Today, I want to rest in the sacrificial act of love and mercy that has redeemed me, and every member of the Body of Christ.
Today, I want to consider what it must feel like to have a crown of thorns pushed onto my head, and adjusted every few minutes, just to torment me.
Today, I want to imagine what it’s like carrying a huge burden that’s not mine, a cross that is not mine, and still be rejected (partially or totally), by the owners of the burden.
Today, I want to imagine the brutal agony of nails being hammered into the wrists and feet of an innocent man who is taking up the punishment for my personal transgressions, as well as the world’s.
Today, I want to imagine myself on the left side of that Cross on Calvary, at the precise moment when a spear was thrust into His side, and Blood and Water flowed out. I want to be soaked in that Blood and Water.
Today, I want to remind myself about obedience to God’s will, especially when it is not easy or pleasant.
Today, I want to paraphrase Isaiah 53: 4-6…….Surely He has borne MY griefs and carried MY sorrows; Yet I esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for MY transgressions, He was bruised for MY iniquities; The chastisement for MY peace was upon Him, and by His stripes I am healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
The peace I have with God and with man is because of Him. The healing of my soul and body is because of His wounds. May our remembrance of what Christ went through on our behalf and the eternal benefits that He wrought for us, spur us into unending gratitude and total obedience of His will, today and always. Amen.
Hilltop Thoughts, Valley Strengths 