Flow of mercy and grace
Today’s Reading: John 19:33-34 (NIV)
33 But when they came to Jesus and found that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. 34 Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water.
Isaiah 53:5 (NIV)
5 But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed.
Good morning!
The Roman soldier took one long look at Jesus, hanging lifeless on the cross. Why did he feel compelled to thrust his sword into the dead man’s side? As the soldier stood beneath the cross, a sudden flow of blood and water poured out of Jesus’ body, covering him in mercy and grace. Can you imagine the surprised reaction of the Roman executioner? Christ continues to forgive and heal, especially in death. The disciple John gives an eyewitness account. He was the only one of the twelve who dared to sit at the foot of the cross along side Jesus’ mother Mary, Mary’s sister, Mary Magdalene, and Mary, wife of Cleopas. John witnessed Christ’s suffering and death. He knew without a doubt that the Scripture had been fulfilled in his sight. It was the prophet Isaiah who proclaimed approximately 680 years before Christ’s birth, that He would be pierced for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities, and His punishment that would bring us peace. It is by Christ's wounds that we are forever healed.
Grace and mercy continues to flow down from the foot of the cross today. Christ pours out His healing blood and living water to all who will come and stand within its spray. When I think of what the Lord did just to save me, I am surprised and ashamed of myself. I am not brave enough to go to Calvary with John and watch the Lord die for me. I would have chosen to hide myself, along with the other disciples, seeking a place where I did not have to hear my Lord suffering in agony. I could not bear to see Him die, to watch the misery He endured for my sin. As I approach His cross today, I realize His blood continues to flow down for even a coward like me.
Were you there with John, when they crucified the Lord? Were you hiding in the upper room with Peter? Were you hanging in the field of remorse with Judas? Were you the Roman soldier, who nailed Jesus to the tree? Come and experience the power of mercy and grace. Jesus died to save you! It is not too late to receive His gift of new life. Won’t you come to the foot of the cross and let Jesus cover you in His precious, healing blood?
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
Faith UMC -
___________________________
© Copyright 2008, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.
No comments:
Post a Comment