We
all know that Jesus died to pay the penalty of the sin of the whole world (John
3:16-17). However, have you ever taken responsibility for the part that your
personal sins played in those events? That narrows it down, doesn't it; a
virtual slap in the face that sobers us up quickly and shockingly.
It
is our individual fault that Jesus suffered, felt abandoned and died. I have one-piece
Nativity sets in every room of my house, because they are all constant
reminders to me of what my sin did to Jesus. I diligently shrink away from
anything coarse and unrighteous.
Jesus
had to leave His place in glory, to suffer the calamity of humanity for 33
years, and to face the hatred and rejection of almost everyone in His life. He
endured the horrendous suffering of persecution, fake trials, and crucifixion
for my sake and yours.
During
His lifetime, Jesus attempted to convince the religious leaders, as well as the
multitudes, that He was God in the flesh; however, only a few, then as now,
actually believed in Him and trusted Him with their life (Proverbs 3:5-6).
The
seeds of His words did not fall on fertile soil in the hearts of those around
Him (Mark 4:8). Witnessing His miracles had no lasting effect on the
multitudes. He was despised and rejected by people who needed His love (Isaiah
53:3), even some of His own family members. We experience this in our life too.
Eventually,
Jesus triumphed over both sin and death (Romans 5:17), making a way for
authentic Believers to enjoy an intimate union with Him during our lifetime,
and also to spend eternity with Him. He is only a prayer away, if we humble our
self and call upon His name.
The
most unthinkable consequence of my sins caused Jesus to be abandoned by our
Father's presence while He became sin for me. I could not survive the trials of
life if God removed His presence from me. I depend on His constant fellowship
and guidance each moment of my day.
Prayer:
Father
God, open our eyes to our culpability for the things that Jesus suffered, and
help us to take personal responsibility for what our own sins did to Him. Cause
this truth to penetrate the shield that we often place around our heart, and
break us with the weight of how our thoughts, words and actions drove those
nails in His body, hung Him to suffocate on that cross, and caused His side to
be pierced by the soldier's spear.
What
I find the most repulsive is that my sins caused Him to lose the fellowship of
Your presence when He became sin for me. Thank You for forgiving me, and for sending
Your only begotten Son to sacrifice His life on our behalf, for His faithful
union with us through each moment of our day, and for His promise of an
eternity to enjoy His physical presence as we serve Him in His Kingdom. We sing
praises to His glorious name now and forever, and we look forward to serving
You for eternity.
Thought
for the Day:
Our
Rock of Ages is an ever-present help for us in our time of need (Isaiah 26:4);
but if we only seek His provision, we will never be happy; however, if we seek
Him and His presence in our life, we will live a fulfilled life regardless of
our circumstances.
