So a light bulb just came on as I was preparing to share this evening and all I can say is Thank You Lord!
This year I started following a plan to read the bible in a year. The plan I chose got my attention because you read from the old and new testaments each night.
I’m currently in Deuteronomy. So, as you may know I just recently left Leviticus and Numbers. These scriptures are filled with guidance on what actions needed to be taken when the people did not act in accordance with the billion of laws that were over the land at that time. Consequences from being “put out the camp” for a set period of time to actual death. As I reflect on those scriptures I honestly don’t know if I would have made it. While I do believe the world contains many more distractions today than there were Before Christ (BC), the focus on living correct during the BC time frame had to be sharp and consistent. I Love the Lord with all my heart and try hard to live a life that is pleasing to him. But, I still fall short often so I’m pretty convinced that at a minimum I may have been put out the camp multiple times. I don’t have confidence that my memory is at a level now that I could even remember all the instructions. LOL
But the light bulb I spoke of above is…..Jesus going to “The Cross” for you and I. As we will soon be celebrating his resurrection it hit me tonight that:
- “The Cross” is the only reason I’m still here.
- “The Cross” represents his grace and mercy that keeps me.
- “The Cross” gives me the ability to acknowledge my shortcomings, repent and run back into the Savior’s arms.
- “The Cross” encourages me to live right, be right and do right.
- All of my blessings start at “The Cross”.
- Forgiveness began at “The Cross”
- “I am” only because of the “The Cross”
- I’m just so thankful for “The Cross”
The hymn “Alas, and Did My Savior Bleed” by Issac Watts becomes much more personal to me the longer I live. The lyrics are below. Be encouraged to never forget what occurred at “The Cross” so that you and I can be here today.
1 Alas, and did my Savior bleed?
And did my Sovereign die?
Would He devote that sacred head
For such a worm as I?
Chorus:
At the cross, at the cross where
I first saw the light,
And the burden of my heart rolled away,
It was there by faith I received my sight,
And now I am happy all the day!
2 Was it for sins that I had done
He groaned upon the tree?
Amazing pity! grace unknown!
3 Well might the sun in darkness hide,
And shut His glories in,
When Christ, the mighty Maker, died
For man, His creature’s sin.
4 Thus might I hide my blushing face
While His dear cross appears.
Dissolve my heart in thankfulness,
And melt mine eyes to tears.
5 But drops of grief can ne’er repay
The debt of love I owe;
Here, Lord, I give myself away,
’Tis all that I can do.
