There are countless moments in a father's life that brings pleasure. But some of the greatest moments in my life, as a father, are those moments when one of my children are distressed and the only comfort that can be found is in my arms. That moment when they are completely sufficed in my arms literally takes my breath away. It produces a joy inside of me that is almost incomparable. That moment, knowing that my solace is all that they desire, brings tears of joy to my eyes. When a person is born of God's Spirit, repenting of sin and trusting in Christ alone for salvation, he/ she becomes a son/ daughter of God. Every good and perfect gift comes from God the Father. He is the only One who can provide for our every need. In the midst of trials, tribulations and persecution; there is peace, comfort and contentment in the arms of the Father.
God desires that everyone of his children, whether in times of happiness or sadness, find their comfort and contentment in His ever-peaceful arms. When the children of God cast themselves into the arms of the Father, it brings Him glory, honor, praise, and pleasure. He is pleased to know that the sons and daughters of God have acknowledged that which has always been: in His arms is the only place of peace of comfort. In fact, to dwell in His arms of provision on a daily basis is the very reason that we were created. When we rely wholly upon Him, we are living our lives for Him. Thus, God is glorified in our dependency upon Him, as we echo the words of Scripture: "All things were created by Him and FOR Him." (Colossians 1:16b)
MAY THE CHILDREN OF GOD DWELL IN THE VERY PLACE THAT GOD INTENDED FOR THEM TO BE: IN THE FATHER'S ARMS.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Friday, April 6, 2012
The Intersection of Light and Life
LIGHT AND LIFE
"In him was life; and the life was the light of men." - John 1:4
This is one of the most relevant and applicable verses in all of Scripture. All that mankind knows is darkness. It is why there is disease, suffering, war, and death. Finite man knows nothing of light- only darkness. Jesus, Himself, said it best: "And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world (speaking of Himself), and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil." (John 3:19) Darkness is not just all that human beings know, it is that which we love.
The very act of rebellion is often exhilarating. There is pleasure in an act of defiance, which makes us feel like nothing else can. Though it seems enjoyable in the moment, it is still darkness. One cannot find his/ her way in darkness- not without light to guide the way. Job said, "They grope in the dark without light." What a depressing way too live; to grope in darkness, looking for something of hope to grasp- yet, unable to locate anything in the darkness. The scope of the need for light goes far beyond this discription (please refer to link for more info: http://all4thegloryofchrist.blogspot.com/2011/02/believing-in-something.html.) Yet, the need for light was and still is obvious.
"In Him was life..."
Darkness is a picture of death. In actuality, without light there is no vitality- no life! The warmth of light is that which gives life and sustenance to all of creation. Darkness is a picture of who we truly are. Though the reasons sometimes go deeper than this, many of the suicides that take place are a result of individuals seeing nothing but darkness. The chief end for all who perish in darkness is an eternity in a place called hell, separated from the only source of life- the Creator, Himself. In Him is all things needed. He is holy- separate and unable to even be compared to others. He is the standard. He is omniscient; all-knowing. He is omnipresent; everywhere at all time. This means that He knows no darkness. He is omnipotent; all-powerful. He is immutable- never changing. He is the source of mercy, which rewards not that which is deserved. He is the source of grace, supplying that which is not deserved and cannot be earned. He is majestic- solitude in His character and attributes. He is One to be admired and in awe of. In summary, He is everything that mankind is not and that which we never can be in our own ability.
Yet, two thousand years ago, this very God became a man- Jesus of Nazareth. He became man without ceasing to be God. He was literally God robed in mortal flesh. If a human being puts on a robe, it does not make the person any less human under the robe. The individual has not lessened or diminished themselves in any way. It is simply adding something to the exterior. Likewise, Jesus became man without ceasing to be God.
Jesus took a body- being born of a virgin, with no earthly father. He was Holy-Spirit-conceived into the womb of Mary, preserving His deity. God was now living life as a human being. He was living and breathing as a human, among other humans. He did something that no other man could ever do: He live His entire life, having never sinned one, single time. He lived and led a sinless, spotless, shamless. blameless life. Yet, God became a man. "In Him was life..."
All of human life and existence results in death. Death is a result of the sin on mankind. Were there no sin, there would be no death. However, both are prevalent and inevitable. Yet, those in the past and present, as well as those who will be in the future, all find one point in human history to look to as a focal point of life beyond the grave. Midst the deadness of all of human history, shines forth the life that dwelt inside of Jesus. It was eternal life- of which He is the only source.
... and the life was the light of the world."
For some peculiar reason, mankind loves darkness. Though many be offered a torch, they still refuse the light. Why? Because all of mankind is depraved. We come short of attaining the light because, truth be told, we love the darkness. A human being's best, noblest effort is still merely unrighteousness- just more darkness. In fact, the only way one could ever know of light is if the light is seen and sought out.
God became a human life to provide light to those in darkness. His life was only a means to bring about His death. Yet, His death brought forth life- eternal life. Jesus volintarily experienced greater darkness than anyone could ever imagine- both physically and spiritually. He took upon Him every darkness, every sin, that was rightly ours. The prophet Isaiah prophesied over six hundred years before God's advent as a man, "He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all." (Isaiah 53:5-6) While dying as mankind's sacrifice, He became every act of darkness that has ever been commited or would ever be committed.
Through His life, He did two things that you and I could never do. As was afore mentioned, He lived a substitutionary, sinless life that you and I could never live on our own. Second, He died for sin and went to heaven. If you and I were to die for our sins, we would not go to heaven. We would go to hell. The payment for sin is death (Romans 6:23,) and there is going to be a day when death and hell are cast into the lake of fire together (Revelation 20:14.)
Jesus' life as a human being was necissary for His vicarious death. However, it does not end with just His death. After three day, just as He predicted, He arose from the grave- victorious over death, hell, the grave, and darkness. Thus, through one substituionary act, Jesus provided light and eternal life for all who grope in darkness.
Two thousand years later, the light still shines in darkness. Is God shining His light upon you today? He is the only source of light. Do not bother looking anywhere else. Look into the light and follow the light. It will inevitably lead you to Jesus. He offers eternal life... life that can be a present possession and will be redeemed when the life in our mortal body ceases. Through the power of His drawing Spirit, turn from darkness to light! Turn from sin to righteousness! Turn to the light today!
There is a need for all to hear of the light that shines. The Great Commandment of our Lord was to go "into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature." (Mark 16:15) His life cannot be "the light of men" if one never hears. It is the responsibility of all who have this life to do best to make sure that others know of this life.
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?" - Romans 10:9-14
"In him was life; and the life was the light of men." - John 1:4
This is one of the most relevant and applicable verses in all of Scripture. All that mankind knows is darkness. It is why there is disease, suffering, war, and death. Finite man knows nothing of light- only darkness. Jesus, Himself, said it best: "And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world (speaking of Himself), and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil." (John 3:19) Darkness is not just all that human beings know, it is that which we love.
The very act of rebellion is often exhilarating. There is pleasure in an act of defiance, which makes us feel like nothing else can. Though it seems enjoyable in the moment, it is still darkness. One cannot find his/ her way in darkness- not without light to guide the way. Job said, "They grope in the dark without light." What a depressing way too live; to grope in darkness, looking for something of hope to grasp- yet, unable to locate anything in the darkness. The scope of the need for light goes far beyond this discription (please refer to link for more info: http://all4thegloryofchrist.blogspot.com/2011/02/believing-in-something.html.) Yet, the need for light was and still is obvious.
"In Him was life..."
Darkness is a picture of death. In actuality, without light there is no vitality- no life! The warmth of light is that which gives life and sustenance to all of creation. Darkness is a picture of who we truly are. Though the reasons sometimes go deeper than this, many of the suicides that take place are a result of individuals seeing nothing but darkness. The chief end for all who perish in darkness is an eternity in a place called hell, separated from the only source of life- the Creator, Himself. In Him is all things needed. He is holy- separate and unable to even be compared to others. He is the standard. He is omniscient; all-knowing. He is omnipresent; everywhere at all time. This means that He knows no darkness. He is omnipotent; all-powerful. He is immutable- never changing. He is the source of mercy, which rewards not that which is deserved. He is the source of grace, supplying that which is not deserved and cannot be earned. He is majestic- solitude in His character and attributes. He is One to be admired and in awe of. In summary, He is everything that mankind is not and that which we never can be in our own ability.
Yet, two thousand years ago, this very God became a man- Jesus of Nazareth. He became man without ceasing to be God. He was literally God robed in mortal flesh. If a human being puts on a robe, it does not make the person any less human under the robe. The individual has not lessened or diminished themselves in any way. It is simply adding something to the exterior. Likewise, Jesus became man without ceasing to be God.
Jesus took a body- being born of a virgin, with no earthly father. He was Holy-Spirit-conceived into the womb of Mary, preserving His deity. God was now living life as a human being. He was living and breathing as a human, among other humans. He did something that no other man could ever do: He live His entire life, having never sinned one, single time. He lived and led a sinless, spotless, shamless. blameless life. Yet, God became a man. "In Him was life..."
All of human life and existence results in death. Death is a result of the sin on mankind. Were there no sin, there would be no death. However, both are prevalent and inevitable. Yet, those in the past and present, as well as those who will be in the future, all find one point in human history to look to as a focal point of life beyond the grave. Midst the deadness of all of human history, shines forth the life that dwelt inside of Jesus. It was eternal life- of which He is the only source.
... and the life was the light of the world."
For some peculiar reason, mankind loves darkness. Though many be offered a torch, they still refuse the light. Why? Because all of mankind is depraved. We come short of attaining the light because, truth be told, we love the darkness. A human being's best, noblest effort is still merely unrighteousness- just more darkness. In fact, the only way one could ever know of light is if the light is seen and sought out.
God became a human life to provide light to those in darkness. His life was only a means to bring about His death. Yet, His death brought forth life- eternal life. Jesus volintarily experienced greater darkness than anyone could ever imagine- both physically and spiritually. He took upon Him every darkness, every sin, that was rightly ours. The prophet Isaiah prophesied over six hundred years before God's advent as a man, "He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all." (Isaiah 53:5-6) While dying as mankind's sacrifice, He became every act of darkness that has ever been commited or would ever be committed.
Through His life, He did two things that you and I could never do. As was afore mentioned, He lived a substitutionary, sinless life that you and I could never live on our own. Second, He died for sin and went to heaven. If you and I were to die for our sins, we would not go to heaven. We would go to hell. The payment for sin is death (Romans 6:23,) and there is going to be a day when death and hell are cast into the lake of fire together (Revelation 20:14.)
Jesus' life as a human being was necissary for His vicarious death. However, it does not end with just His death. After three day, just as He predicted, He arose from the grave- victorious over death, hell, the grave, and darkness. Thus, through one substituionary act, Jesus provided light and eternal life for all who grope in darkness.
Two thousand years later, the light still shines in darkness. Is God shining His light upon you today? He is the only source of light. Do not bother looking anywhere else. Look into the light and follow the light. It will inevitably lead you to Jesus. He offers eternal life... life that can be a present possession and will be redeemed when the life in our mortal body ceases. Through the power of His drawing Spirit, turn from darkness to light! Turn from sin to righteousness! Turn to the light today!
There is a need for all to hear of the light that shines. The Great Commandment of our Lord was to go "into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature." (Mark 16:15) His life cannot be "the light of men" if one never hears. It is the responsibility of all who have this life to do best to make sure that others know of this life.
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?" - Romans 10:9-14
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
MEDITATION
Meditation is not a strange noise made by Catholic monks who have fallen into a trance. The word itself means "reflection or devotion, in a prayerful state of mind." Here is what Spurgeon had to say about meditation:
"I quarry out the Truth when I read, but I smelt the ore and get the pure gold out of it when I meditate!...For lack of meditation the Truth of God runs by us and we miss and lose it. Our treacherous memory is like a sieve—and what we hear and what we read runs through it and leaves but little behind—and that little is often unprofitable to us by reason of our lack of diligence to get thoroughly at it. I often find it very profitable to get a text as a sweet morsel under my tongue in the morning and to keep the flavor of it, if I can, in my mouth all day!" - C. H. Spurgeon
I have found that my greatest memories of communion in His Word do not come from the times that I read through the Bible swiftly. Rather, my greatest times of communion have been times of solemn, reflective meditation upon His Word.
"I quarry out the Truth when I read, but I smelt the ore and get the pure gold out of it when I meditate!...For lack of meditation the Truth of God runs by us and we miss and lose it. Our treacherous memory is like a sieve—and what we hear and what we read runs through it and leaves but little behind—and that little is often unprofitable to us by reason of our lack of diligence to get thoroughly at it. I often find it very profitable to get a text as a sweet morsel under my tongue in the morning and to keep the flavor of it, if I can, in my mouth all day!" - C. H. Spurgeon
I have found that my greatest memories of communion in His Word do not come from the times that I read through the Bible swiftly. Rather, my greatest times of communion have been times of solemn, reflective meditation upon His Word.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE
"I waited patiently for the LORD; and He inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD." - Psalm 40.1-3
Many times (if not every time) the hardest thing to do is wait. Whether it would be at a stop-light, at an airport, or at the grocery store; waiting is always a difficult thing. It is difficult enough to simply wait. But to do it patiently is an extreme challenge. Harder than all of these other tasks is waiting "patiently for the LORD."
See, we know that God CAN do all things. Furthermore, we know that He COULD fix the problem if He so desired. But God wants us to wait for His timing- for the moment of His choosing. Pumping petrol/ gasoline can often take much longer than is convenient (especially when prices are so inflated). Yet, the experts say that the best way to get efficient gas mileage is by pumping it into the tank in a very slow manner. By doing so, one is filling the tank up with less air, leaving more room for gasoline/ petrol. Sometimes doing things the right way takes a longer, more concerted effort. It requires a patience and resilience that is only a product of... wait for it... here it comes... WAITING.
So often, we Christians are guilty of rushing in and out (so to speak) of God's presence. We have so many other chores and duties that we absolutely must accomplish. However, God is looking for a much more concerted effort from us. He says, "I know that you have many other things to do, but just 'be still and know that I am God." Being still is waiting. Yet one will never know that He is God without patience.
In the society in which we live, it's all about getting what you want ASAP: Fast food, instant oatmeal, tanning beds. I have even seen drive-thru churches. Waiting patiently is something of the past for most. Door-to-door visitation (though I am actively involved in it) is viewed by some in the same manner. If a day of visiting does not result in the salvation of a soul, some would even deem it a failed effort. However, God is the one who gives the increase. It is our responsibility to simply plant and/ or water. Though it is sad to say that some misguided people (who I have seen at work first-hand) would try to take matters into their own hands by either intellectually persuading someone into being saved or would try to get someone to pray a quick prayer that they didn't mean. Yet, God is concerned with patience.
As I am writing this note, I am in California. My wife, two children (ages 2 and under), and I have been here for about a month traveling and visiting churches on deputation. If the Lord continues providing, we hope to be in the UK by Spring of 2012. Until then we are waiting on the LORD to provide the means (even with screaming children for 2,400 miles across the U.S.). I think that it is safe to say that deputation is teaching me "a thing or two" about waiting patiently for the LORD. There is no denying the fact that we wish that we were in Great Britain like yesterday. But in order to teach us patience (and patience brings experience, and experience brings hope), we must now wait. Not sitting idle. But rather actively involved in being faithful in the now.
Perhaps the next time that we open the Word of God for devotion time, or bow our heads in prayer, or build a Gospel witness with a sinner, or take part in the discipleship of a new convert, we will remember to simply wait patiently for the LORD. And God says that if we will do this (wait patiently for the LORD) that He will (in a nut shell) establish our goings, give us reason to praise Him, and that others will trust the Lord as a result of our obedience. So instead of rushing the petrol into the tank, let us patiently do things in the most effective manner; knowing that "it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure."
Saturday, September 10, 2011
DOES GOD ANSWER SPECIFIC PRAYERS?
Prayer is an essential for any believer. It strengthens our faith, comforts our souls, and even appeases our conscience. However, one important aspect is commonly overlooked: proving God. Some people take this concept and try to make it into something that it is not. For example, some almost try to demand God to do something, never considering that God's way may be different from what they think that it should be. We can demand nothing of God. For we are dispensible. God doesn't need us. Yet, He gives us the privilege to have communion and fellowship with Him.
Proving God is reading a Scripture promise, claiming it as your own, and expecting God to do the rest. Someone asked George Mueller what the secret was to having his many prayers answered. He said that He claimed a prayer promise and trusted God for the results. In this very simple manner, he said that God never failed him one single time. William Carey said, "Attemp great things for God. Expect great things from God."
Do you believe the Word of God is true and dependable? Then why don't we start living like it? Better yet, why don't we start praying about it?
Proving God is reading a Scripture promise, claiming it as your own, and expecting God to do the rest. Someone asked George Mueller what the secret was to having his many prayers answered. He said that He claimed a prayer promise and trusted God for the results. In this very simple manner, he said that God never failed him one single time. William Carey said, "Attemp great things for God. Expect great things from God."
Do you believe the Word of God is true and dependable? Then why don't we start living like it? Better yet, why don't we start praying about it?
Saturday, July 16, 2011
IS THE BIBLE TRUSTWORTHY FOR EVERYDAY LIFE?
As an Independent Baptist missionary/ church-planter on deputation, I must visit hundred of churches seeking sponsorship. Our family will be going to the United Kingdom to begin our ministry. Typically, I am quite comfortable presenting our ministry at churches. Why? Because my beautiful wife and adorable son are usually with me. My wife is now expecting our second child in just a month or so. Let's face it, this bald head isn't compelling anyone to support the Greens. They are the "main attraction" (for lack of a better term) of our family- not me. My family (secondary to the sweet presence of the Holy Spirit, of course) is my security, while traveling as I do.
We had been planning on taking a family trip to Florida in July, where we would visit seven churches. The only problem is that Amanda is expecting to deliver the new baby near the middle to end of August. Yet, as close as it was to delivery-time, I never serious pondered the possibility of her not being able to travel Florida. You see, last time she was expecting, she didn't have hardly any complications. This time, however, she has had more complications than we had expected. As a matter of fact, she's had enough complications that the doctor advised her not to travel to Florida.
Immediately, I told my wife that her happiness was more important to me than any trip to Florida and that I would stay and watch after her. She responded by tell me that her happiness depends upon us getting enough sponsorship to go to the UK. She wanted me to leave her and my son(s) for an entire month, just so we could get to the place of God's choosing. What a woman! What sacrifice for the cause of Christ! But how would I do it. I mean, how could I leave her with our son and function without my security blanket- my family? After much spiritual wrestling, I decided to go.
As soon as I awoke on that morning, I was distraught over the thought of being separated from my most prized earthly possession- my family. Every time that I looked at one of them I fought back tears. Most of the time the tears won the fight. Finally the time came, when I kissed my wife and son goodbye and drove off toward my destination. However, just ten or twenty seconds into the drive, I had to pull off of the road. Being the masculine person I am, I was weeping uncontrollably. I said out-loud, "I can't do this." After a few moments, the Lord put a verse on my lips (by the way, I'm not talking about anything mystical). I quoted the verse aloud, "My grace is sufficient for thee; my strength is made perfect in weakness." I then began to tell the Lord that if this verse was true then He would have to prove it to me right then or I was going back home and canceling the Florida appointments. Within seconds, a peace came over me that I had never experienced before. I wiped the tears from my eyes, took a deep breath, and went on my way.
God proved to me once again that His Word is trustworthy for everyday life. Does that mean that life's situations will be easy. No. In fact, He tells us that until we are weak, His strength is not perfect in our lives. Yet, in any situation (whether bad or good) He has promised His children that His grace is sufficient. I am glad that my God is trustworthy! I can't trust in my own ability- I am fallible. But His Word is infallible. If I hope to become profitable to Him, I must put His Word to the test. And I have no reservations about doing that; because I have learned that His Word is trustworthy.
We had been planning on taking a family trip to Florida in July, where we would visit seven churches. The only problem is that Amanda is expecting to deliver the new baby near the middle to end of August. Yet, as close as it was to delivery-time, I never serious pondered the possibility of her not being able to travel Florida. You see, last time she was expecting, she didn't have hardly any complications. This time, however, she has had more complications than we had expected. As a matter of fact, she's had enough complications that the doctor advised her not to travel to Florida.
Immediately, I told my wife that her happiness was more important to me than any trip to Florida and that I would stay and watch after her. She responded by tell me that her happiness depends upon us getting enough sponsorship to go to the UK. She wanted me to leave her and my son(s) for an entire month, just so we could get to the place of God's choosing. What a woman! What sacrifice for the cause of Christ! But how would I do it. I mean, how could I leave her with our son and function without my security blanket- my family? After much spiritual wrestling, I decided to go.
As soon as I awoke on that morning, I was distraught over the thought of being separated from my most prized earthly possession- my family. Every time that I looked at one of them I fought back tears. Most of the time the tears won the fight. Finally the time came, when I kissed my wife and son goodbye and drove off toward my destination. However, just ten or twenty seconds into the drive, I had to pull off of the road. Being the masculine person I am, I was weeping uncontrollably. I said out-loud, "I can't do this." After a few moments, the Lord put a verse on my lips (by the way, I'm not talking about anything mystical). I quoted the verse aloud, "My grace is sufficient for thee; my strength is made perfect in weakness." I then began to tell the Lord that if this verse was true then He would have to prove it to me right then or I was going back home and canceling the Florida appointments. Within seconds, a peace came over me that I had never experienced before. I wiped the tears from my eyes, took a deep breath, and went on my way.
God proved to me once again that His Word is trustworthy for everyday life. Does that mean that life's situations will be easy. No. In fact, He tells us that until we are weak, His strength is not perfect in our lives. Yet, in any situation (whether bad or good) He has promised His children that His grace is sufficient. I am glad that my God is trustworthy! I can't trust in my own ability- I am fallible. But His Word is infallible. If I hope to become profitable to Him, I must put His Word to the test. And I have no reservations about doing that; because I have learned that His Word is trustworthy.
Friday, April 22, 2011
IF YOU CAN...
Was He innocent or guilty? Innocent.
Yet, He protested not a word.
"Crucify Him!" They heard Pilate say.
Still Jesus surrendered to His enemies.
Was it because He was inferior? No.
Rather strong enough to endure.
"To the torture rack," He heard the soldiers say.
Yet, He "gave His back to the smiters."
Metal, glass, and rock, on a whip of pain.
The flesh on His back being shredded like paper.
They removed His raiment- humiliating Him.
Still He stood there enduring the shame.
Did He ask for a crown? No.
But they still crowned Him with thorns.
How did they reward their Creator?
By launching spit into His face.
Bruised and bleeding; exhausted and torn,
They commanded Him to carry a cross.
A cross made of a tree, which He created,
weighing nearly the same as He.
What is the name of the place we are going?
The Place of a Skull- Golgotha.
Most kings die in a place of comfort,
surrounded by good, caring people.
Yet, He died on a torture rack, with thieves,
subject to the taunts of His enemies.
As He hung on the cross (suffering, dying),
The blood of His sacrifice poured down.
Tears fill my eyes. Pain fills my heart,
When I hear my Savior cry aloud,
"My God, My God, Why hast thou forsaken me?"
You see, I know that I deserved His suffering.
I deserved the punishment that sin required.
I deserved the humiliation in open shame.
If I had suffered, the problem would still be unsolved.
I would still be separated from God,
With sin yet remaining on my account,
I would suffer eternity in hell without Him.
Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him.
How could He be pleased with this?
Does the Father not love the Son?
He was pleased in the results:
He brought many sons to glory.
Rejoice, my soul, for salvation is yours!
Rejoice, indeed- with the price in mind.
The wounds, the bruises, the stripes:
This was the ransom for your depravity.
Have you any pride, O soul,
Knowing this is what your sinfulness required?
Try to exalt yourself, while surveying the cross.
If you can...
Yet, He protested not a word.
"Crucify Him!" They heard Pilate say.
Still Jesus surrendered to His enemies.
Was it because He was inferior? No.
Rather strong enough to endure.
"To the torture rack," He heard the soldiers say.
Yet, He "gave His back to the smiters."
Metal, glass, and rock, on a whip of pain.
The flesh on His back being shredded like paper.
They removed His raiment- humiliating Him.
Still He stood there enduring the shame.
Did He ask for a crown? No.
But they still crowned Him with thorns.
How did they reward their Creator?
By launching spit into His face.
Bruised and bleeding; exhausted and torn,
They commanded Him to carry a cross.
A cross made of a tree, which He created,
weighing nearly the same as He.
What is the name of the place we are going?
The Place of a Skull- Golgotha.
Most kings die in a place of comfort,
surrounded by good, caring people.
Yet, He died on a torture rack, with thieves,
subject to the taunts of His enemies.
As He hung on the cross (suffering, dying),
The blood of His sacrifice poured down.
Tears fill my eyes. Pain fills my heart,
When I hear my Savior cry aloud,
"My God, My God, Why hast thou forsaken me?"
You see, I know that I deserved His suffering.
I deserved the punishment that sin required.
I deserved the humiliation in open shame.
If I had suffered, the problem would still be unsolved.
I would still be separated from God,
With sin yet remaining on my account,
I would suffer eternity in hell without Him.
Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him.
How could He be pleased with this?
Does the Father not love the Son?
He was pleased in the results:
He brought many sons to glory.
Rejoice, my soul, for salvation is yours!
Rejoice, indeed- with the price in mind.
The wounds, the bruises, the stripes:
This was the ransom for your depravity.
Have you any pride, O soul,
Knowing this is what your sinfulness required?
Try to exalt yourself, while surveying the cross.
If you can...
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