Scotland has a special place in my heart. It’s where I studied at university & where I met Rob! When the kids were younger we travelled to Scotland often. One Easter, we visited Glasgow.
There, we saw the famous painting by Dali in the Kelvingrove Art Gallery. It depicts Jesus on the cross, suspended high above the earth, in space. A closer look reveals that there are no nails in Jesus’ hands or feet. No nails-illustrating the fact that it wasn’t the nails that kept Him there on the cross.
Jesus could have summoned a myriad of angels to carry Him away from the suffering. But, instead He chose to die for you and me – because of His love for us.
Paul wrote:
‘God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us’ (Rom 5:8 – NIV)
I used to have a little bookmark in my Bible that said:
‘I asked Jesus, “How much do you love me?”
“This much” He answered,
and He stretched out His arms and died’
‘This is how much God loved the world: He gave His Son, His one and only Son’ (John 3:16 – The Message)
The cross is God shouting through history how much He loves us! The cross declares in blood red letters that God is love.
But, on deeper reflection, I realised that it wasn’t only love that held Jesus there on the cross:
‘It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished’
(From the hymn ‘How deep the Father’s love for us-Townend)
‘It was my sin that held Him there’
The prophet Isaiah gazed down through the years and foresaw the suffering the Messiah would go through for us:
‘He was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.’ (Isa 53:5-NIV)
In love, He hung on the cross, taking the punishment for our sin.
In love, He redeemed us, paying for our salvation with His own precious blood.
This is what makes the darkest day in history Good Friday.
And the amazing thing is this –‘He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all – how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?’ (Rom 8:32 –NIV)
Our Father God gave His Son for us- & He will give us every good gift from above. We are blessed by the amazing love & lavish grace of our Everlasting Father {today & always}
Easter Blessings,
Ruth x
Blessed! 