He Came to Die
He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. ~ ISAIAH 53:7 (NIV)
But God demonstrated his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. ~ ROMANS 5:8 (NIV)
It always troubles me to think about all that Christ suffered for each of us on the cross. How Jesus was willing to leave His heavenly home and come to our sinful earth — all because He loved us and wanted to take our punishment. When He arrived, the angels were singing, shepherds followed the star, wise men were seeking, and King Herod was searching for Him. During His time on earth, He showed us how to love, taught us in parables to help us understand, and saved us from our sins, all because He loved us.
And yet, His disciples “forsook” Him, denied Him, and ran away — and so do we. Many shouted “Hosanna” and within a few days they shouted “Crucify Him!” With the weight of our sin on Him while He was on that cross, He cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46) The pain, the loneliness, the separation from His Father, the weight He bore for the sins of the world — He endured the nightmare of our deserved judgment. It deeply hurts our Father to see our poor attitudes, our jealousy, bitterness, resentment, rejection, and unforgiving hearts, just to name a few of our many sins. He alone bore the rejection and suffering and died for you and for me. Yes, worthy is the Lamb of God, who was slaughtered because of His great love for each of us. Celebrate Easter by loving others and loving Christ as He loved us.
Dear Lord, be with me today and give me a clear vision of what you want me to do today. May my thoughts and attitude be pleasing to you. Direct my paths and help me to obey your will. Thank you for loving me and being with me today. In your precious name I pray, amen.
TRUDY JENKINS, ZION COMMUNITY CHURCH