And can it be? A song that expresses the power of Good Friday

In the moving hymn And Can It Be? written by Charles Wesley, we find expression of the power, joy, mystery, grace, mercy and invitation of the cross. May these words be a blessing for you on the day we remember Jesus' ultimate revelation of love.

And can it be that I should gain
An interest in the Savior's blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain?
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! how can it be
That Thou, my God, should die for me?

Refrain:
Amazing love! how can it be
That Thou, my God, should die for me!

He left His Father's throne above,
So free, so infinite His grace;
Emptied Himself of all but love,
And bled for Adam's helpless race;
'Tis mercy all, immense and free;
For, O my God, it found out me. [Refrain]

Long my imprisoned spirit lay
Fast bound in sin and nature's night;
Thine eye diffused a quickening ray,
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
My chains fell off, my heart was free;
I rose, went forth and followed Thee. [Refrain]

No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in Him is mine!
Alive in Him, my living Head,
And clothed in righteousness divine,
Bold I approach the eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own. [Refrain]

John 13:12-13 - This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

 

Two trees

Good Friday reminds us of many things relating to the work and person of Jesus. We may hear many sermons or songs this year, but ALL of these will capture the essence of a God who loves us beyond comprehension. 

St Irenaeus – “A tree in Paradise made us Debtors to God. A tree on Golgotha has wiped away our debt.”

Ephesians 1:7 - In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace

May you experience the true love of Jesus this year. Our sins are forgiven. 

Living in grace

D3LM3

27 - Seeing but not understanding

 ^"After they had nailed him to the cross, the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice. Then they sat around and kept guard as he hung there. A sign was fastened above Jesus’ head, announcing the charge against him. It read: “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.” - Matthew 27:35-37

It struck me today that the soldiers we so close to Jesus that they could almost reach out from where they were sitting and touch him. That is close! So, so close. The tragedy is that even though they sat at the feet of the Messiah, Jesus meant nothing to them. They saw Jesus, but didn't understand who he was.

The soldiers had their own gods - Jupiter, Mars, money, power and position. Who needs a revolutionary as a Saviour, when you can have the whole world in your hands? 

Unless of course, Jesus offers you a new Life, Kingdom and Future! #JustSaying

Living in Grace
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Give me your hand!

I came across this interesting illustration in preparing for the Good Friday sermon today. I am not sure if I will use it or not, but hopefully it will offer you a blessing today.

"Norman Lord Grimbald de Pauncefort was captured by the Saracens. When asked the ransom price for his release the Turkish prince demanded the severed right hand of de Pauncefort's young bride, Constantia. In a tremendous act of courage and sacrifice, Lady Contantia complied, and had her left hand amputated and sent to ransom her husband.

In a sense, that's what Jesus did for you, but He didn't just give His hand - He gave His life." - (From a sermon by Fred Markes)

How amazing is that?

This is what the cross is about - Jesus gave his life to set us free from sin that held us captive.

May God bless you with his grace today and always.

Matthew 27:45-50 - From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. ⁴⁶ About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).

⁴⁷ When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling Elijah.”
⁴⁸ Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. ⁴⁹ The rest said, “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.”
⁵⁰ And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.

Living in Grace

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