Mom’s Potato Salad…

My husband makes the best ribs. On the way to church recently, he said that he wouldn’t mind making a slab or two. I immediately started thinking about my mom’s potato salad, which I haven’t made in quite a while. Her potato salad  is full of carb and fat DELICIOUSNESS, and the cost to our 50-something waistlines must always be considered. This particular Sunday, we unequivocally decided the calories were worth it.

We stopped by the store after church and purchased all the items needed for ribs and potato salad. I was so excited! When we got home, I immediately got my potatoes in the pot to boil. When I went to drain the potatoes, I accidentally touched the inside of my forearm with the hot pot. It didn’t hurt too much at first, so I didn’t tend to the burn right away. I was distracted by the mouth-watering thought of the finished product that I needed to get into the fridge to chill asap. The cost of this minor accident surely paled in comparison to that creamy potato salad.

When I finally got around to tending to the burn, I realized that it was actually a significant burn. It really was painful and most likely would leave a scar. Boy, I sure wish I had considered the cost of not tending to the burn earlier at this point. Stupid potato salad, it probably won’t even taste like my mom’s!

The very next night, we studied the cost of the cross in our Monday Night Bible Study. You see, we tend to overlook the cost of the cross to Jesus and rarely even consider the cost to God himself.

‭‭”About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?’ (which means ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’).” (Matthew 27:46).

Jesus, in that moment, felt the full weight of all of our sins, as His Father turned his back on His Son. Jesus then gave up His life for us.

“And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.” (Matthew 27:50)

As I look at my grandson snuggled up with me, I can’t imagine assigning the task of torture and death to him. I can’t fathom, then turning my back on him as he suffered under that torture and death. Yes, there was a moment in time when the cost was significant and a man lost His life. For us. Every single one of us. It is important that we consider the cost.

‭‭”After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.  ‭‭There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” (Matthew 28:1-7)

The cost was worth it to God. It was worth it to Jesus. God loves us so much that the sacrifice and pain were worth it. Jesus’ nail scarred hands remind us of our worth and the cost that He paid. God had given His one and only Son the most important job to do, and his focus was on accomplishing the task for His Dad. No discussion. No hesitation. And then, Jesus did more than endure it, He saw beyond the cross to the joy in His Father’s eyes.

‭‭“Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father glorify your name.” (John 12:27-28)

“fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfector of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)

This Lenten season, I am thankful for my Savior’s sacrifice and for an extra helping of ribs and potato salad, which actually did taste just like my Mom’s.

Be joyful and consider the cost.