“How deep the Father’s love for us—how vast, beyond all measure—that He should give His Only Son to make a wretch His treasure.”
The Catholic Lent is well under way and we are coming into the Easter Season. More so than at home (if that is possible), we find that the Indian culture values programs and formalities. Even among the smallest churches, on special days, holding lengthy services with multiple speakers (up to 6 or 7 sometimes) is expected—by the church members and by the surrounding pastors. Often a single pastor will speak at multiple churches within a single morning/afternoon (i.e. Palm Sunday, Good Friday, or Easter). At home it seemed like just a part of life; but seeing this practice played out to a greater degree in a foreign culture is making us question how much God-glorification vs. man-glorification is tucked into these religious programs of our churches.
But in spite of all the upcoming programs, Chelsea and I find ourselves returning to the simplicity of reveling in the extreme mystery of Christ becoming the sacrifice in our place. What incredible mercy and love from the heart of the Father, who allowed His Son to die on behalf of unworthy us. Yet, both Jesus and His Father took upon themselves such extreme measures in order to redeem us because they deeply, unalterably loved this wretched woman (the church, and me). And now, they are working fervently to perfect us so that we may become worthy of marrying the glorious Son of the King.
And, as this season approaches, I’m turning my thoughts to the words of my voluntary Redeemer. I want to understand (experience to the greatest degree I can) the depths of what He suffered so that I may also grasp (partake in fully) the extreme victory of the new life which He has created, wrenched back from the Devil, purchased, and offered out of His goodness for us (yes, I think all those actions can apply simultaneously to God’s act of providing a way for us to have eternal life with Him). Jesus said: “This is MY BLOOD of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26: 28). Next time you accidentally cut yourself, look at the blood that’s coming out of your flesh. Realize that Jesus was a person, just like you, and was expecting (and was sorrowful and troubled at the prospect—Matthew 26:37-38) that His human life-blood was going to be drained out and He was going to die. This wasn’t even a peaceful death with loved ones stroking His hand; He would be friendless, with a bunch of angry, hate-filled people looking on and emotionless executors just “doin’ their duty.”
I am LOVED.
There is NOTHING else I need.
I don’t need Jesus’ work on the cross (and the love buried in every fiber of that act) and a successful job or ministry.
I don’t need His life and the money to complete my goals and dreams (or even to meet my perceived basic needs).
He has given me EVERYTHING He has.
Every time I say that I am lacking in something, I am putting down His eternal work. (How dare I detract, even the smallest bit, from the Glory of His greatest work! (1 Corinthians 2:2 –and all the preceding verses) In all the majesty He created, His death and resurrection are far greater still.)
Surely He who gave me life everlasting can meet my few needs in this short earthly sojourn.
Now, my only earthly goal is that I may grow in love for Him; more every day and hour. So that when I stand with Him at the wedding feast of heaven, my beloved bridegroom—Jesus Christ, Son of the Most High God—will find in me (along with His whole bride, the true church) a created being worthy of His affections and of returning His affections. Here I find another mysteryàEvery ounce of my ability to comprehend and love my Lord and Savior comes from His diligent work in me; yet it remains vital that my inner man constantly works to position itself for receiving and holding onto the truths being worked out in me.
Oh that I may be prepared while I am on this earth, so that I am able to fully love my Lord all the days of our eternal life together! Jesus, looking toward His wedding day in Heaven, also prayed this prayer for His bride, the church. “I have given them the glory that You gave Me, that they may be one as We are one: I in them and You in Me. …I have made You known to them, and will continue to make You known in order that the love You have for Me may be in them and that I Myself may be in them” (Read all of John 17:20-26).
Whatever concerns of mine do not lead me and others to this end, I must throw off. Christ! Be formed in me—both your suffering and your victory; and the fullness of the love that saturates it all!—so that I may be one with You and see Your glory! (John 17:24)
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