Stand in the Gap

Though fully God, Jesus took on the same humanity as you and I in order to offer Himself as the ultimate sacrifice. (Hebrews 2:17) He felt all the same emotions we do and even was faced with temptation. But on Good Friday, He faced worse suffering and pain than we can imagine. And Jesus knew full well what He was facing. (Mark 14:34 Luke 22:44)

Jesus endured extreme physical torture. He was spit on, whipped, nailed to a cross, lifted up for all to see and then speared. (Isaiah 52:14 Mark 15:17 John 19:1 John 19:18 John 19:34) He endured humiliation and taunting. (Matthew 27:40 John 19:3)

But the worst suffering of all for Jesus must have been spiritual. A man who was without sin, yet on that day bore the weight of the sins of the entire world upon Himself. Separated completely from God the Father as He died a criminal’s death upon that Cross. (2 Corinthians 5:21 1 John 2:2 1 Peter 2:24) It was our sin that caused Jesus to cry out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). (continue reading…)

‘But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.’ Romans 5:8

I love this verse! It assures us that even at our very worst, Christ loves us enough that He took the punishment for us. Salvation is offered to us as a free gift, not because we are deserving, but just because God loves us. (continue reading…)

Corrie Ten Boom, a Christian woman who survived a Nazi concentration camp during the Holocaust, said, “Forgiveness is to set a prisoner free, and to realize the prisoner was you.” When a person is unable to forgive someone who has wronged them, the suffering is theirs because of the anger, bitterness, resentment and hurt harbored in the heart. This kills joy and disrupts peace of mind. But with forgiveness comes freedom. (continue reading…)

“As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:12

When we earnestly repent of our sin, the total forgiveness we receive from God through our Lord Jesus Christ is astonishing! Our sins are blotted out, never to be remembered by God. Though we are dirty and stained, the blood of Jesus washes us white as snow! We are able to approach the throne of grace boldly to obtain His mercy. This means we have been set free to live our lives for Jesus!

“I, even I, am the one who wipes out your transgressions for My own sake, And I will not remember your sins.” Isaiah 43:25

“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” Acts 3:19

“Come now and let us reason together,” says the Lord, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” Isaiah 1:18

“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16

‘And Jesus said, “I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on sin no more.”‘ John 8:11

Photo courtesy of Heartlight.org

There is a hall of fame in Hebrews 11, listing those in the Bible who are stunning examples of faith. Abraham, Moses, Noah, even Rahab all show that faith is the substance of things hoped for, things that are unseen. (Hebrews 11:1)

Hebrews 12:1 tells us that these make up a vast cloud of witnesses to a life of faith! Wow, what a remarkable thing, being surrounded by these champions of faith. There’s a crowd in heaven, alot of them and they’re cheering us on. No matter what battles we are fighting, they give us great inspiration to keep the faith, stay the course until the glorious finish! (continue reading…)

This video reminded me of some things for which to thank God that we often take for granted. His goodness and tender mercies. His faithfulness and holiness. His divine nature. His daily guidance that brings unspeakable peace. His holy thoughts toward us more numerous than the sand. This Thanksgiving let us be most thankful for who He is, not what He can do for us. For He alone is worthy of praise and thanksgiving!

Click the photo below for a “Give Thanks” video from Holy is the Lamb with beautiful photos and Bible verses.