When I was nine, I had a theory that it always rained on Good Friday. And in my limited experience north of the Mason-Dixon line, it did rain on most Fridays before Easter. This made me believe that the earth was grieving, groaning, and remembering the world-altering death of Christ on that day. Looking up from my coloring book there at the dining room table to the cold, spring rain on our grass, I felt what I still feel today: sadness.
A feeling of melancholy, sentimental or otherwise, over the death of Christ is certainly not an emotion unique to little girls in the Midwest. Christ’s misery was deeply painful to those who were with Him on that day, and is still real to us today. In his “Homily of the Passion,” second-century bishop Melito of Sardis wondered:
What new mystery is this?
The judge is judged and remains silent;
The invisible one is seen and does not hide himself;
The incomprehensible one is comprehended and does not resist;
The unmeasurable one is measured and does not struggle;
The one beyond suffering suffers and does not avenge himself;
The immortal one dies and does not refuse death.
What new mystery is this?
We can join the bishop in his wonder at this deep and painful mystery. And it is right that we should mourn. It is right that we want to turn away from the thought of Christ crucified. It is truly painful, and it’s the pain of the world turned upside down. Immortality gasping for breath means something has gone terribly wrong.
The wrong is written on our own foreheads. Every Ash Wednesday, we remember that we are the ones who are dust and ashes, that the sin that turned the world upside down is our sin. It is my sin—my daily run-of-the-mill gossip and petty jealousy. In spite of my horror and grief when I remember Christ’s suffering, I also rise up in joyous wonder that He has taken my place.
There is a tension here. We mourn at the pain of Christ’s suffering, but we dance—and I do mean dance—because we are restored by His sacrifice. My grief can turn to celebration because, like Paul, “I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20). What a glorious realization of our freedom!
It doesn’t matter whether or not I think it should rain on Good Friday as some symbol of cosmic mourning. What matters is that on a certain day, many years ago, the sky turned black (Matthew 27:45), the world was turned upside down, and the Son of God gave Himself for us. And in spite of our sadness, we will forever rejoice.
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197 thoughts on "The Death and Resurrection of Christ"
“And inspite of our sadness, we will forever rejoice.” Let’s dance because we know that Jesus lives!
Finding joy in pain ❤️
I guess I hit the word limit. Lol. The last sentence was suppose to say:
The foremost example of how to morn and dance! I always looked at Good Friday with shame. “I did this to Jesus” That He “had” to take my place. I never really thought Jesus had a choice in taking my place and dying for my sins. It wasn’t until I was in my late 20’s and heard a sermon that forever changed my thought process about Easter. Jesus had the choice! He didn’t have to do endure the torture of crucifixion, but he did. He chose the cross to save us. So we could be with him…. Forever!! I’ve since looked at Easter with this mix of mourning and celebrating. I’m still sad on Good Friday. I’m sad that this world, and to be honest with myself, that I am so broken. That I will choose a sinful path/ nature. However, I know the one in whom I trust. I know that when I fall short (which is an embarrassing amount of time) He will be there to forgive me, comfort me, and set me back the right path. AND!!! All of this is because of the sacrifice that Jesus CHOSE to make on the cross!!
The foremost example of how to morn and dance! I always looked at Good Friday with shame. “I did this to Jesus” That He “had” to take my place. I never really thought Jesus had a choice in taking my place and dying for my sins. It wasn’t until I was in my late 20’s and heard a sermon that forever changed my thought process about Easter. Jesus had the choice! He didn’t have to do endure the torture of crucifixion, but he did. He chose the cross to save us. So we could be with him…. Forever!! I’ve since looked at Easter with this mix of mourning and celebrating. I’m still sad on Good Friday. I’m sad that this world, and to be honest with myself, that I am so broken. That I will choose a sinful path/ nature. However, I know the one in whom I trust. I know that when I fall short (which is an embarrassing amount of time) He will be there to forgive me, comfort me, and set me back the right path. AMD
“restored by his sacrifice” !!!!
Thank you Jesus
I have this hope as an anchor for my soul. Thank you Jesus!!
I totally can relate to you. How have you been managing this situation?
I can’t even begin to imagine that day! Thank you lord for always being near to me. Thank you for dying for me, so that I may rejoice with you in heaven. Thank you for washing my son away, giving me a chance to come to you Jesus! Thank you, thank you, thank you ☺️
Thank you Jesus for laying your life down for a sinner like me. I’m nothing without you.
Thank you Jesus that because of Your ultimate sacrifice, I will see my family and friends and loved ones once more in heaven. I will certainly miss them while I run my race here on Earth, but I know that are safely with You and much happier and healthier.
So there with you. Sometimes I get so emotional about Him that I can’t continue to read out loud to the kids, or continue to sing out loud….
So grateful.
❤️
I don’t just have life but life more abundantly through Christ.
Wow that was so powerful. Jesus died for a broken person such as myself. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t sin in some way. I’m so grateful for his forgiveness
I’m reminded tonight of the intimacy I have in my relationship with the Father, and how Christ has bought that for me with His life. My sins are not just forgiven, although they are; I have access to the throne because the veil was torn. Thank You, Jesus.
We sang this at church tonight. What a powerful way to remember and worship
I have been finding peace in a family situation which is years of dysfunction that although I am no where near perfect I am a new creation. I can say no to unhealthy dynamics and walk away in peace knowing that God needs to work on the hearts of those involved. Focusing on who I am in Christ and my constant need for grace is very essential to my faith.
The surrender in your actions and trusting that God will take care of your own reminds me of Jesus’ surrender on the cross, trusting that in his sacrifice, God will take care of his children and the rest (of life).
The Ressurection of Christ is my HOPE . It is in Him i found the strengh to wake up every single day. Sometimes i do wanna know what was happening in his head. The suffering in his flesh and bone. How he remains silent while they were accusing Him deliberately… Truly He is the Son of God. I will never thank Him enough! Amazing grace!!
This writing by Rebecca has touched my heart so. So very, very beautiful. Praise be to God that He gave His Son that we can forever rejoice.
Jesus died. He died with agony and he died the death I deserved. He rose again to give me life that He loved me enough to give. And he did ordinary things that dripped with grace, he ate with friends. So simple. But so beautiful.
In the days of mourning, may I remember the life He grants me.
In days of dancing, may I remember how hard won these days of joy are.
The first Easter after I gave my life to Christ was so emotional, and this is exactly why. To read and remember and really understand what Jesus did for mankind, for us, is huge. It’s absolutely incomprehensible, yet true. The pastor at my church reminds us often that our (all people’s) problem is not that we don’t know or love God enough, it’s that we don’t realize how much He loves us. That when we wouldn’t come to Him, He humbled himself and came down as a baby in and through the person of Jesus. That He would give His life to save all of mankind, it’s incredible!
The pain of His story and suffering is devastating, but it would be for nothing if we can not anchor our hearts in His hope and rejoice in the gift of a savior!
Thank you Jesus
So often when I was taught about Good Friday growing up in my church it often felt like a thinly veiled guilt trip. But when I look at this part of the Gospel now I see not a guilt trip but grace and a God who understands suffering and loss and grief because He felt it, too.
I can completely relate to this. ❤️
I want to be undone when I think of the Cross. I imagine Jesus seeing, feeling, and experiencing every sin ever committed and that will be committed. Imagine how we feel when sin hits us. He took every sin. How unfathomable. Like the song says: I’ll never know how much it cost to see my sin upon that Cross. I heard a pastor or teacher say that the Roman soldiers that were crucifying Him, we putting nails in to the One that was giving them breath and life. He was being tortured and still holding the earth and planets and all living things together and going. (I’m paraphrasing,) It’s incredible to think! Yes, I need to reflect on the Cross and may that change they way I think, act, and speak. https://youtu.be/O7YmD00iAzU
Hey all, prayers appreciated!! I have a test today in my ecology class, which is my hardest class this year…I didn’t do well on the last exam and really want to do better on this one to get a good grade in the class. Love you all and this community!!
Praying that you knock it out of the park! And also that you are filled with peace and the ability to remember that this class and exam grade does not define you
Praying for you, Sarah!
I love this. I can go back and forth trying to think of the “right” way to feel about the death and resurrection every Sunday morning at around 11am when as a church we take communion. There are some Sundays that I come to the cross and am so sorrowful and so broken by my own sin knowing that I put him up there on the cross. Still yet there are days that I can come to the cross and find so much joy because I have a savior that gave himself up for me. It’s good for us to be heartbroken about death. Especially Jesus’ death, but He doesn’t want us to stay there. He wants us to also celebrate that the King has RISEN! To celebrate the fact that we don’t have to carry the burdens of life alone. To be glad and rejoice in all of what Jesus did do here on earth and is still doing today in our lives.
The I put him there broke my heart. But it’s so true. I put him there as well. Yet… he redeems our story. Bittersweet yet so powerful…and he’s so worthy of the praise.
For many years a local church would hold a women’s breakfast on Good Friday. A delicious meal was served along with uplifting music and an inspiring message. The room was decorated in the flowers of the season-lilies and daffodils. Though a very pleasant and inviting atmosphere it always seemed a bit disconcerting to me. It was not yet Easter Sunday. It was Good Friday. I did not, and to this day do not, want to rush hurriedly past the Cross because I know the empty tomb is waiting. I want to remember what Christ did for me, what my sins cost Him. It is not a morbid remembering. It is a grateful one. It is a time for honest reflection, confession and repentance. It is somber but also refreshing. The release that comes from laying down my pride and admitting my sins is freeing. It is a good Friday. Then I can run unshackled to the tomb and rejoice that He is not there. Yes there is a tension between the grief of Good Friday and the joy of Easter Sunday. But it is good to sit there for awhile. It is good to remember. And it is good to run free.
beautifully said. love this perspective.
❤️
It feels a little strange how removed we can be from Christ’s death. We think of it as an event that we are thankful for. I feel like that’s making a missing piece stick out for me—if I am a believer, I need to daily enter into the death and resurrection of Christ. I was headed for the cross, I was headed for condemnation, but Jesus took me and said “I’m going for you. Your debt is paid in full.” And all I could say back to him is thank you. I would be mournful; I would say “No, Jesus!! You didn’t do a single thing wrong! I deserve to go!”
And he would say, “I’m paying the price for you. And I love you, and I’m happy to do it.”
Then he would return. And I would be rejoicing and in disbelief. I want to bring that joy and awe to my everyday relationship with Jesus!
Thank you for painting a picture for us.
Wow, it is the first time Christ’s death and resurrection was described to me in that way before. Thank you, Michelle, for making it so deeply personal.
Beautifully said. ❤️
Second day in and cant even begun to say how much this helps. I fell away from my religion but have trying to come back and love this
❤️
I am mourning the loss of a relationship. I was supposed to be married, but my fiancé broke it off less than 2 months before the wedding. The wedding date was June 1 and I feel like I should be farther along in my healing, like I shouldn’t be this sad all the time. But these passages showed me today that the grieving process is deep and necessary to get to the other side: dancing.
You are not alone Annalise. Breaking of relationships is a deep pain, raw and real. Take your time grieving and do not be ashamed but take every moment of pain to turn to God because He is the only way to get through it and come out the other side a stronger. Praying for you this morning
I am battling an unexplainable sadness these days. The burdens in my life are unique and riddled with loneliness. In this particular season I am battling the weight and burdens of being a caregiver to many…I am desperate for someone to pour into me, but I am reminded today that Jesus has already overcome, conquered defeated the complex weight I am carrying. It is finished. We are free.
By husband died 6 days ago. He was only 60. We found out about the cancer and exactly 6 weeks later after a surgery and to long in the hospital he went to be with Jesus. Our daughter it 7. She asks how long until she sees daddy again. She asked if I’m sure we really will. Thank you Lord for your word. The truth I can give to comfort her from Your word.
Shannon, I lost my mom in a car wreck when I was 7, so your comment struck me. As I look back on the 33 years since then, God has been so faithful to me. He placed people in my life to nurture and encourage me and to show me the way to Him. I’m praying for you and your daughter today.
You and your daughter are in my prayers, Shannon.❤️
There is sadness but then great joy in the resurrection! God’s promises fulfilled.
This really touched. I am currently going through a painful heart break and this soothed me…
I was just talking with my mother about how we need suffering in order to appreciate joy… and it takes both to become grateful for everything we have been given. One day I hope to be more like her. On her most painful days, she still feels the pain and mourns, but she is also far more joyful about the blessings she has. She dances in the rain.
YES! I find that when my emotions overwhelm me, I can’t help but dance. And realizing the grief and the mourning of the cross and Gods gruesome death and sacrifice I can’t help but move my body is the most solemn and weeping of ways. Though like the thankfulness and power of the resurrection, I am so gratefully and thankful God took my place. I can’t stop from moving and joy and literally dancing. Jesus died for my sins and I have been given eternal life, I am blessed and I will dance.
(ps & so many more than I could ever say)
It’s very freeing to embrace the gamut of emotions we are deluged with at times. To not cringe and cower in the face of adversity but to allow the times to do their work, Gods work in our lives. I wonder if the degree we allow the mourning to come determines the counterpart of joy.
I have been struggling with finding the joy and turned to this study to point me towards the Cross and that joy that Christ has given. My momma was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer almost 3 months ago and began chemo recently. As I watch her wither away, it is next to impossible to find joy. My momma and I had a talk the other day about the end of life and what she’s looking forward to when she dies. There was immense comfort in knowing that she loves Jesus. While the pain is real and the grieving has already begun, I can find joy in knowing there will be a reunion some day.
I am overwhelmed by God’s love for you and me. We are so undeserving, yet Christ would’ve died if I were the only person left on this world. So comforting.
So, I started this study four weeks ago, and here I am on Day 2…. the day after I started the study, my sweet Mama and I flew to see my oldest brother, who was in his last day on this earth. He, like my Daddy who had only left us three weeks earlier, suffered from Dementia. It is a difficult disease to watch, though, so while there’s so much sadness at the fact that they are no longer here with us, there is also so much more rejoicing at the fact that they are no longer suffering here on this earth in their temporary bodies. It’s interesting, but through this experience, I have learned so much about the fact that we can find joy even in the midst of our mourning. Mama and I spent two wonderful weeks with family… we had good days and bad days… but we were truly able to find joy in spending time with family who we haven’t seen much of over the years. I believe that we should all mourn when we lose someone, but if we know we’re going to see them again, we should also be able to rejoice and enjoy the time we still have here with the people we still have here. We are called to joy… it’s a part of the fruit of the Spirit… and I believe it’s a choice we’re given. Will we choose joy? Or will we choose sorrow? Today, I want to choose joy… in honor of my sweet Daddy and brother, because I believe they wouldn’t have it any other way.
This is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
Cheri, Thank you so much for writing this beautiful paragraph. I just wanted to let you know that it really touched me, and I even wrote down a few of your words in my physical copy of this devotional. Thank you so much for sharing.
This touched my heart today, thanks you so much for sharing. Praying for you and your family!
Thank you for sharing Cheri. God bless !
Cheri, thank you for sharing your beautiful story. I lost my grandmother to years of battling Parkinson’s Disease and my grandfather just got moved to Hospice because of his struggle with Dimentia. The pain is so deep knowing that these diseases have taken away their lives from them but I also rejoice because both individuals were faithful servant’s of Christ and I hope in the fact that both of them have/will have new bodies, minds, and faculties in Heaven. Our father is faithful, regardless of the pain and sorrow. He always rises. The son always rises.
Father open my mind to hear your words. The silence between us is deafening.
This is beautiful. :) such an Ernest payer. We were talkin in bible study about hearing God and how he often speaks in a still small voice. If your mind is wandering and wondering and not set on the things of God you might not hear him. Are there things or thoughts in your life preventing you from having a peaceful quiet might capable of hearing Gods voice? You should read the book “battlefield of the mind” by I think it’s Joyce Meyers? I can’t remember the author for sure.
Yes, it is Joyce Meyers :)
I understand ❤️
When I first looked at this study I thought it was just going to be about separate seasons of mourning and dancing. But to address the fact that in the midst of the mourning we can be dancing, that there is this tension between the two is something entirely different and it think very important.
Kim, I agree completely! What a beautiful revelation… I pray, today, that everyone can find a way to dance in the midst of mourning. That’s where our joy is made complete! Thank you for sharing your perspective. I needed it this morning!
I, too, pray that Jesus would open my mind to the Scriptures.
Me too!
God gave his only son up to give us hope and to be gloriously raised to go home. I think of how his mother Mary must have felt in knowing she would not touch her son again but resiliently believed she would see him again in heaven. I see how her believing behavior showed up as faith in Gods promise. Because of my faith in Gods promise I can have hope as my dad fades away to go home to God I find comfort and peace.
Amen!
This time last year my best friends father past away from a heart attack due to a horrible drug overdose. She does not believe in God, nor does the rest of her family. I did not realize how difficult it could be to be surrounded by people who don’t believe. I was also deep in a toxic relationship at this time where I was losing my sense of self worth and in a very bad place emotionally. I left to study abroad for 6 months (one of the best things I’ve done) but had a hard time adjusting. I felt extremely guilty for leaving my friend in such a bad time, and was still very caught up in my unhealthy relationship. I became very anxious and depressed. When I returned this past July, I finally got the strength to leave the relationship. My depression continued for quite a while but has since gotten significantly better. Since then I have spent a lot of time trying to heal and work on my faith in God.
Last week I lost my grandmother who was battling pancreatic cancer. The next day another friend of mine also lost her grandfather, and she too does not believe in God. It is difficult to know what to say when I am around people who do not turn to Him in troubled times. It has been quite a long year, but this has given me hope to know that there are seasons for everything and that His timing is best. For now I am choosing to rebuild myself and work on my faith
Haley, so sorry for your loss. I hope things are getting better since a month ago when you commented. Don’t be afraid to tell hurting friends what you have been learning in your faith as it has comforted you in your pain. Even if they don’t respond much at first (or even don’t really want to hear it), you’re planting seeds for further conversations about faith– EVEN when you don’t know all the answers, because who does!
Haley,
The Lord must be working on something incredible for you, that you were faced with seasons that required you to reflect as well as build strength. Your courage is inspiring. Stay strong.
I’ve recently had some very large changes to my life and friendships which has felt like the rug has been pulled from underneath me. I’ve also started having some counselling which has been a few years in coming and whilst I’m so glad God is healing me from some dark, lonely, confusing & sometimes volatile teenage years, it’s really tough going back to those hurts after 10 years of not living with my parents. I’ve discovered this beautiful song by Shane & Shane with an exert from John Piper talking about pain/loss. It has helped to to have a somewhat more healthy perspective of my emotions in this time. I pray it might help some of you too. xxx
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qyUPz6_TciY
My husband and I have been trying to get pregnant for over a year now. I am about a week and half late so I took a test and it was POSITIVE! It was Saturday so my OB office was closed. Sunday morning I took another one and it was negative…I was so confused. I decided to go to an urgent care to get tested there…negative. My emotions have been up and down all weekend but mainly I’m sad, frustrated, confused. Everyone around me is getting pregnant, growing their families and I’m just waiting. I know God is good, and has a plan. I started reading this study yesterday, because currently, I am in a state of mourning. I am trying to stay positive but stress and worry are crippling in.
Hi Heather, I’m so sorry to hear you’re going through such a confusing time. I know things are hard right now, but when the time is right you’ll experience more joy than you ever thought possible. God truly is faithful and I’ll be praying for you ❤️
Hi heather! I can imagine it is hard waiting for it to be your turn to start a family. Maybe this is a story of encouragement or maybe this is just me expressing myself, but last year my husband and I got pregnant unexpectedly. We were so excited and nervous all at the same time. Unfortunately we miscarried at 7 weeks. We were so confused and frustrated, not understanding why. Well a couple weeks ago I found a mole on my back that tested positive for melanoma. I had to have surgery and get my lymph nodes removed as a precaution. Long story short, everything came out fine and I’m cleared but had we been pregnant (this would’ve been our 7th month) it would’ve complicated things so much more and threatened my and my baby’s life. I don’t mean to scare you or anything and I know your story is completely different I just wanted to share how confused I was but now I know that God was protecting me all along. I am so thankful.
It’s is perfectly perfect to mourn over this. There is a season for it all. Just know Gods perfect timing will be made perfect in this instance too. My brother-in-law and his wife tried for 6 years steady. They tried everything.. multiple miscarriages and multiple problems.. next month they will be welcoming their first baby boy. Right at the time they are buying a new house. Her husband has gotten 2 promotions in the span of this 9 month pregnancy and they are out of what was a VERY stressful situation. God knows.. he sees all. And he is already working on exactly who’s nose this baby will have and who’s eyes. Don’t you worry. Our God is divine, all seeing and all knowing. :) I hope you can rejoice knowing that it will be made perfect. :)
Maybe have some scriptures ready in your purse that can strengthen you in your weaknesses and assure you of Gods plans for you?
I am loving that this study is giving me a permission slip to feel the sadness over things that I’ve tried to wipe away for years. There IS a season for everything, even a season to cry over the past, just as long as I don’t live in the muck.
Emma, praying for your loved ones. Our God is faithful!
I just started this study because it seemed relevant to what I am experiencing. My cousin passed away expectantly last night as he has been dying of cancer. Whereas my husband’s cousin died 2 weeks ago unexpected to us. She knew she had cancer and told very few people. We are still in shock. Cancer, or the thought of cancer steals my joy. I need Jesus in the face of fear and grief…I need him to help turn my mourning to dancing. I keep thinking…I will be a first time grandma in January.!!! Better put on my tap shoes!!!
Praying for you
Will do Emma.
Hi everyone- I have a prayer request for anyone reading this comment. My grandmother was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and neither her, nor my grandpa, nor my father is saved. I want desperately for them to be with in heaven and to experience the love and peace of Christ during this difficult time. If you could please pray for their salvation, I would greatly appreciate it. May His will be done.
Prayed for your family this morning. He is our Hope.
Lord I pray strength for Emma. That in this time of you would have her be the one to lead these family members to Christ that she would be open to it and trust in you completely. But Lord I pray for divine encounters. I know you care for them so much deeper than even anyone in their family could. We know you have the power. Thank you Lord amen.
Hi Emma, praying for your family in this moment. I truly believe that your grandparents and your father will be saved and for your grandmother to be healed. God is faithful always and He keeps His promises
Acts 16:31 “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved–you and your household.”
Recently i had a similar situation. My dad was diagnosed with prostrate cancer and he wasn’t saved, i’ve been praying for the past 8 years for him to come to Jesus, and the night before he left this earth he gave his life to God. It is painful that he is no longer with us, yes, but God was still faithful in that moment and is still faithful, and I am grateful that one day I will see him heaven again.
Thank you Lord for loving me! Being there for being in my darkest times always comforting me!
I may have heartache in life, I may have hurts and at times despair, but knowing I have hope and that Christ lives in me means I can face anything and still speak of His goodness.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ODe4sGCKxc
Nothing better than this wonderful reminder! How sweet is Jesus
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for such great love, without which life is meaningless
how wondrous that even though there is pain we can rejoice in the knowledge that Christ lives in us
So important to remember how Christ lives in us !
Like so many of you ladies, this study came at the perfect time for me, too. There is tragedy and trauma all around me- my dear friends lost their baby at 38 weeks pregnant and my sister-in-law’s father lost is battle with depression to suicide. All of this happening in the same week. I’m trying to stay strong and find my guideposts of joy that I know are there, but the mourning stage has its claws in deep. I’m praying that this study and community will help me console and guide my friends and family, as well as renew my faith-which has been tested and (quite honestly) found to be at a very weak point right now.
Oh Jennifer, my heart aches with yours. You are in my prayers.
I feel deeply for you Jennifer. I will be praying for peace and healing and trust in the Lord for you. God Bless.
Praying for you and your loved ones Jennifer. Being tested in our faith is tough. Keep strong.
I have been stuck for the last 6 months with what I refer to as “one foot in heaven, and one foot in hell.” My 20 year old son broke his neck in a snowboarding accident on January 30, and I have been living in 3 hospitals and rehab with him as he recovers from a life changing spinal cord injury. This study is helping me clarify that it is okay to feel the tension of life and death on a daily basis. Such joy at each small milestone he makes, and such sorrow at what he’s lost and how our life as a family is forever changed. Prayers appreciated!
Kimberly- your story touches my heart… I am a nurse in a rehab facility. Seeing people’s lives change as they realize their “new normal” is nothing like what they’ve always known. I will be fiercely praying for your family and especially your son. Our God is mighty. And miracles happen every single day. In all shapes and sizes. Each one of those milestones he reaches is a miracle in itself. I pray that you won’t lose hope.
I, too, am new to the SRT community and am so thankful for the recommendations to look in to it particularly during this season in my life. I am experiencing a depression like I never have in my life and there are really no words to describe it. I’m praying the Lord renews my spirit and breathes new life in me!
I am praying for you, Lindsay, that He will comfort you and restore joy to you!
I am praying that with each new morning, you find strength and peace. I too have been dealing with depression for the last 7 months and each day is a struggle. You are in my prayers!
I don’t know if this will be helpful to you, but I also live with depression and this morning Jesus brought his own words to my mind: take my yoke upon you. My yoke is easy and my burden is light. (You can read it in Matthew 11:28-30). I have experienced this lightness over the past few days and it is a breath of fresh air in my state of depression. I pray you will find Jesus’ yoke to be easy and light as well. Praying for you…
Glad you voiced your tension as I feel the same way many times… When I’m forgiven I also feel a lot of guilt at times and don’t really know how to deal with that tension. Especially in regards to sinning against other people… I know I have forgiveness from God but I still don’t feel forgiveness from others..
I feel torn about celebrating my forgiveness and freedom in Christ knowing the incredible suffering Christ went through on my behalf-because of my sin. It feels wrong to celebrate someone elses’ pain and death that I benefit from. Does anyone else ever feel this way? I am so grateful for Christ’s love and sacrifice, and yet the idea of rejoicing over my salvation when Christ suffered so terribly seems wrong/difficult for me to do.
Glad you voiced your tension as I feel the same way many times… When I’m forgiven I also feel a lot of guilt at times and don’t really know how to deal with that tension. Especially in regards to sinning against other people… I know I have forgiveness from God but I still don’t feel forgiveness from others..
“I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.” Galatians 2:21
When I read this verse I’m overcome with sadness because a lot of the time I’m Martha…focused on the wrong things and zeroing in on the “deeds” part of life while missing out on the “love and relationship” part. The past several years of my life have been wrought with heartache. While my faith, hope, and trust in my Lord and Savior have not been shaken I feel as though His voice has weakened to a whisper and I need it to be a roaring lion! My actions are not leading me closer to Jesus even though my habits of reading his word and spending time with him have increased. I’m desperate for him to renew my spirit. To take hold of me so firmly in his grip that it’s undeniably him. I want to feel his embrace. I need him to rebuke me for my behavior and for the Holy Spirit to lead and guide me as I respond to my kids and spouse! My friends dismiss negative behavior and chalk it up to sin and this “season” of life but I know that he has called me to help my husband to lead my family with love…to be velvet over steel with my kids instead of harsh and critical. This constant state of failure has left my joy weakened and I’m filled with discouragement and heartache over my behavior. I feel like Paul must’ve felt…I try so hard but keep repeating the same sins over and over again. Well, I’m fed up and am crying out today for the Holy Spirit to powerfully intercede on my behalf. I want Martha to sit down and Mary to take over! Lord, I trust you with my life. I trust you with my future and the future of my family. I want to break the cycle of parenting that has plagued my family for generations and replace it with your loving guidance. I want to model Jesus to my kids in such a powerful way that they have no choice but to fall in love with you! So change my heart, Lord. Sit me down. Take the reigns and lead me. I so desperately want to follow.
Rachel, thank you for sharing, I’ve been feeling very similar lately. In spite of regular time in the word, I have not been feeling close to God. Being a fairly new wife and a newer mom has often distracted me from my most important relationship. I don’t want to live by my own strength but rather through the power of the Holy Spirit alive and active. I pray that we will be filled with the fullness of Christ as we call out to Him and surrender our will, as He modeled at the cross!
Rachel, what a precious heart you have and so filled with valuable desires. I think that is what God looks at when He looks at the heart! I am praying for you sweet sister-in-Christ. I know God hears your cries and is going to do mighty things in you and your family.
I was a divorced mom for 9 years when my two kids were small. I was so overwhelmed with worry because their dad was constantly taking me to court over custody, that I didn’t really enjoy those days like I should’ve. I just questioned each moment “what would he think” about my decisions, my parenting, etc… when I should have been more worried about what “my Father” thought. I do have happy memories but I have so much regret. I feel like I was so focused on that instead of enjoying every precious moment. Unfortunately, although I had accepted Christ, I don’t think I was a true follower of Christ. I just didn’t get it like you in those days. I let fear and frustration lead me. I would get angry with my kids over things I really didn’t feel were a big deal, but I knew it was much better for them if I handled them, then if he did. He gave them such “performance based love.” It did get better when I remarried and my husband could deal with him calmly and he sort of eased up. But never on my daughter who was two years older than her brother. She was a joyful, laughing, compassionate, child and teen but she was much like in that she was so much a Mary in the things of life, she didn’t focus on school and didn’t PERFORM up to his expectations. She knew it too. It plagued her!
My son on the other hand, was also a loving happy kid, but very much on task and a planner..etc. I feel like I constantly stayed on Holly because I knew if I didn’t he would and when he did it was harsh and killed her self esteem. Both of my kids loved the Lord, but they weren’t perfect. So Holly never felt like she measured up. My son moved out after high school and started college right away when he was 18. Holly was 20, still a ray of sunshine, but it took her a little time to find her way. She did work, and had finally made a plan. She was good in all areas of her life, but not her relationship with her dad. He was VERY much a “he-Martha!” She was tragically killed in November of 2007. That’s a whole story within itself. But the months that followed and even years, I watched him live with so much regret.I carry a lot too. I know that is not God’s desire. We do the best we know how at the time. But if only I had been like you Rachel and had the right focus, even when I struggled, and cried out to God and kept my eyes on Him and not my circumstances. You are an amazing wife and mother obviously and I just know God is pleased with you. You are staying in the word and keeping your eyes on the Lord!! God bless you..weeping (and struggles) may endure for the night but joy comes in the morning!! Remember that.. hold tight..
Danette,
Your story really touched my heart. I grieve with you over your struggles and your losses. And I hope you don’t mind, but I also rejoice with you in your growing closer to our Savior. It seems strange that I can grieve and rejoice both at once, but I guess that is how we are made.
You have convicted me to be less of a self-judging Martha and more of a surrendering Mary. I will never measure up to the standards I hold myself to. But God judges me only in the redeeming light of Jesus’ sacrifice for me. And if God forgives my mess ups, then I should be able to forgive them too. When I forgive myself, I free part of myself up to focus less on my own actions and more on joyfully worshiping my King!
Thank you so much for your message. I pour out love and gratitude to you, wise sister.
Samantha
Samantha, you words brought me to tears. What kindness and encouragement as I struggle today with some family issues that I fear, no I KNOW I’ve made worse trying to fix, when I should have just loved and let God fix. It’s a never ending battle isn’t it? I always wonder does God look at me and think “really…you seriously went there again after all I’ve brought you through and loved you?” I know he doesn’t but sometimes I think he should with me!! Happy happy day sweet new friend. IF we never meet here on earth, one day in heaven I have a big hug for you! Love and so much thanks right back at you!!
Rachel,
It is so good to hear your truthful and open struggle, because I am struggling with that as well. I pray that today we will both remember that even though He may not feel close right now, our Lord never leaves us. And nothing – NOTHING- can separate us from Him. He will give us what we ask for. He will help us feel closer to Him again. He promises us that much. What an awesome and faithful God we have the joy of serving.
I am praying for you. You have all of our sisterly support. All my love, Samantha
I love everything about this study. The heartache, the joy. It’s an emotional place to linger in. I feel like I am constantly in this emotional state when I think of my relationship with the Lord. I wish it were more joyous than a constant heartache of knowing I have failed time and time again. Praising him for drawing me to this study and trusting in his path.
I love this ‘In spite of our sadness, we will forever rejoice’
I love him so much. Can’t believe what we have in Jesus. Unfathomable love. Help me Father to obey you and keep coming to the fountain to be satisified.
I love Him, too! How lucky we are to have Him.
Praying for you sweet girl. College is rough enough as it is. Keep your head up to Jesus and He will get you through!
SRT family, please pray for me and my mom. My dad passed away in his sleep a few weeks ago. He was just 56. I’m about to start my senior year of college and I’m having a hard time coping. I miss him so much. I’m so grateful God inspired you all to publish this study when you did. It was perfect timing.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Abby. Praying for you and your family tonight.
Abby, I lost my dad too. It is not easy for sure and my dad was young too. When you feel like crying let it out. Dont hold back cause those are good tears. Dont be afraid to talk about him and all the good memories you have of him. He is SO proud of you and starting college is just the beginning. We may not have our dads here on earth with us anymore but they are in a better place. I will be praying for you as you walk through the first year of loss. Know that your dad always loves you. Go out in the world and make him proud!! God loves you too!! So happy we have a study like this to go to during a time of loss.
Love this study. Please continue to pray for my boyfriend who is unknowingly dealing with depression (seemingly) and also seems to have a negative reoccurring cycle with alcohol. He’s got a lot of things he’s bottled and tried to hide but they’re coming to light and I’m worried he may do something drastic once he realizes they’ve come to light. I’m hoping that’s not the case, but he’s been bottling things for a long time it appears. He tries to push me away and, while I know he is not husband material right now, I feel called to stay in his life and be a light for the Lord. Please pray. Pray for him to wake up, and for the Lord to soften and prepare his heart for what is to come in order to face all he’s been running from.
Dear sweet sister, I know you don’t know me but I once dated a man very similar to what you’re describing. I will most definitely be praying for him to see Jesus and to wake up to destructive cycles. I will be praying for you as well…for wisdom and counsel from the Lord as well as other ladies in your life. I caution you to be careful with your heart. In the end, it is the Lord who saves and calls people to him. Jesus loves you dearly!
Donielle: thank you so much. <3
Hello everyone! I just recently discovered SRT and I’m so glad I did. This study came at a perfect time because I’m experiencing a period in my life when I feel like everything is changing so quickly and I’ve been struggling, feeling really adrift. But reading this study reminded me that I have a reason to be joyful and have hope, even through the pain and confusion.
So glad to be here and I’m excited to get to know God and the SRT community better :)
Glad you are here Olivia!!
Having a rough time in a friendship right now. I know I wasn’t in the wrong but I feel as if I point out how they were it won’t be received well. Prayers appreciated. It’s a bit heart wrenching.
In regards to this study today I found myself squinting as I was reading the crucifixion scene. Not because I need a new prescription for my glasses, but because it is so painful to read. So thankful for my Lord Jesus who gave it all up for petty little me.
Amber, I’m in the same place right now. A close friend recently betrayed my trust and said very hurtful things. It’s so easy to cling to bitterness and point out their wrongs, I know that too well. I’ll be praying for you. Friendships can be so hard but such a reflection of Christ as well. Keep clinging to Jesus through it and realize how they’ve wronged you is not a reflection of yourself, but you are accountable for how you handle it. I’m with you in this fight too. Praying for you!
Thank you so much! Prayers for you as well!
I always have a warm feeling wash over me when the Lord matches up my studies to my daily life. This was a wonderful and comforting pocket of scripture to sit in and have wrap around me after a morning of reassuring a dear friend that her daddy (who has been dead a year today) is walking and talking with the Lord and has been without pain or suffering for a year.
This is my first SRT study and I have to say I am enjoying it very much. At first I thought writing a lament would be so difficult, but the words are just pouring out. I am so thankful for the opportunity to learn in this way. Today’s lesson really brought home some things for me. Especially how the people misunderstood who Jesus was by his lack of taking himself off the cross. They were blind to the truth because of only being able to grasp what their eyes could see. And then after his resurrection the disciples minds were opened to understand. And they were witnesses to all that prophecy being fulfilled!!!! That gives me chills. It makes me realize how my perception of what is going on during hard times can be so far off from the truth. But one day my mind will also be opened to understand. Gives me such strength to keep on trusting and believing even when I just can’t see.
Rachelle, thank you so much for joining us. Grateful to hear your words of lament are pouring out—I’ve had a similar experience :)
xoxo-Kaitlin
This is my first srt study too :)
Do you have the study book? Does it give tips on how to write a lament? If so would you mind sharing?
Maria, I have the book and it walks you through writing a lament very thoroughly and clearly. There is even extra space at the back of the book in case you want to write a longer lament. The book in general, has more to add to the topic and allows for deeper thought. Hope you find this helpful.
Praying for you and your loved ones!
Sweet SRT sisters, I ask for your prayers today. A dear family friend passed away in his sleep last night at the age of 35. Joel was one of my brother’s best friends & my sister’s brother-in-law. It is his & my brother’s friendship that led to my sister meeting & marrying his brother. Through the joining of families I have become friends with his sister. I didn’t personally know him all that well, but my loved ones are deeply mourning him now. Please pray for his grieving family & friends & that I might know how to serve them in this time. His parents live only 2 blocks from me. Thank you.
My prayers are with you!
No words are needed. Just love on her/them.
Sending prayers to the family and friends.
praying!
Friend, I’m so sorry. Jesus, be near. Keeping you and the family in my prayers.
xoxo-Kaitlin
God is so good! It is hard for me to comprehend such a love. Christ, a sinless man, was treated so horrifically, so sinners like me can live forever in heaven. He was unshaken. He didn’t ask God to make another way for this to happen. He didn’t look for an easier alternative. May I never lose focus from this love. Praise and thanks be to God!
Amen and Amen —-And in spite of our grief & sorrow & sadness, we will be forever grateful, thankful, & joyous in the fact that HIS love goes on forever in every situation to cover our sin all of our lives. Just by believing he is the Christ our redemption.
I was struck by the part of Matthew 27:42 that says “let him come down from the cross and we will believe him”. First, to me this passage shows that Jesus knows that importance of hardship and suffering and gives me hope that there is strength in working through challenges. Second, Jesus did come down from the cross and that is just an amazing test of faith for those doubters.
Love this comment!
Praise God!! Reminds me to not always be on the defence regarding myself; that it is only Christ Jesus I need to proclaim!
“And in spite of our sadness, we will forever rejoice.” – Isn’t this so true. I know I don’t take the time to really allow the sadness to sink in though. I tend to focus on the rejoicing. That I have been saved. Taking today to remember that Christ DIED. He died and was raised. Let this seep into my heart today Lord!
http://www.littlelightonahill.com
“What matters is that on a certain day, many years ago, the sky turned black (Matthew 27:45), the world was turned upside down, and the Son of God gave Himself for us. And in spite of our sadness, we will forever rejoice.” <—- Amen to this! There is SO much to rejoice about, even in the sadness
http://www.in-due-time.com
Our pastor spoke on the crucifixion Sunday. He likened it to a sonic boom that transcends time, transforms our suffering By uniting it to his…That our hearts see differently when we have suffered and are broken, our lives are changed and our compassion for others deeper.
Thanks for sharing this image with us, Melissa! So glad you’re joining us.
xoxo-Kaitlin
Wow, yes! Conviction. What a beautiful picture Jesus painted and modeled for us as he fully trusted God to take care of the wrongdoings in the world and make everything right. I really believe he was showing US what to do in our lives. If HE can do that, perfect and all-knowing, what excuse do we have to be defensive, angry, and untrusting that God won’t take care of our problems and the world’s problems? What a picture of humbleness and trust.
I read Katie’s comment below and had a flood of ALL of the ways I have tried to defend myself in a current hardship I’m in. I’ve been so tired of fighting and have been BEGGING God for a way out of or through this for two years. I’ve been so focused on changing another person and making them realize the wrong they are doing to me, defending myself rather than trusting God and letting go of the desire to prove myself. Lately I’ve become aware of how much God uses trials as a part of His bigger story and how he uses hardships in peoples lives to help them live out their purpose. In trying to fight my battle myself, over and over, I’ve also been fighting God and fighting my trust for Him to carry me through this. Like Katie said in the comments below, “Sometimes there is even more strength in silence. Though you are silent you are allowing God to tame the storm inside of you.”
It is my sin—my daily run-of-the-mill gossip and petty jealousy. In spite of my horror and grief when I remember Christ’s suffering, I also rise up in joyous wonder that He has taken my place.
Yes! Grateful for this reminder, Diane.
xoxo-Kaitlin
I find it difficult to grasp the truth of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. Does anyone else? I wonder what I can do to grasp it.
I do too. It’s a story that I’ve heard so many times but haven’t been able to fully grasp and feel. It’s so much to take in and understand and something I need help grasping as well.
I think that seeing my sin as God sees it helped me grasp the truth of Christ’s sacrifice. In worldly terms, I’ve always been pretty much a goody two shoes, but when I finally saw my wretched filthiness, and couldn’t rationalize, or downplay it anymore, that is when Jesus’ sacrificial death, and then complete victory over the grave came into full focus for me. Much love, in Him! SuznK
Sometimes I just have to stand on His word… 1 Cor. 13:12 “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.”
I have to sometimes “let it be” and realize that there are so many things on this earth that I’ll never understand as long as I’m here, but when I stand before the Savior I can ask all of the questions that roll thru my mind now… Funny, tho…. Somehow I don’t think these things that boggle my mind now will beep very important in the light of Heaven!! I thank Him!
Samantha, I was raised in church and heard story after story after story about the birth of Christ, His death, and then ultimately His resurrection. It wasn’t until I went through immense grief in my own life that I was really able to truly grasp the truth or understand what it meant. I’m not saying that you have to go through immense grief or grief at all to understand, but just by you voicing it means that God is already at work in your heart to show you what He means.
For me, I was able to FEEL the revelation of what Christ did for me through the death of an infant, my niece. My husband one week prior had confessed some sins of adultery to me and I was having a really hard time grasping the next breath of air, let alone anything that God’s word held for me. Fast forward one week and my best friend and SIL goes into the hospital for an emergency c section. She was 9 months pregnant. They sent my niece to a children’s hospital down the block, but had to keep my SIL at the hospital where she was originally admitted. We were asked to accompany my niece so that we could relay any and all procedures done to our niece back to my SIL. Even longer story short, my niece did not survive. Unfortunately the doctors were unprepared for her. As my husband and I held our niece I just looked at her little face. She weighed 6lbs 8oz, just like my younger son. She had the cutest little button nose and curly hair, just like our older son. I wiped the bloody tears from her face, and counted her lifeless fingers & toes. I kissed her sweet little face and told her that I would hold her again very soon. As I began to weep, God spoke to me. I heard him say, “I gave my ONLY SON for you.” Right then it clicked for me.
God gave His ONLY son into this cruel and wretched world as a baby-KNOWING full well that His ‘own people’ would ultimately destroy and kill Him- for ME. He knew that I would sin. He KNEW that I was broken, imperfect, selfish, ugly, mean, and yet He gave His own beautiful little boy into this world for ME. I was harboring un-forgiveness towards my husband (for the confessions), but as I began to grasp what God did for me, I also began to realize that I had absolutely no right to not forgive him. (By no means am I saying he was just ‘off the hook’, but he was truly sorry and wanted our marriage to work. He has turned into a completely different man!!!-PRAISE GOD!)
God gave His ONLY son for me. For you. For us. I would have given ANYTHING to keep my niece on this earth. Even my own life. I NEVER would have given her up to anyone, ESPECIALLY to a people who hated her and wanted her dead. Christ’s birth, death, and resurrection have never been more real to me than on that day in May 2012. I pray that I never lose sight of that day and what I gained through the death of my niece. I will also pray that your eyes and ears are granted with the truths and knowledge that you so eagerly want to gain. God Bless You!
Thank you so much for this, Cherish. Your story puts everything into perspective for me, in a period of time when I’ve been so wrapped up in my own mourning that I haven’t allowed myself to feel that heart-sinking feeling for anything besides my own situations…let alone the ultimate heartbreak God/Christ endured for my behalf. Thank you for breaking me of my own selfishness.
Don’t mean away from sadness – for it brings you closer to Christ.
Yoga class yesterday caught me at the edge of a weepy state. I laid in mournful sadness over the state of the world. A hedge of denial has been around these feelings for a while. And I believe for the best, the emotions pierced through as I laid in submission. May God grant me visions of action and intentional listening ahead of me, us. May we spend heavy time in your Word & community, honestly delving into our brokenness with gracious hearts toward ourselves and others.
Great message today. So much mourning about death and destruction in our country and world these past few weeks- it’s so easy to forget that there is something so much greater; the sacrifice Jesus made for us!
Amen Ruth!!
I’m struck by the words in Galations. It’s not written “I live, and oh yeah, Christ can live in me too” like we can be roommates or something. Oh no, it says “I no longer live…” Oh, to have the strength to die to self. It’s a death I have to face daily, sometimes hour by hour! My heart has to be replaced completely with Christ’s heart, it’s His eyes that I need to see with, His hands that I should be reaching with. None of myself can remain so there can be room for Him to live in me.
Me too! I prayed this on the way to work this morning . . . “please help me die to self”
Amen!
Joining you in this prayer this morning <3
Sadly, this is my all day, every day struggle. And already – early this morning – before reading today’s scripture, I was struck anew by my absolute inability to stay “on track,” to die to myself and let Christ live in me. Whether it is my struggle with stress, impatience, daily balance of priorities or my inability to remove curse words from my vocabulary, I just can’t seem to get ahead of it. Lord, that I may turn from my sin and rest in you. So thankful for His never ending mercy and grace!
This is so relatable, SusieP. Know that you are not alone in this, and I rejoice with you that His Holy Spirit constantly pours out mercy and grace in our hearts as His beloved children. By His strength and our obedience to Him, I am confident these struggles and strongholds will get easier and easier and we will point to Him and say “YOU did it, Lord. I thought it was impossible to overcome my flesh in these areas, but it is truly no longer I who live but You who lives in me. I am a new creation now and for eternity because YOU did it.” Peace to you, SusieP, and to all of you beautiful hearts this morning.
I too struggle with self and pray that the Holy Spirit removes all distractions so I can hear the word of God through the Scriptures. Glad to know that I am not alone.
Like the rest of you, I too struggle with dying to myself. I continually repeat throughout my day “empty me Lord so I can be filled with you.”
Jesus is not my roommate! HE lives, not I.
Thank you for that image today! It really clarified in my heart how prone I am to let Jesus share MY space… No. Oh how I need to surrender my life everyday to Him!
Oh what beautiful tension we feel between mourning at the crucifixion and rejoicing at the resurrection. Just three short days apart, and yet going from the lowest of lows to the highest of highs, from death with no hope to life with hope everlasting. What a wonderful Savior, death could not keep Him, He is victorious!
❤️
All I keep seeing is the magnitude of his humility. First for the King of all Kings to humble himself to come into this world as a helpless baby, to grow up and serve his people and in the end to freely give of himself to be falsely accused, beaten, humiliated and put to death. The reality of it all brings me to my knees. While I worry about what people think of me , worry over Peru things and accuse my bothers and sisters so haphazardly, my soul is brought to attention and repentance at his name.
I love you, I love you, I love you Lord today. Because you care my for me in such a special way. And Lord I thank you, I lift you up! I magnify your name. That’s why my heart is filled with praise!
Being a Christian I have read about crucifixion much more then a handful of times! However, have you ever read something but not truly read it? Really understanding and really looking deep into the bibles words is something I have struggled with.
Lord I pray that I can sit down and have the wisdom to understand these beautiful love letters you have written to me! Amen
I agree, it almost becomes faded so that I don’t grasp the magnitude… give us fresh eyes, Lord!
I share your thoughts. It’s almost more than I can comprehend. The enormity of it. The everlasting impact. Especially amid the noise we immerse ourselves in daily. I am thankful for this community of believers sharing these Holy Scriptures.
I am with you 100%…..I pray daily for wisdom and understanding…..
“What new mystery is this? The judge is judged and remains silent;”
This has always stood out to me. When all of those people were mocking Jesus even spitting in his face, He did…..NOTHING. I am an extremely defensive person and it’s something I’m working on. there’s is strength in a whisper instead of shouting and sometimes there’s is even more strength in silence. though you are silent you are allowing God to tame the storm inside of you, you submit when everything in your flesh wants to rebel. Jesus trusted in God and who God said Jesus was. that’s what defined Him not others opinion of seeing him as weak on the cross…. what would have happened if Jesus felt the need to prove himself to those pious people? the scripture would never have been fulfilled…. we would still be lost in the judgement of the law separated from God….. I really need to learn not to be defensive just like Jesus wasn’t defensive….
Katie,
What a beautiful revelation. So humbling and it spoke right to my soul. I fan only hope to be as humble as he.
Katie, I love this. So often I consider the crucifixion robotic, that it just happened and Jesus automatically died and that was just it. HOWEVER, all along He chose to be silent and chose to take the beatings and not be defensive. He never proved Himself until He rose. I’m cringing at what our reality would be if Jesus chose to fight back against the masses who crucified Him.
Katie, I came to this realization some time ago as well and I’m always so struck by the fact that he doesn’t defend himself. Why? Jesus doesn’t need to. He knows the truth, he IS Truth. He waited for our hearts to see it through His sacrifice. Instead of defending, He showed us love in its true essence. And he was obedient to the Father without need for explanation. Not only is it impressive to see, but a gift of a perfect example of how to do it in our own lives
The mystery to me is why does He love a wretch like me? I have nothing to offer except brokenness and mess and yet He loves me enough to die for me. It is truly incomprehensible to me and I will never understand it this side of the veil but I will be eternally grateful and amazed!
I agree Sooz. Every time I think about those same facts about my life I’m floored that he would love me just the same. Oh that we would extend that crazy love to others who seem “unlovable” as well. It’s His amazing grace and amazing love that compels us to come to him with nothing but worship & adoration.
Wonderful & important point! He who loves the unlovely me extends grace & power to me to love the unlovely as well!! PTL!!!
Beautifully written. Why does he love a wretch like me?
Every time I read about the death and crucifixion of Jesus I am amazed he would take my place. I sin every single day. I am pretty sure there isn’t a day in my life I have been able to uphold the law in thought or in actions. How beautiful that our savior suffered so that I who am so undeserving should live eternally? Such a mystery indeed that the blameless should take our blame. I imagine it was painful for the Father God. How it must have been to offer and then watch his son suffer for our gain.
Amen
’45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures,’
Lord, open our minds that we may understand your word and see the awesome truth in it!
Amen! Please Lord, hear our prayer!
This is the word that popped out of the pages at me too! Amen and amen.
Yes Lord