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Yesterday as I was enjoying the Easter service in my home church (yes, occassionally I am home and get to attend my home church with my family), I was struck by this song. Although I have heard it many times before, it served as a reminder to me that the sacrifice of Jesus was global (”for all have sinned”, “For God so loved the world”), but it was also personal. It was for me.

I know these things, but pondered them again yesterday.

I was also reminded that his sacrifice deserves a response from me. When I am captured by his amazing grace and all that entails, I can’t help but pour out my life.

Just thinking…ya know.

Check out the lyrics. Even if you know the song, read slow enough that you really get it deep.

Have a great week. God is with you.

Jesus Christ, I think upon Your sacrifice
You became nothing, poured out to death
Many times I’ve wondered at Your gift of life
And I’m in that place once again
I’m in that place once again

And once again I look upon the cross where You died
I’m humbled by Your mercy and I’m broken inside
Once again I thank You
Once again I pour out my life

Now You are exalted to the highest place
King of the heavens, where one day I’ll bow
But for now, I marvel at Your saving grace
And I’m full of praise once again
I’m full of praise once again

Thank You for the cross
Thank You for the cross
Thank You for the cross, my Friend

It is good Friday and I just had a thought.

This day represents the day that Jesus died on the cross. But, it was not the soft, controlled, death that we sometimes picture. It was a gruesome death that was so brutal and savage, I can barely fathom. Part of me wants to visit that place mentally and imagine what he went through. Perhaps if I could do that, I would not take it for granted.

But, a large part of me does not want to even think about that. I would rather skip to the resurrection. Full of light. Full of life. Full of meaning.

But, without the death, there would be no resurrection.

Without the cross, there could be no empty tomb.

And, without Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, there could be not hope of Heaven for me.

I realize that this Friday is good for me. But, the original “good Friday” was not so good for Jesus. It was cruel. It was bloody. It was painful. It was emotionally difficult (because for the first time in His life, He did not know the presence and love of His Father). But, surprisingly enough, it was intentional. Jesus knew what he was going to experience. He knew it was the purpose for which He came to earth. And, He did not shy away from it.

He embraced His destiny, so that He could provide for a great destiny for you and me.

Thank you Jesus. I am so amazed.

Currently, I am going through a book study with a couple of friends. One of the stories stood out to me.

“Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of master detective Sherlock Homes, was a great practical joker. In one of his most fiendish pranks, he sent out identical telegrams to twelve of his friends. The telegrams were anonymous and simply said: ‘All has been discovered. Flee at once.’ What’s funny is that within twenty-four hours, all twelve men had fled the country.”

Amazing. 12 guys had so much hidden baggage that they disappeared at the very threat of it going public.

That has made me wonder how I would respond if the situation was the same. Would the skeletons and shadows in my life indicate that I should tuck tale and run in shame? As long as I remain accountable and up front, I would not be afraid.

What about you?

Sean