Lent Day 36: Thankful for the cross

If you could relinquish some part of your life, what would you give over to death? Would you be willing to lay on the line your health, finances, relationships, or reputation? Christians emphasize the peace of God but we know living out that peace will cost us everything.

Jesus gave everything up for us. He was not called the Man of Sorrows without reason.

I'm thinking of the horrors and benefits of dying today, after listening to radio reports about the increasing persecution of Family members (Christian believers) in India. They are being driven from their villages, maimed, and killed for the sake of the gospel.

Are you and I willing to forsake all for our faith in Christ? That's always been the way of the cross. Following Jesus means identification with a bloody price that reconciles us to God but alienates us from those who hate Him.

Among all the parties and candy and Easter eggs, let's not forget the awful beauty of the cross. It point to the path of denying self to love God and others beyond reason, beyond human logic––because of faith and hope in the resurrection power.

Read more:

*The Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. Numbers 6:26

*And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

*I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!” Galatians 2:20-21 NIV

Moravian Prayer: May the Lord bless us and keep us, lift up his countenance upon us and give us the peace that surrounds us and emanates from our hearts. In the name of Jesus. Amen. 

Lent day 39: Oh dreadful day

Today I remember
When they dragged you away
Spat on your holy face
Beat your innocence
Cursed your righteousness
And accused you of things you did not do.

It was for me
And those like me
That you endured the day
Oh dreadful day.

Oh terrible day
When the universe shuddered at our blasphemy
And God turned from you in turning toward us.

Today I remember
And pause to worship the bloody feet
The beaten brow
The torn back
The face plucked of beard.

Oh dreadful day
When angels wept at God's wrath
Satisfied by God's terrible love.

Oh wonderful, awe-filled day.
I remember and say
"Thanks be to God who gives us the victory
Through our Lord Jesus Christ."