“I have been crucified with Christ…” Gal 2:20a
We know that Jesus died for us because of our sins. He willingly took our place and gave his life that we might have life. We know this is true. It is a reality we accepted in mind but what about our hearts? Do we truly know Jesus DIED for OUR sin?
The news report of a fatal crash on a local highway is disheartening. But a call confirming it was a member of our family would be devastating…
Jesus dying for our sin is not very personal. Truth is, he died for MY sin. Repeat the phrase to yourself: He DIED for MY sin! He died for every disgusting one of them. My lies, my evil thoughts, my foul words, my lusts, my greed, my deliberate disobedience, and my arrogance. Jesus died. He willingly gave up his life…for me!
He suffered greatly. The excruciating pain of the crucifixion was not enough. He suffered the taking-on of my sin and guilt too. He had never experienced sin before. Jesus had never felt the shame and guilt or separation from the Father, till he shed his blood for me. He willingly accepted this severance from his Father for my sake?! Unbelievable!
It is not enough to know Jesus died for our sin. It must become more real and personal.
Place yourself at the scene the day Jesus hung on the cross. Kneel at the foot of it as his blood dripped to the ground and he gasped for breath. Try to imagine his pain and suffering. He had done nothing wrong. Everything he had done was good: healing, touching, loving others. But for the evil in you and me he hung on the cross bearing our shame.
This spiritual journey had to be what Paul meant when he testified: “I have been crucified with Christ…” He had meditated on the scene of the cross over and over again. Recognizing the ugliness of his sin that had placed Jesus there and the supernatural love clearly demonstrated on the cross, Paul wished he could take place of Jesus and take the penalty himself. The meditations broke his heart. He felt great pain and remorse for having caused such suffering for Christ Jesus.
In loving surrender and response, Paul sacrificed himself. In his mind and heart, he took the place of one of the thieves who hung with Jesus and accepted crucifixion too. He gave his life for the cause of Christ.
“The life I live in the body; I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Gal 2:20b
Taking it to heart…..Bro. Sherman
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