Tonight at 6pm, 40 people from Voice Ministries made their way to the Kerasotes Theatre to see the Passion of the Christ.
This movie was by far, the hardest film I have experienced. To see the last 12 hours of Jesus’ life portrayed in such brutal and gruesome realism was such an emotional thing. It is even hard to express how I feel in words. His strength through His suffering was amazing as was His compassion while being beat, mocked and whipped. The scourging, the pain, the suffering, I could not bear to watch it all. It was so intense, so real � the beating, the pounding and all the while, the mockery and laugher of the guards and crowds. With one thought, Jesus could have stopped time and disintegrated every single man who was inflicting pain upon Him. Instead, he looked at them and spoke to His Father saying “forgive them, for they don’t understand what they are doing.” As I sat there and saw His bloody, battered and beaten body gasping in pain on the stone floor, the phrase that Eric sung last night kept running through my head � “not one drop of blood fell in vain, but every drop had a name.” That thought pierces me to the heart. This pain he willingly endured so that I might live. This all was for a greater purpose. And the worst was yet to come.
After enduring all that torture, he was again tried and mocked and then forced to carry His cross. With strength and determination that only could have come from His Father, He began that long walk to the place of skulls. One of the thieves questioned Jesus as he grabbed His cross. “Why do you embrace the cross?” I know that the reason was because of His great love for each one of us that He carried that cross. He knew the pain and agony that was to come.
When they pounded the first spike in and the blood gushed out, and old hymn came to mind. “There is a fountain filled with blood, drawn from Emmanuel’s veins. And sinners plunge beneath that flood, lose all their guilty stains…”
Lord Jesus, my feeble words fail me tonight as I try to express my gratitude and love for what you did for me. You endured the most horrific pain and indescribable agony so that through your death, I might have life. The gift of salvation you have given me is so much more precious now. I have been reminded once again of what you did for me. I have been reminded once again of the choice to embrace the cross (Gal 2:20). I just pray that this message of the cross (Jn. 3:16) will spread through this nation and that many would accept your free gift of salvation. For you did not stay in the grave but, three days later you were raised up, just as you said. Thank you Lord for life. Thank you for salvation. Thank you Lord for your love.
Once Again
Jesus Christ, I think upon your sarifice
You became nothing
Poured out to death
Many times
I’ve wondered at your gift of life
And I’m in that place once again
I’m in that place once again
And once again I look upon
The cross where you died
Once again I’m humbled
And I’m broken inside
Once again I thank you
Once again I pour out my life
Now you are exalted to the highest place
King of the heavens
Where one day I’ll bow
But for now, I marvel at this saving grace,
And I’m full of praise once again,
I’m full of praise once again
Thank You for the cross
Thank You for the cross
Thank You for the cross, my Friend
�1995 Kingsway’s Thankyou Music
Words and Music by Matt Redman
Amazing Love
I’m forgiven, because You were forsaken
I’m accepted, You were condemned
I’m alive and well, Your Spirit is within me
Because you died and rose again
Amazing love, how can it be
That You my king would die for me?
Amazing love, I know it’s true
And It’s my joy to honor You
In all I do I honor You
You are my king, You are my king
Jesus, You are my king, Jesus, You are my king
�1997 worshiptogether.com songs
Words and Music by Billy James Foote