The world is in trouble. All of humanity inherited a “spiritual” disease from birth called the sin nature. It’s symptoms include pride, self-centeredness, rebellion, hatred, and various forms of evil.  The good news is that God constructed a solution to remove the stain and power of sin, and that would express his tremendous love for the entire world. At the speed of Light, he saw the garden, the cross, the ridicule, and death.  After seeing all this and it’s cost, he said “YES” – this is the best way to demonstrate my love! The bible says in John 3:16-17 (NKJV):

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believes in him will not perish but have everlasting life.  For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.”

“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”  John 1:12 (NIV)

Years ago I saw the riveting and powerful film “The Passion of the Christ”.  Tears flow when I attempt to imagine the horrific torture that Jesus endured for me and the entire world. The following poem I wrote presents how extreme and sacrificial Jesus’ death was.  (See Isaiah 53:1-7 & Mathew 27:27-50 for reference).

The Price of the Blood

The price that Jesus paid was costly and high.
Still He laid down his life for both you and I.

He bore all sin; he was oppressed and afflicted.
Thus, we can be delivered from bondages that have us addicted.

He was wounded and bruised.
He was mistreated and used.

He was despised and rejected, a man of many sorrows,
To instill hope to our generation, for our present and tomorrow.

Forty stripes on his back, therefore we can be healed.
Stricken, smitten of God, He paid sin’s full bill.

Pushed into his skull was a crown of thorns.
He was spit on, slapped, his dignity torn.

His friends the disciples quickly disappeared.
He was brought as a lamb to the slaughter, a lamb before shears.

Nails pierced his hands and pierced his feet.
Blood came running down his face and his cheeks.

They took his garment and made four parts.
They gambled at his feet. Sin broke Jesus’ heart.

But he didn’t murmur. He held his peace.
He knew he could call angels and the foolishness would cease.

He said, “Father forgive them, they know not what they do.”
“I was kept for this purpose. My mission is through.”

O’ Death where is your sting? Grave you’ve been depleted.
For Jesus has risen, conquering you both, and now sin is defeated!

PRAY THIS PRAYER:
“To the King of kings and Lord of Lords, I bow down before you. I am overwhelmed with gratitude as I think about your sacrificial offering. You gave your life, so I could live.  Your love for me is extravagant. Lord, forgive me for me for disobedience. I truly believe and receive Jesus as my Savior and Lord.  I wholly turn my heart to you in surrender and humility.   My desire is to please you. Please continue to make and mold me into what you want me to be. I am yours.  Amen.”