing there can be. Since God is the creator of the problem and the solution, maybe it is amazing that he would completely unnecessarily sacrifice part of himself. Maybe the fact that God did not have to do anything for us, for we are merely pawns on his chessboard, shows the genuineness of his love. Perhaps, that is the beauty of the Gospel.
