Newruz
While this story of Newruz is mythical, it points to the truth that Satan is real and he seeks to kill and destroy and make people his slaves. Look at the world, all the evil, war, corruption and sin. For centuries, rulers like King Zahak have used their authority to oppress people. It’s clear the world is under the oppression of Satan. Just as King Zahak was a slave to the snake from Satan, all of us are also slaves to sin.
Jesus taught that “everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.” Isn’t this right? Is yourself or anyone you know free from the slavery to sin? No. There is no one who is completely good, all people do wrong. The effects of sin caused Kawa to suffer much, and I’m sure that you have experienced the painful effects of sin. Because of sin we will all die and we carry the fear of the day of judgment.
In the story of Zahak, a humble man, a black smith, faced the evil king and defeated him, freeing people under his oppression. But what hope do we have to be freed from Satan’s tyranny? That hope is not in the law. It’s not in money or a new government, but in a savior. 2000 years ago, a humble man, a carpenter, faced Satan and defeated him to free us from slavery to sin and death. That savior is Jesus Christ.
The Bible tells us that Jesus came “to destroy the works of the devil.” Also the Bible says that Jesus “shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.”
Dear reader, know that God loves you. The Bible says that “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
How does Jesus save us from our sin? Jesus, like a hero, took the punishment of our sin on his shoulders and gave his life a sacrifice to pay people’s sin debt. Jesus faced death on our behalf. But three days after his death, he rose from the grave, conquering sin and death. Kawa lit a fire on the mountain to show he defeated King Zahak, and Jesus showed he had freed sinners from Satan’s tyranny by rising from the grave.
Jesus is alive today and he calls all people, including Kurds, to repent of their sin and believe in him as their savior to be reconciled to God. This gospel is for you. This is the only way to find true freedom from Satan and sin. Jesus calls to you. He said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Newruz celebrates new life and a new year. Jesus offers us new and eternal life. If you have questions or you want to find out more about this new life that Jesus offers, please connect with us and see the resources below.
