ROCKVILLE

A difficult passage to read.  The beating of Jesus.  The mocking and insulting of Jesus.  The torture of Jesus.  The killing of Jesus.  The death of Jesus.

 

The crucifixion was the only way to save us. It was the only way to provide forgiveness (Heb 9:22).  It was the only way to free us from the state of sin (Jn 1:29).  It was the only way to destroy satan and his power of death (Heb 2:14).  It was the only way to free us from the fear of death (Heb 2:15).  It was the only way to cleanse/purify us from the acts of sin (I Jn 1:17).  It was the only way to cancel the debt we owed because of our sin (Col 2:13,14).  It was the only way to redeem/ransom/purchase us to God (Rev 5:9).  It was the only way to finish/complete His Father's work (Jn 5:36).  It was the only way to reconcile us to God (Col 1:20).

 

It is impossible for me to imagine what actually happened on that cross.  I know the facts--it was not only my sin (every action I did and will do on this earth that was not God's will--loving Him and others; every unloving or careless word I spoke), but it was trillions of people's sin that He took upon Himself!

 

Two times Jesus cries out words (vs 34 and 37).  The first time in anguish; the second time before He breathed His last breath.  Is the record in Luke 23:46 what He said the second time?  If so, just before Jesus entered death, He committed His spirit into His Father's hands.  In the garden, Jesus lived out complete surrender, "not My will but Yours be done"; now on the cross, it was complete trust, "into Your hands I commit my spirit".

 

In light of all this, how can we possible not receive Him, love Him, worship Him, live for Him?  Will we follow Him in that type of complete surrender and trust?  "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."  (Heb 12: 2)

 

"Thank You, Lord Jesus!  The words 'Thank You' do not seem big enough.  In remembering what You did for us on the cross and through Your death, my heart is overwhelmed to the point that the only thing I can do is "tuck under Your wing" (Mt 23:37) and place my head upon Your heart!"

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