Redemption Cost Him Everything
"Eternal Father,
It is amazing love, that Thou has sent Thy Son to suffer in my stead"
(The Valley of Visions, p.133).
In Matthew 26:38, Jesus said to Peter and the sons of Zebedee,
"My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me."
Jesus was not sorrowful because of the fear of man or for the suffering He was about to endure in the scourging and the pain endured on the cross.
Rather, Jesus was deeply sorrowful because the full wrath of the Father was going to be be poured out on Him, the Beloved Son of God. He took the infinite punishment of the human race (the wrath of which we deserve for sinning against a holy and infinite God).
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16
God's perfect justice and love was displayed and poured out at the Cross. So He could redeem back to Himself His most treasured creation.
Therefore, to reject this message and live for self is to reject God's Best. To reject His Word is to reject Him. To reject Jesus and live for self is to reject every spark of goodness, kindness, and hope that exists in the present and in eternity. And to say that we are a follower of Jesus but live, neglect His Word, and behave differently, is the ultimate of High Treason against the King.
"See from His Hands, His Feet
Sorrow and love, flow mingled down,
Did ever such love and sorrow meet...
Love so amazing so divine.
Demands my soul, my life, my all."
- Isaac Watts
"Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble," 1 Peter 1:10
It is amazing love, that Thou has sent Thy Son to suffer in my stead"
(The Valley of Visions, p.133).
In Matthew 26:38, Jesus said to Peter and the sons of Zebedee,
"My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me."
Jesus was not sorrowful because of the fear of man or for the suffering He was about to endure in the scourging and the pain endured on the cross.
Rather, Jesus was deeply sorrowful because the full wrath of the Father was going to be be poured out on Him, the Beloved Son of God. He took the infinite punishment of the human race (the wrath of which we deserve for sinning against a holy and infinite God).
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16
God's perfect justice and love was displayed and poured out at the Cross. So He could redeem back to Himself His most treasured creation.
Therefore, to reject this message and live for self is to reject God's Best. To reject His Word is to reject Him. To reject Jesus and live for self is to reject every spark of goodness, kindness, and hope that exists in the present and in eternity. And to say that we are a follower of Jesus but live, neglect His Word, and behave differently, is the ultimate of High Treason against the King.
"See from His Hands, His Feet
Sorrow and love, flow mingled down,
Did ever such love and sorrow meet...
Love so amazing so divine.
Demands my soul, my life, my all."
- Isaac Watts
"Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble," 1 Peter 1:10
If only people would just realize just how much Jesus did for them. I feel really sad for people who refuse to believe in the Lord or the Bible. They accuse us of "forcing" our "religious" beliefs on them or in countries where missionaries are serving. I see this evident from unbelievers who post on Duggar Family Blog and Bates Family Blog. Some of the anti-Christian comments are so hurtful but then I always remember they the world hates Jesus therefore they are going to hate us.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to order a copy of The Valley of Visions next week. I like the excerpts you have been posting.
Regina, thank you and you are exactly right! We should feel sorrow for the lost and keep on continuing to reach them. I'm so grateful that God reached me through faithful others because I too once was lost. Let's pray that God gives us a new heart to reach the lost and to keep praying for them. I think you will really love the Valley of Visions book, it is a beautiful book or prayers.
ReplyDeleteI remember what it was like before I got saved. Ugh! I'm so glad the Lord "knocked me off my high horse" and rescued me. Yes I need God to renew my heart because sometimes I just get so angry at the lost. I won an Amazon gift card through our electric company. They had a drawing for customers who chose paperless billing so I'm going to order the book this week. Can't wait!
DeleteYou will absolutely LOVE The Valley of Visions. I read it morning, noon, and night most days. Praying for you!
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