The Opportunity of Weakness…September 29th

strength-in-weaknessThis Sunday, Robert Taylor will bring the morning lesson here at Waterview.  As we consider ‘The Opportunity of Weakness’ my first thought comes from the pen of Paul in II Corinthians.  Having an opportunity to be weak almost seems like a contradiction in terms.  But perhaps we need to look at the words of Christ as He says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.”
II Corinthians 12:9

In 1948 J.R. Baxter wrote the melancholy hymn, Just a Closer Walk with Thee.  The first verse seems to sum up Paul’s ‘thorn in the flesh’ issues from II Corinthians as we sing, “I am weak, but Thou art strong…”  Join us on Sunday morning as we take a look at the opportunity of weakness.

“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15

Sunday morning, September 29, 2013

The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.

“Let Every Heart Rejoice and Sing” 8

“Let every heart rejoice and sing!”  Our opening song this morning will focus us on the praise we should be giving to our God and Father.  Notice the chorus; “…while the rocks and the rills (streams), while the vales (valleys) and valleythe hills a glorious anthem raise…”  All creation speaks of His glory; so should we!

“As the Deer” – 71

A contemporary song taken from the 42nd chapter of the Psalms.  Have you ever been so thirst you felt you might ‘dry up and blow away?’  To have just a small drink of water on a hot, miserable day would be great.  But do we ‘pant’ (earnestly desire) our God as much as H2O.  Rest assured, we will ‘dry up’ in this life without Him.  Let’s live so we can say our hearts ‘long to worship’ Him.

“Lead Me to Calvary” – 332

Turning our minds to the cross we sing the following words (from the 2nd verse), ‘Show me the tomb where Thou wast (was) laid, tenderly mourned and wept; angels in robes of light arrayed guarded Thee whilest (while) Thou slept.’  A couple of things to notice; Jesus slept for 3 days (Matt. 16:21).  He wasn’t in the grave to ‘undergo decay,’ (Acts 13:37) because we know He lives.  But also, ‘…angels in robes of light ARRAYED…’.  Interesting to realize the definition for array (besides fine clothes/dress) is an ‘orderly, often imposing alignment.’  Maybe this line is referencing the angels as they ‘guarded the tomb’, and not so much their white, ‘light’, robes.

“Til My Faith Because Sight” – 836

A beautiful song of our faith!  See how we reference our Savior in the two verses; “Bread of Life, Living Water, Lover of my soul, Lamb of God, hope of glory, Savior…crucified”, certainly we are singing a hymn to Him…precious holy Lord and King!  But how about that line in the chorus, ‘though they slay me’, what if ‘I fall in darkness’…will I still remain faithful?  He is your light in this dark world.  But you must ask yourself, will I be faithful until He returns?

“Wonderful Love of Jesus” – 308

An older song of praise with a repetitive, catchy chorus, “Wonderful love, wonderful love, wonderful love of Jesus!”  But what does “In vain and high and holy lays…”, actually mean?  Consider our songs (our lays, ballads), do we offer them up (raise them on high) for nothing?  Obviously we want to sing from our hearts and offer a pleasing sacrifice of praise from our lips.  But the context of vain in this song is not ‘useless’, but rather far from worthy of our God and King.  Defined; vain is “lacking substance or worth.”  We should sing with all our heart, and strive to give Him our best in this sacrifice of praise.

“Father Hear the Prayer We Offer” – 777

“Father, hear the prayer we offer; nor for ease that prayer shall be, but for strength that we may ever live our lives old man prayingcourageously.”  I wonder if sometimes we pray for things to be good for us (easy), rather than asking for strength to stand firm in the fight against Satan.  And not just strength to ‘carry on’, but strength to be steadfast, faithful and loyal in the life we live for Christ and His church.

“Soldier’s of Christ, Arise” – 647

Before the lesson this morning we’ll sing a song that dates back to mid-1700’s.  Charles Wesley penned the words that echo Ephesians 6, the armor of God.  Notice the progression of the verses.  Verse 1‘…put your armor on…’ .  Verse 2, “…who in the strength of Jesus trusts, is more than conqueror.”  Verse 3, “…take to arm you (arm yourself) for the fight the panoply (the complete set of armor) of God.”  Verse 4, “Leave no unguarded place…fortify the whole.”  Verse 5, “That having all things done (when life is over)…you may o’ercome thru Christ alone…”  Soldiers, we fight various battles every day, but never forget, Christ has won the war!

“Hark the Gentle Voice of Jesus” – 907

Our invitation song is simple; are you weary, do you labor in this life, are you ‘heavy-laden?’  Come, and Christ will give you rest.  And that ‘yoke’ we sing about in verses 2 & 3…it’s a source of connection for us with Christ; we are yoked with Him in His suffering.  But the rest He offers makes the burden lighter.

“Hilltops of Glory” – no book

An older spiritual song that encourages us as we ‘tread life’s way.’  As we live for Christ and strive to serve Him we look homeward and catch a glimpse of the Hilltops of Glory.  Maybe we should be better about asking each other, “…brother won’t you come go with me?”

A Golden Opportunity

Have you ever wished you had known about something that was coming up so you could have been a part of it?  A presentation or special program that you would have promoted, supported or at least attended if someone had ‘clued you in’ on the opportunity.  Sometimes we find out about things after the fact and, to be honest, at that time, it’s a little too late.  The chance to participate and grow would have been tantrum girla welcome part of your schedule, but instead…you missed a golden opportunity.

The young mother would have benefited from the seminar on parenting and child raising, but no invitation was offered to her.  The old coach would like to have seen and heard the athlete who was scheduled to speak at the fund raiser; but no one thought to send the old man an invitation.  Granted, they might not have gone to the event, but you’ll never know unless you invite them.  We miss some great opportunities to enrich the lives of others simply because we don’t say anything.  We know some great gem of interest, but hold it to ourselves and miss a golden opportunity.  Why do we pass up those moments to encourage and reach out?  Are we just too busy taking care of our wants that we don’t give thought to what someone else might enjoy, or need?

Maybe the answer lies in our attitude or perhaps in our lack of courage and conviction.  Either way, if you have some good news to share and an invitation to offer but instead hold it back you are, for all practical purposes, taking away an opportunity.

The same can be said about our faith in Christ.  Certainly you’ve read Matthew 28 as our Savior exhorts us to, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit…”  But how will ‘the nations’ become disciples (be baptized) if they have never hear about the Son?  Romans 10:14 states it best;How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?”  There must be someone who will teach (preach) about the Savior.  Someone must be ready to offer an invitation to ‘come’ and know about Jesus.  Who will tell your friends about heaven?  Will you share with them the golden opportunity for salvation?

In the early 1900’s, James Rowe penned a song that some classify as sad and ‘depressing.’  A song that reminds us of the responsibility we have to teach (even show) our faith in Christ to our friends.  Have you taken the time to tell someone about Jesus?  They can never believe unless they hear and they’ll never hear unless they are told.  Don’t wait for someone else to ‘offer the invitation’, that opportunity of a life time is yours and yours alone.

When in the better land, before the bar we stand
how deeply grieved our souls will be
If any lost one there should cry in deep despair;
‘You never mentioned Him to me.’

Refrain:confused man
You never mentioned Him to me.
Nor help me not the light to see,
You met me day by day and knew I was astray
Yet never mentioned Him to me.

O let us spread the word, where ‘er it may be heard
Help groping souls the light to see.
That yonder none may say, ‘You showed me not the way.’
You never mentioned Him to me.

Refrain:

A few sweet words may guide a lost one to His side
or turn sad eyes to Calvary.
So work as days go by, that yonder none may cry,
‘You never mentioned Him to me.’

Refrain:

The old athlete might enjoy hearing some motivational talk from his younger counterpart, and the young mother might need help raising her child in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4).  But will anyone invite them to come, learn and grown.  Without an invitation or a word of encouragement we miss a golden opportunity to provide that support.  But more over, without sharing Jesus to our friends and family we miss an even greater opportunity to ‘turn sad eyes to Calvary.’

The Silence of the Lambs…September 22nd

Fearful of their surroundings, an unlikely threesome walk down a brick road chanting the infamous, “Lions and Tigers and Bears, O my…” They feared what many consider vicious predators.  Animals whose character is powerful and lions-tigers-bearsruthless.  It’s true, some of God’s creatures are not to be trifled with; but on the other hand, some are extremely passive and best described as vulnerable.  So why would the Son of God be classified as one of these?  Isaiah will describe Him as, ‘a lamb led to slaughter.’  Non-aggressive and defenseless is a good description for a lamb.

A silent lamb led to its shearers is the way Isaiah describes Christ.  Not kicking back, roaring or ‘fighting to the end.’  Mark states clearly at Christ’s ‘trial’ that He, “…kept silent and did not answer.”  Join us this coming Sunday morning at Waterview church of Christ as we’ll be looking at the innocent and un-protesting Lamb of God.

“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15

Sunday morning, September 22, 2013

The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.

 “We Praise Thee, O God”

This is a wonderful, old hymn that dates back to the days before our country’s Civil War; a song that transcends time and brings ecstasy to the singer and listener alike.  Though penned more than 150 years ago, it still as a powerful message.  The first two verses begin, “We praise Thee, O God,”  while the next two verses begin, “All glory and praise…”  Beautiful words of exclamation, but least we lose sight of what we’re singing we conclude the chorus (and being the final verse) with the phrase, “Revive us again…”

“The Old Rugged Cross

Some hymn writers have a wide collection of songs they’ve written over the years.  Authors and composers like Isaac Watts, Fanny J. Crosby, Albert Brumley, William Doane and Tillet S. Teddlie to name a few.  But for one man, George Bennard, his call to fame came in one song and one song alone, ‘The Old Rugged Cross.’  What a message of salvation from the pen of this man who turns our minds back in time to, ‘a hill far away’ as we remember the cross of Christ.

 Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross”

The third verse of this song will be sung between the bread and the fruit of the vine as we consider coming near the cross.  The plea for us to visualize our Lord’s death on the cross comes as we sing, “Near the cross! O Lamb of God, bring its scenes before me…”  Maybe some would rather not focus on that scene.  It was a murder scene and one that was graphic as you think about his hands, feet and side.  Not to mention the crown of thorns.  We need to stay near the cross because all that pain and sorrow was on our account.  He died for you and me.

“Worthy is the Lamb”

We’ve sung this before as we take the tune from Just As I Am and put it to some words and thoughts found around the throne of God in the book of Revelation.  When we can sing the scripture (a psalm) it makes for stronger understand of the text.  But when the words we sing are noted as having been sung around the throne of God…now that’s powerful.  We’ll sing: “You alone are worthy to open its seals, because You were slain and gave Your blood.  You purchased every man for God O worthy is the Lamb.”  Revelation 5:9 reads: “Worthy are You to worthy-is-the-lambtake the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.”

“You Are My All in All”

“Jesus, Lamb of God, worthy is Your name!”  We’ll sing this contemporary song as we consider where our strength comes from, and what types of treasures we truly are seeking.  Interestingly enough how many people really believe what they say in that first verse; “Lord, to give up I’d be a fool…”  Defined:  ‘A person lacking judgment’…giving up on God is not only foolish, it’s life threatening.

 “Lamb of God

The scripture reading just before this song is Isaiah 53:7, “…and like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, so He did not open His mouth.”  This inspired prophecy of Christ’s trial and crucifixion is captured by Isaiah the prophet, and we’ll follow it as we sing, “O Lamb of God, sweet Lamb of God…”

 “I Will Sing of My Redeemer

This song has an interesting chorus, “Sing, O sing of my redeemer, Sing O sing of my Redeemer; with His blood He purchased me, with His blood He purchased me, on the cross He sealed my pardon, on the cross He sealed my pardon, paid the debt and made me free and made me free, and made me free.”  How often we sing, but fall short of listening to what we’re singing.  Why repeat these words?  Is it just for filler, or to enhance the harmony?  Maybe we just like the way we’re echoing the ladies part?  Or is there something more?  Maybe it’s important enough that it’s worth repeating…for emphasis.  Yes, I’ll sing!

 “Redeemed”

The song before our lesson, has a strong upbeat tempo.  But in case you haven’t noticed, this song uses the word ‘redeemed’ a total of 7 times…in the first verse alone.  How thankful are we for the redemption we have in Christ.  Because of the blood of the Lamb of God I can sing that I am, “…His child, and forever, I am.”

“Have You Been to Jesus?”       

An invitation, in its purest form, is a question.  Will you come to the party?  We send drop of bloodinvitations to ask for a response to our questions.  Each Sunday the preacher ‘offers the invitation’ for those who will respond to come to Christ.  How fitting, as we have sung and talked about the Lamb of God, that we would ask the question; “Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing power; are you walking daily by the Savior’s side…are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?”  How will you answer (have you answered) the invitation?

 “We Will Glorify”

A contemporary song that proclaims what the people of God long to do…we want to (we will) glorify our God!  How often we sing with spirit and truth, but remember we must sing with understanding too.  This first verse alone gives glory to the King of Kings, the Lamb and the Lord of Lords.  But did you notice the last line of this verse (and the fourth)…?  Who is the Great I Am!  That’s not a question asking who the great I Am is, it’s a statement that the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords and the Lamb are all the great I Am…

Before the Throne of God

william bradbury

William Bradbury lived during the mid-1800’s (1816-1868) and wrote the music for some well known hymns sung by the saints for generations.  Songs like ” ‘Tis Midnight and On Olive’s Brow”, “He Leadeth Me” and “My Hope is Built on Nothing Less”.  Other favorites like “Just As I Am” and “Soldier’s of Christ, Arise” are all the musical work of William Bradbury.  Perhaps one of his most noted, recognizable tunes was written in 1862 to support the simple words penned by Anna B. Warner, “Jesus Loves Me”.

 

Some may remember the old hymn from W. W. Walford entitled, “Sweet Hour of Prayer”.  This is another musical arrangement from the hand of William Bradbury.  But there was yet another song (same, long meter) which took the same tune with the following words:
{sing these words to “Sweet Hour of Prayer”}before the throne of god

Before the throne of God above,
I have a strong and perfect plea:
A great High Priest whose name is love,
Who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on His hands.
My name is written on His heart.
I know that while in heav’n He stands.
No tongue can bid me hence depart.

Though you might not be familiar with these words accompanying “Sweet Hour of Prayer”, you might be familiar with these words as they accompany a tune written by Vikki Cook in 1997.  A songwriter and composer, Vikki Cook and her husband Steve have written numerous contemporary songs.  One of her more popular hymns is known as “Holy Lord” or “Great Are You, Lord”.

Listen to this old hymn (penned in 1863) sung to an arrangement developed over 120 years later.  The words are strong as you translate the Old English poetry, but the musical arrangement brings new life to a beautiful, old message.  Before the throne of God I stand…

After God’s Own Heart…September 15th

In an age when we see microscopic details, it’s important to remember that microscope God sees more clearly than we ever can; He sees into our hearts.  Consider these passages;
I Samuel 16:7 ‘…man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’
Psalm 26:2 ‘Test me, O Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind.’ and
Romans 8:27 ‘…and He who searches our heart knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.’

Luke records in Acts 13:22 that God said, ‘I have found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart…’  Perhaps we should be seeking to know more about why David received such accolades.  What could we be doing in this life to receive this kind of recognition?  Join us Sunday morning as we consider how we can become closer to living ‘after God’s own heart.’

“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15

Sunday morning, September 15, 2013

The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.

“Living By Faith” 560

“I care not today what the morrow may bring, if shadow or sunshine or rain…I’m living by faith and feel no alarm.”  Do you have a heart of patience and contentment that you can say, I don’t care what happens in this life.  We’ll open our worship time together with this song of encouragement as we proclaim that we’re living by faith.

“In His Presence” – 99

A simple contemporary song that claims comfort, peace and blessed assurance are found in the presence of the Lord.  What a blessed station in life to be covered in His presence.  This song is basic in musical arrangement and basic in message.  But still  you have to ask yourself, “Do I come to seek His presence?”  You will, you have, if you seek the Father’s heart?

“The Lord’s My Shepherd” – 134

One of the greatest ‘psalms’ that we can sing (almost verbatim) is found in the 23rd Psalm.  You’ll notice the first verse of this hymn recites the 1st & 2nd verses of the Psalm David penned centuries ago.  Open your Old Testament to the book of Psalms, turn to chapter 23 and then sing a song of praise with the saints of old.

“There is a Place of Quiet Rest” – 477

Do you try, in your daily life, to be near to God?  Would that we understand the quiet rest, sweet comfort and full release (complete release) from our bondage of sin comes as we draw near to the heart of God!  The refrain is so powerful as we sing, “O Jesus, blessed Redeemer, sent from the heart of God, Hold us who wait before Thee, near to the heart of God.”  Notice where we must be if we hope to be near God?  We can only come to God the Father through His Son, and our Savior, Jesus Christ!beneath the cross

“Beneath the Cross of Jesus” – 314

Before we commemorate the Lord’s death, burial and resurrection, we meet together ‘beneath the cross of Jesus’.  Focus for a moment on the 3rd verse of this spiritual song; “Upon that cross of Jesus, mine eye at times can see the very dying form of One who suffered there for me; And from my smitten (laid low) heart with tears two wonders I confess: The wonder of (1) His glorious love, (2) my own worthlessness.”  Come to the cross, remember His sacrifice, and consider what you have done to deserve this measure of unconditional love.

“Oh, To Be Like Thee” – 429

“Stamp Thine Own Image, deep on my heart.”  Who do you want to be like?  Growing up, you no doubt said, ‘when I grow up I want to be like…’  Have we instilled a desire in our children that they would sing (say), “I want to be like Jesus!”  We might not say it, but the Christian believes it.  But again…is that our ‘constant longing and prayer?’  Would that we wear His perfect likeness and have Him stamped on our heart, in our lives.  O to be like Thee!

“Jesus is Tenderly Calling” – 947

The ‘invitation’ is a simple call, not so much from man, but from the Savior.  “Jesus is tenderly calling…”  If your phone rang wouldn’t you pick it up and answer the call; especially if it was the Messiah?  Unfortunately, all too many would check the caller ID first and the determine if they had the time to take His call.  You know there’s another song that goes…“Today is the day of salvation, tomorrow may be too late!”  Answer the call today!

“The Love of God” – 122

A great, upbeat song of encouragement as we close our services this Sunday morning.  Men, we’ll echo the ladies in the chorus as we sing about the love of God.  But let me direct you first to the words of the 2nd verse; “Since the love of God came down with His love our lives to crown, He with us would remain; greater love there could not be, Jesus died for you and me, in our hearts, He would reign…”   So maybe, if we truly want to be a man ‘after God’s own heart’, we ought to live with Jesus in our hearts.

His Grace Reaches Me

Written in 1964, Whitney Gleason penned a song that has touched the hearts of thousands during the past 50 years.  Though a simple soprano lead is heard in the verses, the supporting parts break into a strong four-part harmony with the chorus.  But least we miss the message of this spiritual song consider the words;

Deeper than the ocean and wider than the sea,
is the grace of the Savior for sins like me;
Sent from the Father, and thrills my soul,
just to feel and to know, that His blood makes me whole…”
“His grace reaches me, yes, His grace reaches me, and twill (it will) last through   eternity; Now I’m under His control and I’m happy in my soul, just to know that His grace reaches me.”

Is it true the message of God’s grace puts a thrill in your heart?  Can you say you truly feel and know that the blood of Jesus makes you whole?  As children of God we know and we believe that God’s grace is manifested in the sacrifice of Jesus.  Would that we live our lives so as to demonstrate that belief.

The Cushing Gospel singers provide the arrangement above, which is sure to cause you to reflect upon the grace and the love of our God.  His grace is deeper, higher, wider and brighter than we could ever image.  Give a moment to think about His love, His grace and His gift of salvation.

A Trip to the Beauty Salon…September 8th

hair cuts

As a young boy, I remember mother giving me the monthly haircut.  With tears in my eyes she would take the old Oster hair clippers, a pair of scissors and set out to ‘lower my ears.’  Today, things are different.  A trip to get a hair cut might leave me short $15-20.  The ladies, however, are going to spend a bit more.  As a matter of fact, one nation-wide report claims the annual cost for a woman to ‘have her hair done’ could cost between $1,000 – $4,000 dollars.  Personally, that’s enough to make me want to cry…

But what does the cost of hair styling have to do with a Sunday morning sermon?  Can application be made for living a godly life in comparison with the beautification process? Perhaps we need to consider how much time and money we give to preparing ourselves for godly service as opposed to physical beauty.  OR maybe we should look inward rather than outward as we consider how beautiful someone is.

“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15

Sunday morning, September 8, 2013

The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.

“O Worship the King” 303Jesus with children
“Jesus is All the World to Me” 590

A short medley that is focused on worshiping the King and acknowledging how valuable Jesus is in my life.  Have you ever looked at the last phrase of this song?  Each verse ends with the statement, ‘He’s my Friend.’  We worship the King because we know He is my life, my joy and my all.  As a matter of fact, the Christian understands there is no better friend than Jesus.  He gives me strength in a difficult world, and in Christ  we live a beautiful life that has no end.

“How Beautiful” – 365

This contemporary song serves to prepare our minds for the Lord’s supper.  We think of the beautiful hands of Christ as He served men during His life on earth.  We remember those ‘beautiful feet’ that walked the dusty road to the cross.  We remember that He laid down His life and we sing, “How beautiful is the body of Christ…”

“O Lord, You’re Beautiful” – 275

This hymn we’ll sing between the bread and the fruit of the vine; “O Lord, You’re beautiful, Your face is all I seek, and when Your eyes are on this child, Your grace abounds to me.”  His beauty, more than anything in this world, is want we seek in our life…or is it?  What do you seek?

“In His Time” – 839

Another contemporary song, but this one never seemed to ‘take hold’ with the masses; but what a message!  Do we have the patience to wait for God to act ‘in His time’ or are we too accustomed to a culture that ‘want’s it now?’  Read the words from this song; “Lord, please show me every day as You’re teaching me Your way, that You do just want You say in Your time.”

“Let the Beauty of Jesus Be Seen in Me” – 722fine jewelry

The message of this song fits perfectly with our lesson and the accompanying scripture; I Peter 3:3, 4 “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes.  Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”  As we sing this song, take note of the third verse; “From the dawn of the morning to close of day, in example, in deeds and in all you say; lay your gifts at His feet, ever strive to keep sweet, let the beauty of Jesus be seen in you.”  Do you try to keep sweet throughout the day?  Am I laying my gifts at His feet (giving Him the credit for all I have) from the morning to the evening?  Can the world see the beauty of Jesus in me?

“Victory in Jesus” – 470

An upbeat song as we encourage each other toward Victory!  I’ve heard lots of stories and many are worthy hearing again and again.  We may even find some are valuable enough we’ll repeat them to others.  But what about the story of Jesus?  We sing that we’ve heard an old, old story; we’ve heard about His healing and we’ve heard about a mansion…but unless we repent and obey, we’ll never win or gain that victory in Jesus!

“Just As I Am” – 924

An ‘invitation song’ that has been around since the mid-1800’s, Charlotte Elliott touched the hearts of millions as they have responded to the invitation call.  Notice one of those ‘forgotten’ verses as we’ll be singing it on Sunday morning.  “Just as I am though tossed about, with many a conflict, many a doubt.  With fears within and foes without, O Lamb of God I come!  I come!”  Have our hearts grown so cold that we don’t fear being separated from God?  When will begin to understand the urgency of ‘waiting not’ to get rid of the dark blot that separates us from God?  Our cleansing comes only by the blood of the spotless Lamb of God.  Will you come?

“Let Me Live Close to Thee” – 831

As we consider our inward beauty we need to realize the closer we get to God and a godly life the more we’ll reflect Jesus.  Fitting that we sing a song of encouragement to work in the field and never ‘shirk’ our responsibilities for God.  Would that we remember the crown (hair styles?) and the renown (public recognition) matter little when it comes to letting Christ live in our life.

Thoughts From the Cross

Christ on the crossHave you ever wondered what went through Jesus’ mind as He hung on the cross?  The gospel accounts tell us about the scorn of the soldiers, the hatred of the Jews, the fear of the apostles and the sorrow of Mary; but little is said of the mental state of Jesus Himself.

Fortunately, almost a full millennium before the death of Christ, David penned the soul stirring words of Psalm 22.  This powerful psalm eloquently relates Jesus’ perspective as He bled and died for humanity’s sin.  David writes, almost as if he were standing at the foot of the cross peering into the mind of the Savior.  His words give us a glimpse into Heaven’s point of view, and helps us to grasp the intense anguish of our Savior as He hung upon Calvary’s tree.

The Cry of the Savior (Psalm 22:1-5)

“My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”  What a cry was made by our Lord and Savior.  One can only imagine the loneliness that Christ felt on Execution Hill.  The Lord made Him a sin offering, placing the whole of man’s sin upon His shoulders.  The weight of that sin must have been unbearable as Jesus knows that He had been ‘made to be sin’ for us (2 Corinthians 5:21) and that the eyes of God Almighty were too pure to even look upon Him (Habakkuk 1:13).  Yet despite His solitude, Jesus still gave reverence to His Father, “Yet, You are holy, O You are enthroned upon the praises of Israel.”  Psalm 22:3

The Rejection of the Savior (Psalm 22:6-13)

Can you imagine One who left behind the splendor of Heaven for our benefit, being treated with less respect than a worm?  Jesus, “…came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him.”  John 1:22.  The Jews desecrated his dignity and sentenced Him to a death normally reserved for the lowest of the low.  David records, “But I am a worm and not a man; reproach of men and despised by the people…” (Psalm 22:6).  Jesus truly was ‘a man of sorrows’ (Isaiah 53:3)  He was hated, scorned, mocked, spat upon, beaten, rejected and ultimately crucified on behalf of the very men and women who despised Him…and some still do today.

The Crucifixion of the Savior (Psalm 22:14-18)

It is difficult to surmise a form of punishment more cruel and humiliating than crucifixion.  Though undeserving, our Savior suffered this torturous death at the hands of Roman soldiers.  As His body hung there, weakened from the beating just hours earlier, those who hated Jesus looked upon Him with a sadistic satisfaction.  They are described as dogs that enclosed Him and pierced Him; “For dogs have surrounded Me; a band of evildoers has encompassed me; they pierced my hands and my feet.” (vs. 16)  They laughed and mocked at Him, inflicting pain to the best of their limited abilities.  The spotless Lamb of God endured this for you and me.

The Deliverance of the Savior (Psalm 22:19-21)

In His hour of darkness, the Messiah found consolation and hope in His Father, our Lord. “But You, O Lord, be not far off, O Lord my help, hasten to my assistance.”  Psalm 22:19.  The Hebrew writer reveals that Christ offered up both prayers and supplications to the Lord (Hebrews 5:7).  Truly, to whom may we turn in times of extreme need?  Christ did not forsake His Father, neither did He despise Him during His hour of trail.  Rather, Christ called out to Him and placed His confidence in Him.  We, too, find our deliverance through Christ in God the Father.

Thanks to Terry Harmon (the former minister of the Flagler church of Christ in Flagler, Colorado) for once again sharing some thoughts about our Savior and His death on the cross.  Would that we come to better understand the cry of the Savior, His rejection and crucifixion on the cross so we can learn of the deliverance we have in Him.