Awe and Wonder of the Gospel
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. ~ JOHN 3:16-17 (KJV)
As a Certified Nurse Assistant in home health care, I have the honor to be caregiver to dementia and memory care clients. Every day we sing hymns together. One client specifically sings, “Preacher, you ought to been there for my Lord.” Then she pauses to speak adamantly, “You know, the preacher should’ve been there for my Lord! He should have been there to STOP Jesus from being crucified on the cross!”
Daily I have the privilege to recount the awe and wonder of the Gospel to her. I explain that the preacher, you, and I should have been there in awe and wonder to witness that Jesus willingly went to the cross for us. He loved us that much to take our place. I explain that Peter tried to stop Jesus from going to the cross, but Jesus pointed at Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan.” I recount Peter cutting off the ear of the soldier with his sword and Jesus healing the soldier.
Jesus could have called on a legion of angels at any time to keep from going to the cross. Jesus was without sin and was the pure Sacrificial Lamb who took our place during Passover. Jesus wanted to take away our sin and reconcile us to God. It is a mystery to us that Jesus was willing to take our place, but He did.
I quote John 3:16-17, and then my client proceeds to sing again those two verses from an Easter cantata she sang at some time in her life.
This season of Lent, “Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed and be still. Selah.” (Psalm 4:4)
LORD, after all the words are said, I simply bring myself to stand in awe and wonder of the Gospel of Christ and how I have the privilege and honor to testify to your love for us sinners. With gratitude, I stand at the base of the cross and see the pure Lamb of God who takes away our sins. To God be the glory. Amen.
DIANA MCMILLION, NORTH RALEIGH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH