The Greatest Act of Mercy

"He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities."

I listened to this this morning. I found myself extremely humbled as I heard in intricate detail the pains and agony that Christ went through in his final hours, bearing the sin that I so selfishly commit against him every day of my life, so that I may be forgiven. I'm so thankful today for the grace that I do not deserve on my own, but through Christ I am granted, because of the selfless life and act of sacrifice and love that he poured out for all of us, so that our cups may truly overflow.
"He drinks for hours. He downs every drop of the scalding liquid of God's own hatred of sin, mingled with his white hot wrath against that sin. This is the Father's cup. Omnipotent hatred and anger for the sins of every generation past present and future. Omnipotent wrath directed at one naked man hanging on a cross. The father can no longer look at his beloved Son. His heart's treasure, the mere image of Himself; and he looks away. Jesus pushes himself upward and howls to heaven, "My God, my God! Why have you forsaken me?" Silence. Separation. Jesus whispers, "I'm thirsty." And he sags. The merciful centurion soaks a spnoge in sour wine and lifts it on a reed to Jesus' lips, and the sour wine is the sweetest drink he ever tasted. Jesus pushed himself up again and he cries, "It is finished!" And it is. Every sin of every child of God has been laid on Jesus and he drank the cup of God's wrath dry.... "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!" And he dies." (Quoted from audio)

The picture painted here is a breathtaking representation of true love and sacrifice.

So here's what I heard: The Father's Cup: A Crucifixion Narrative


"Thank you, Jesus, for loving us so much that you gave your life so that your children may be forever freed from the grips of eternal sin and death. Thank you for the forgivneess of sins that we now have as a result of the pains you bore on the cross. Please grant us grace to be more like you - to love selflessly and to truly desire to turn from our wicked sin. We know that each time we sin, it pains you deeply. Please help us to love you so much and hate our sin so much that we desperately want to please you, living every moment and taking captive every thought and action for you. Please help us through the power of your holy spirit to be strengthened with all power, according to Your glorious might. Amen."

Make It A Matter of Prayer

When you are weary in body and soul

Cumbered with many a care

When work is claiming its strength-taking toll

Make it a matter of prayer.

And when you're discouraged, distraught or dismayed

Sinking almost in despair

Remember there's One who will come to your aid,

If you'll make it a matter of prayer.

And when you are lost in this world's tangled maze

When life seems a hopeless affair

Direction will come for all of your ways

If you'll make it a matter of prayer.

- Unknown -