Friday, April 2, 2021

Morbid Curiosity About the Cross

 

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Gaither Vocal Band - Written In Red (Live)

 

“When they came to the place called The Skull, there they crucified Him and the criminals, one on the right and one on the left.  And Jesus was saying, ‘Father forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.’  And they cast lots, dividing His clothes among themselves. 

 

“Now the people stood by, watching; but even the rulers ridiculed and sneered at Him, saying, ‘He saved others from death; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the Messiah, the Anointed of God, His Chosen One.’

 

“The soldiers also mocked Him coming up to Him and cruelly offering Him sour wine and sarcastically saying, ‘If you are really the King of the Jews, save Yourself from death!’  Now there was also an inscription above Him: ‘This is the King of the Jews.’ 

 

“One of the criminals who had been hanged on a cross beside Him kept hurling abuse at Him, saying, ‘Are You not the Christ?  Save Yourself and us from death!’  But the other one rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 

 

“We are suffering justly, because we are getting what we deserve for what we have done; but this Man has done nothing wrong.’  And he was saying, ‘Jesus, please remember me when You come into Your kingdom!’

 

“Jesus said to him, ‘I assure you and most solemnly say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.’ 

 

“It was now about the sixth hour or noon, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, about 3:00 PM, because the sun was obscured; and the veil of the Holy of Holies of the temple was torn in two from the top to the bottom.  And Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said, ‘Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit!’  Having said this, He breathed His last. 

 

“Now when the centurion saw what had taken place, he began praising and honouring God, saying, ‘Certainly this Man was innocent.’  All the crowds who had gathered for this spectacle, when they saw what had happened, began to return to their homes, beating their breasts as a sign of mourning or repentance. 

 

“And all His acquaintances and the women who had accompanied Him from Galilee were standing at a distance, watching these things.”  Luke23:33-49

 

As technology around making films has advanced, violence has become more visually graphic.  Films about Christian topics, especially the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, seem to have reached a depth of horrors that the simple words of the Bible avoided.  In this way, they can manipulate us to focus on the horror rather than the innocent One who stood condemned. 

 

Jesus Christ was mocked and beaten, and although powerful beyond reason, submitted to the hatred of those He came to save.  He bled and died to save anyone who would accept His gracious sacrifice.  Look, for instance, at the kind criminal on the cross and see how amazing the saving power of our compassionate Saviour is rather on the vile acts He suffered!

 

Take care with love, especially His, Darlene (who still prays with and for you each day)

 

PS:  Find my statement of faith:  https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com (where you will also find a series of beginner Bible studies to share). You can easily find the WeakDay Devotion online by doing a Google search for ‘WeakDay Devotion’.  (Also, there is an android ‘Goggle Blogger’ app you can download to read them on your phone.  Not sure about Apple.)

 

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS

 

·      Tim – my brother – please pray for his strength, wisdom at this time and that he rests soundly in the arms of the Lord during this time.

·      Ray Sr. – who has been battling cancer that has re-begun its ravaging once more.  He has not yet ‘recognised’ the gracious salvation of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Pray he will hear and respond to Jesus’ call.  Pray also that Ray Jr and Kathy would be able to know of his decision.

·      Peter R – who has just had an appendectomy and discovered he has prostate cancer.  Pray for Jill, his wife that she has the extra strength she needs to travel this journey with him.

·      David – as his health waxes and wanes during this challenging time.  Pray for Heidi who cares for him and his little companion dog, Sparky.  Pray God watches over him and steadies his steps and his heart.

·      Cathy – please pray for her as she faces stage 4 pancreatic cancer.  Her chemo has begun.  She had her CAT scan.  No results yet.  She is Barb (my sister-in-law’s) sister-in-law.  They have a beautiful family.  Please pray for them and their health carers as they travel through this journey.

·      Gloria – had an infection in one of her legs which required a part to be amputated.  The amputation was not enough.  The doctors took more.  Now she needs your prayers that the Lord would provide the funds for a prosthetic.

·      Pat and Isobel – as they serve tirelessly, pray the Lord refreshes and strengthens them.

·      Ian – as he recovers from knee replacement surgery.

·      Hans – a dear friend in Germany, continues his immunotherapy for lung cancer.  His MRI and brain scan went well.  Pray for his ongoing strength through the pain, patience and God’s mercy.  Continue to pray for his healthcare providers and that he is surrounded by faithful and compassionate Christian friends who will support him through this journey.  Pray for his Mom (age 83) who is unwell herself, that their time together will be filled with extraordinary good memories and lots of love.

·      Isaias and Judith (Ambassadors for Christ the Philippines) – the Philippines is a remarkably difficult mission field and Isaias, Judith and their entire family have maintained a teaching and discipling ministry there for dozens of years.  They are both facing some serious health issues and need your fervent prayers, especially Judith right now, who is in much pain.  Please visit their new website:  https://afcph.org/ to learn more.  Pray our Father keep these servants strong, and restores their health.  They need funds ($12,000 for the surgery) badly now.  It would only take a moment to send encouragement to Isaias Catorce, who teaches and leads the groups at icatorce@gmail.com 

Pray for those in full-time service

Pray to uphold our Christian leaders – that they never compromise God’s Word, are bold and courageous in the face of evil.  Pray for their wisdom, safety, ingenuity, strength and for their families.

Pray for those with ongoing health concerns

Many of us have family, friends and loved ones with fragile health.  Pray God takes special care with them and protects them in practical ways and that the Lord will have mercy on them during this challenging time.

Pray for the World

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