#5kMay2019 Day 9 (BLOG)

Today was another epic “OFF” day for me, which means that I just ran a nice, easy 5k. I tried to run much slower than normal, but I wouldn’t say that I nailed it. I was aiming for 8 minute miles, but I ended up running 3.1 miles in 23 minutes and 51 seconds, which was an average pace of 7:41.

This was a super busy day for me, so I was glad to have a more laid back 5k on the schedule. Tomorrow is going to be MUCH longer…

Reading through the chapters of Scripture today, I am always amazed by how Jesus so willingly went to the cross for us. How could I not be amazed by that kind of selfless love?!

Probably one of my favorite mini-stories in the gospels is found in Matthew 27.

When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!”

(Matthew 27:54, ESV)

This roman centurion, who was likely a part of beating, mocking, and spitting on Jesus just moments before, came to an unexpected realization that Jesus really was the Son of God.

I find so much hope in the small, side story of this centurion. The vilest offender who truly believes, that moment from Jesus a pardon receives. Praise the Lord!

No matter who you are, and no matter what you have done, it is not too late to turn to Jesus, accept the fact that He died for you, and receive eternal life.

One of the most powerful paintings I have ever seen is of this centurion looking at the bloody, pierced feet of Jesus. The painting captures that moment of realization for the centurion -that Jesus’ death was for him!

When the painter was struggling to figure out exactly how to portray the centurion’s face, he came to a powerful decision. The picture became a self-portrait, as he painted his own face onto the body of the centurion. This is an example of a man who realizes that Jesus died for him!

Do you realize today that Jesus died for you?