Thursday, April 9, 2009

What Wondrous Love Is This

Matthew 28:6 is my son's favorite Bible verse. He's quoted it for many years. It's a good verse to memorize because in this verse, there is hope, there is life, there is victory! In this verse, there is eternal salvation for all who believe; sin's chains were broken and Satan was defeated! He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.



BUT...



I have been guilty of reading through the events leading up to that verse so quickly and it's almost like it all happens within minutes. That's not true. I need to stop and remember the suffering, the humiliation, and the betrayals my Lord felt. I've never really felt alot of physical pain in my life. There was a time that I had migraines quite often, but other than that and child birth, I've really never hurt alot. My mind cannot even fathom the pain and suffering Jesus felt. Just being chosen to die and being innocent is painful enough for me! I can just hear me saying, "This is not fair." And it wasn't. Jesus was offering eternal life to the very people who wanted him crucified. I can hear me again, "Fine, you don't want to go to heaven, don't!" He was scourged, stripped, spit upon, they smote him on the head with a reed, mocked him, put a crown of thorns on his head, and all of this was before they nailed him to the cross.


Matthew 27:33-35
And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull, They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink. And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them and upon my vesture did they cast lots.

Jesus loved even while he was suffering. He was understanding even while he was suffering. He was forgiving even while he was suffering.

Luke 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.


Luke 23:42-43 And he (one of the malefactors on a cross beside Jesus) said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.


My words are so inadequate describing the events that lead to Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. Let us not forget these events. And let us not forget the REASON he suffered, bled and died. "I" am the reason. You can substitute your name for the "I". Friend, he died just for you. What wondrous love is this, O my soul! Love Him, Praise Him, and Serve Him today!


What Wondrous Love Is This

By: American Folk Hymn


What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul!

What wondrous love is this, O my soul!

What wondrous love is this

That caused the Lord of bliss

To bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul,

To bear the dreadful curse for my soul!


When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down,

When I was sinking down, sinking down,When I was sinking down

Beneath God’s righteous frown,

Christ laid aside His crown for my soul for my soul,

Christ laid aside His crown for my soul.


To God and to the Lamb I will sing, I will sing;

To God and to the Lamb I will sing;

To God and to the Lamb, Who is the great I AM,

While millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing,

While millions join the theme, I will sing.


And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on;

And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on.

And when from death I’m free I’ll sing His love for me,

And through eternity I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on,

And through eternity I’ll sing on.

4 comments:

Roan said...

Thank you for your words that cause all of us to reflect....however, I think that we need to remember Jesus and His awesome sacrifice for as on a regular basis, not just this time of year! Thanks again!
Happy Easter to you and your family!

Lois Christensen said...

I think we all get lost sometimes in really understanding all that Jesus went through just for us. Loved your post. Thanks for reminding us!!!

Marilyn in Mississippi said...

What Wondrous Love indeed! Oh, What a Saviour is Mine!

Marilyn

GraceFromHim said...

I love that song :)
Thanks for sharing! Hope you had a blessed Easter!

Hugs,
Brandie