Easter Hymns Reflection – O Sacred Head, Now Wounded

Week Two – Day 4 – Thursday, March 17, 2016

O Sacred Head, Now Wounded  – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98LcbCkhqJs

O Sacred Head, Now Wounded  – (acapella) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5hjdz4xZF4

1. O sacred Head, now wounded,
   with grief and shame weighed down,
   now scornfully surrounded
   with thorns, thine only crown:
   how pale thou art with anguish,
   with sore abuse and scorn!
   How does that visage languish
   which once was bright as morn!

   2. What thou, my Lord, has suffered
   was all for sinners’ gain;
   mine, mine was the transgression,
   but thine the deadly pain.
   Lo, here I fall, my Savior!
   ‘Tis I deserve thy place;
   look on me with thy favor,
   vouchsafe to me thy grace.

   3. What language shall I borrow
   to thank thee, dearest friend,
   for this thy dying sorrow,
   thy pity without end?
   O make me thine forever;
   and should I fainting be,
   Lord, let me never, never
   outlive my love for thee.

 

Mark 15:17 (ESV) – ¹⁷ And they clothed him in a purple cloak, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on him.

Matthew 27:29 (ESV) – ²⁹ and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on his head and put a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!”

Hundreds of years before Christ was sentenced to die on Calvary, Isaiah prophesied of the Passion, saying: Just as many were astonished at you, My people so His appearance was marred more than any man and His form more than the sons of men. (Isaiah 52:14)

O – Oh, how Christ must have suffered!  This is only the physical pain – the beating, the scourging, the spitting, the spilled blood.  But – the emotional anguish….  Mocking, the “ceremony” of crowning Him King of the Jews.

A – As I think about the pain from my fall yesterday, I am reminded that this is NOTHING compared to Christ’s suffering.  Trying to turn in bed last night was so difficult.  But it is NOTHING compared to carrying His cross.  Typing one handed is frustrating, but NOTHING compared to being whipped and scourged and having His hands nailed to the cross.  Bending over is difficult, but NOTHING compared to bending to pick up His cross.  What a reminder of the suffering of Christ.

P – O Father God, while I recover from injuries from yesterday, keep reminding me of Christ’s agony, His suffering, His own injuries while carrying my sin to the cross.  Father God, You know all things, and knew that I needed this reminder at this time in my life.   Keep my heart tender, and my spirit attuned to You today.

From: Making the Passion Personal: p. 63,64

Inside the courtyard, hundreds of soldiers form rows in military precision to prepare for the imminent death march. What a pitiful sight is the accused — one more man with a messiah complex. How could he have ever made any claim to royalty? What would make him dream such dreams?

A few joke at the absurdity of the whole thing. One soldier grabs a thin branch covered with long hard thorns from a pile of firewood nearby, and begins to weave it into a wreath to crown the would-be king.

Seeing them, a captain from the Italian regiment takes off his military robe. With dramatic flare, he drapes it across Jesus’ shoulders, bowing deeply as he backs away.

One by one others pick up the revelry, laughing and taunting the Christ. Finishedwith his crown, the soldier stands back and admires his artwork, placing it on Jesus’ head to mimick an official coronation.

“Hail, King of the Jews!” he cries out jovially. Others crowd around, fawning over Jesus as they drop to their knees and salute with words of cheer.

“Godspeed oh mighty one!”
“Rejoice oh great ruler!!”
Hail, King of the Jews!

A centurion calls out: “His scepter — he is a king, he must have a scepter!” Someone grabs one of the branches from the pile and places it in Jesus’ right hand.

He is so very alone now. What must he feel in this crowd? At least his own people, though they knew him not, expectantly awaited the Messiah foretold in sacred Scripture. Whether they loved or hated him, Jesus’ claims were always taken seriously.

But these Gentiles — have they ever wanted a savior? Or does the power they hold rob them of any sense of their need? When Jesus looks at them, does he see the frailty behind their pride? In the mocking faces, does he see some who will one day follow him? Does he gaze into the eyes of a Cornelius and secretly rejoice at what he will be, once the price has been paid for his sins?

The blood drips down into his eyes and across his face, the makeshift crown slipping from his matted hair. Someone grabs a branch and hits at it, embedding the barbs in his skull. Lust for blood spurs other soldiers to join in pounding Jesus’ head with reeds.

Soon their abuse grows to a feverish pitch. One squares off, slaps Jesus and spits in his face. A few others follow suit. The fun and games have become a sadistic sport, with Jesus the impotent victim.

Hail, King of the Jews! Crowned with thorns, the King of kings finally faces death’s mournful march. Eternal darkness looms over the One to whom every eye will one day look, though for now his battered face is repulsive to see. Weak and powerless, the Son of God advances toward a host of hell’s demons to wage the final war for the souls of men.

The walk to Golgotha is almost here. Consider the emotions Jesus must face at this moment. Think of His physical state. Contemplate the mockery that He faced from the Romans. See this scene before you, and then read the following description of the exalted Messiah, Jesus Christ:
I saw one like a son of man, clothed in a robe reaching to the feet, and girded across His chest with a golden sash. His head and His hair were white like white wool, like snow; and His eyes were like a flame of fire. His feet were like burnished bronze, when it has been made to glow in a furnace, and His voice was like the sound of many waters. In His right hand He held seven stars, and out of His mouth came a sharp twoedged sword; and His face was like the sun shining in its strength. When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. …
Revelation 1:13-17

Consider the contrast. Reflect on what Jesus endured in light of the reality of His Deity. Write a prayer of adoration based on these thoughts, using 2 Corinthians 8:9 as a basis: For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.
Spend some time in quiet contemplation of these things.

A Prayer
Oh my Lord of lords — You, whose head should bear only crowns of gold, are wreathed with nasty thorns. You, who should be hailed as matchless King, are ridiculed with words of salutation. You, whose heavenly anthem should drown all other sounds, are deluged with derisive taunts. Every melody of love loses its luster in light of this haunting song you sing. How can we ever join the chorus, except
with tears?

Easter Hymn Reflections – The Old Rugged Cross

Week Two – Day 3 – Wednesday, March 16, 2016

The Old Rugged Cross – (Don Moen) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88aUjxgx1Sc

The Old Rugged Cross – (Alan Jackson) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXAqoZuYvyA

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suffering and shame;
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain.

Refrain

 So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.

 O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
Has a wondrous attraction for me;
For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above
To bear it to dark Calvary.

Refrain

 In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
A wondrous beauty I see,
For ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
To pardon and sanctify me.

Refrain

 To the old rugged cross I will ever be true;
Its shame and reproach gladly bear;
Then He’ll call me some day to my home far away,
Where His glory forever I’ll share.

Refrain

Hebrews 12:2 (ESV) – ² looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Philippians 2:8 (ESV)- ⁸ And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

James 1:12 (ESV)- ¹² Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

Revelation 2:10 (ESV)- ¹⁰ Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.

O – The cross – despised method of crucifixion by the Romans, and reserved for criminals and the basest of society.  There was shame involved in the cross, being exposed to the world, high above the populace.  This is how Christ was put to death – an innocent man, dying for the sins of the world on a cross.  Jesus, knowing what was ahead, knowing what He was entitled to as the Son of God, put all that aside, and “endured the cross, despising the shame” – and “humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”  WHY?  To be the sacrificial lamb, to die for our sins, to redeem us – “for a world of lost sinners was slain.”  This is why we should “cherish the old rugged cross.”

This hymn also brings out the fact that we will, someday, appear before our God.  We will receive the “crown of life.” {It is not something complete at the point one becomes a Christian. Rather, it is something the Christian will receive. It is a “crown” stephanos, which is a term used among the leaders of the New Testament church to refer to the Christians’ ultimate goal or reward. } (IVP NT Commentary)  At this point, receiving the crown of life – will we toss our worldly awards and trophies, all that we “worked for” to exchange them for a crown?  Will we gladly exchange that cross for a crown?  Not unless we cling to it – now!  Not until, or unless we make it ours – to “take up our cross daily and follow Him.”

A – In the meantime, I need to live my life under the shadow of that cross. To live a life worthy of the price that Christ paid for me – His own life.  Living in grateful submission to Him is the ONLY way to live now!  It is not in the business of collecting worldly commendations, awards, and “trophies”, but living in full awareness of what lies ahead, and our responsibility and right to share the power of Christ’s cross to those around us.  It is not my agenda, but the pull of Christ’s love that should draw me to share His love with others.

P – Father God, thank You for the cross – the symbol that we as Christians hold dear.  Father, may it be more than a symbol to wear, to display, to be in awe of – but to be a monument of remembrance.  May I remember the sacrifice of Jesus for me.  May I remember His suffering and pain, for me.  Father, give me a tender heart, one that realizes and remembers His anguish.  As I walk through this day, Father, give me opportunities to share and encourage, and to take up my cross to follow You.

Easter Hymns Reflection – Jesus Paid it All

Week Two – Day 2 – Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Jesus Paid It All (David Crowder Band) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEon3Jb83xE

Jesus Paid it All – (Don Moen) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Me0eLOedntg

I hear the Savior say,
Thy strength indeed is small;
Child of weakness, watch and pray,
Find in Me thine all in all.

Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.

Lord, now indeed I find
Thy power and Thine alone,
Can change the leper’s spots
and melt the heart of stone.

Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.

And when before the throne
I stand in Him complete,
Jesus died my soul to save,
my lips shall still repeat

Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow

1 Corinthians 7:23 (ESV) – ²³ You were bought with a price; do not become bondservants of men.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (ESV) – ¹⁹ Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, ²⁰ for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

O – I was bought with a price – Christ’s life.  His blood.  His suffering.  Redemption – His life for mine.  His death – for mine.  My sin had to be paid for – and He paid the price.  Living today, under the freedom that He paid – for me – means that I am His.  He redeemed me from the slavery of sin to a life with Him.  How do I go on living from there?   I live my life, glorifying God in whatever I do.

A – How does this relate to the hymn – and to my own life? This is my prayer today, combined with the words of this song.

Father God, as I meditate on the words of this beautiful song, I pray that You would speak to my heart.   “I hear the Savior say,  thy strength indeed is small; Child of weakness, watch and pray, find in Me thine all in all.”  Father, I cannot live successfully as a Christian without Your help.   I don’t have the strength, and I fail.  Father, may You be my all in all – my strength, my purpose, my life.

“Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe;  sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.”  Father God, I know that I can do nothing to pay Christ back for what He did for me on the cross.  He paid the entire price for my sins.  He took them all away, leaving me clean, and spotless before Your presence.  Lord, I give my life to You as my gift, my token, my thanks for Your gift of life to me.

“Lord, now indeed I find Thy power and Thine alone, can change the leper’s spots  and melt the heart of stone.”  Father, there is nothing in myself that can change the inner man, my sinful nature.  Only by Your Power – ONLY Your power, and Your cleansing, can I change, and become what You have made me to be.  Father, melt my heart of stone, and give me a heart of flesh, a heart that is tender and true to You.

“And when before the throne I stand in Him complete, Jesus died my soul to save, my lips shall still repeat.”  Father, when I am in heaven, I will again realize and say, “Jesus Paid it ALL”.  Yes – He paid it all so I will be able to stand before You, justified, free, forgiven, and Your child.  Thank You for ALL He did for me – to make me spotless and complete, able to stand before You.  Father, may I live in Your power today, dispensing Your grace to those around me.

Easter Hymns Reflection – When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

Week Two – Day 1 – Monday, March 14, 2016

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross –

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross – (Kathryn Scott) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhvXOIVsRv4

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szQze2UJCeo

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross – (Selah) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szQze2UJCeo

1. When I survey the wondrous cross
   On which the Prince of glory died,
   My richest gain I count but loss,
   And pour contempt on all my pride.
2. Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
   Save in the death of Christ my God!
   All the vain things that charm me most,
   I sacrifice them to His blood.
3. See from His head, His hands, His feet,
   Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
   Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
   Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
4. Were the whole realm of nature mine,
   That were a present far too small;
   Love so amazing, so divine,
   Demands my soul, my life, my all.

Galatians 6:14 (ESV)  ¹⁴ But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

Philippians 3:7-10 (ESV) – ⁷ But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ.⁸ Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ ⁹ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— ¹⁰ that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,

O – Paul was a “super-Hebrew” – A Hebrew of Hebrews, a Pharisee, brought up in the Jewish tradition – and YET – all those “trappings” were NOTHING in light of what Christ had done for Him.  He considered them as rubbish, as garbage, as nothing – so be found in Christ.  This discovery was finding righteousness that was NOT from what he had done, or who he was, but from faith in Christ.  This faith did not depend on obeying the Law, or by performing rituals or from his own “righteousness” but the righteousness that come from faith in Christ.  Why?  He wanted to know Christ, “and [in that same way experience] the power of His resurrection [which overflows and is active in believers], and [that I may share] the fellowship of His sufferings, by being continually conformed [inwardly into His likeness even] to His death [dying as He did]; (Phil. 3:10 – AMP)  Furthermore, Paul said that he couldn’t boast in ANYTHING EXCEPT the cross of Christ – the cross that Christ died on – so we can have life forever.  Paul’s thought is that he crucified the world (and all its trappings) on the cross, that the world was no longer the most important, but the cross of Christ.

A – How does this relate to the hymn – and to my own life? This is my prayer today, combined with the words of this song.

Father God, as I meditate on the words of this beautiful song, I pray that You would speak to my heart.

“When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of Glory died, my richest gain I count but loss, and pour contempt on all my pride.”  Do I, like Paul, consider all my Christian heritage and talents and gifting LESS IMPORTANT, even yet – loss?  Do I think of my prideful self with contempt?  Do I take away all that the world considers gain – loss?

“Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast, save in the death of Christ my God!  All the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them to His blood.”  Father God, don’t let me keep boasting of all that I do, all that I – EXCEPT for who I am – IN YOU.  All those things, those physical things in my world that catch my attention, I give over to You.  Help me to learn to live simply, in view of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.

“ See from His head, His hands, His feet, sorrow and love flow mingled down!  Did e’er such love and sorrow meet, or thorns compose so rich a crown?”  Father, keep my mind on what Christ’s sacrifice means to me as a believer.  His love is SO MUCH GREATER than anyone else could love me.  Keep the suffering, His agony, His sacrifice – in my mind so I can reflect on His love.  His agony paid for my life.  His suffering paid for my eternal life.  Thank You, Father.

“Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were a present far too small; Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.”  Even if I could give You the world, all that is around me, it wouldn’t be enough of a gift to repay you.  ALL I can give You is ALL of me.  ALL of me.  Father, I give You – ME.  Help me to live for You today in ALL that I do, ALL that I say.

Easter Hymns Reflection – Lead Me to Calvary

Week One – Day 5 – Friday, March 11, 2016

Lead Me to Calvary – (Don Moen) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewKugGDO6JM

King of my life, I crown Thee now,
Thine shall the glory be;
Lest I forget Thy thorn crowned brow,
Lead me to Calvary.

Refrain

Lest I forget Gethsemane,
Lest I forget Thine agony;
Lest I forget Thy love for me,
Lead me to Calvary.

 Show me the tomb where Thou wast laid,
Tenderly mourned and wept;
Angels in robes of light arrayed
Guarded Thee whilst Thou slept.

Refrain

Let me like Mary, through the gloom,
Come with a gift to Thee;
Show to me now the empty tomb,
Lead me to Calvary.

Refrain

May I be willing, Lord, to bear
Daily my cross for Thee;
Even Thy cup of grief to share,
Thou hast borne all for me.

Refrain

I Corinthians 2:2 (ESV)  ² For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.

Luke 23:27, 33-34, 53 English Standard Version (ESV)  ²⁷ And there followed him a great multitude of the people and of women who were mourning and lamenting for him.   ³³ And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. ³⁴ And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.  ⁵³ Then he took it down and wrapped it in a linen shroud and laid him in a tomb cut in stone, where no one had ever yet been laid.

I Cor. 2:2 (AMP) For I made the decision to know nothing [that is, to forego philosophical or theological discussions regarding inconsequential things and opinions while] among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified [and the meaning of His redemptive, substitutionary death and His resurrection].

O –   This is a hymn of “not forgetting….”  When we realize the extent of Christ’s suffering – for us – and His death – for us – how CAN we forget what Calvary means?  Even Paul, when he was with the Corinthians, committed to teach and preach NOTHING but Christ – and Christ crucified.  Nothing.  Nothing is more important in our Christian faith!  Remembering what Christ did – His time at Gethsemane when he was praying and later betrayed, His beating and scorning by soldiers and those around Him, the alone-ness He endured on the cross – all for His love for me, and for you.  Knowing all this, how can I not “pick up my cross daily and follow Him?”

A – I think what I am taking away from this two week study of some of the Easter hymns – those that concentrate on Christ’s suffering and death – is that He suffered and died – for ME.  It is true suffering.   Not just the physical suffering, and there was tremendous suffering in being beaten, carrying His own cross, and hanging for hours with nails pounded into His hands and feet.  But it is the emotional suffering, the mocking and scorning, betrayal by his friends, and then finally, His own Father turning His face from Him, unable to look at my sin.  That – to me – is the worst.  Bearing my sin – and suffering the consequences of a death alone because of my sin.  Oh, “King of my life, I crown Thee now, Thine shall the glory be.  Lest I forget Thy thorn crowned brow, lead me to Calvary.”

P – Father God, lead me to the cross, where I can remember what my Lord suffered for me.  Let me not forget all that Christ endured for me, suffered for me, bore for me.  My sin, my punishment – He took that for me.  Thank You Father, for Your forgiveness of my sin.  Jesus suffered and paid the price for my sins.  Give me that sense of loss, of responsibility – to acknowledge His death and its implications for me.  Father, You accepted His sacrifice for my sins.  You love me – despite my sins, because of His atoning death.  Help me to live a life worthy of His sacrifice and Your love.

Easter Hymn Reflections – Man of Sorrows

Week One – Day 4 – Thursday, March 10, 2016

Man of Sorrows, What a Name – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWOvD06hJqM

1 Man of sorrows what a name
for the Son of God, who came
ruined sinners to reclaim:
Hallelujah, what a Savior!

2 Bearing shame and scoffing rude,
in my place condemned he stood,
sealed my pardon with his blood:
Hallelujah, what a Savior!

3 Guilty, helpless, lost were we;
blameless Lamb of God was he,
sacrificed to set us free:
Hallelujah, what a Savior!

4 He was lifted up to die;
“It is finished” was his cry;
now in heaven exalted high:
Hallelujah, what a Savior!

5 When he comes, our glorious King,
all his ransomed home to bring,
then anew this song we’ll sing:
Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Isaiah 53:3-6 English Standard Version (ESV)

³ He was despised and rejected by men;
a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief;
and as one from whom men hide their faces
he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

⁴ Surely he has borne our griefs
and carried our sorrows;
yet we esteemed him stricken,
smitten by God, and afflicted.
⁵ But he was pierced for our transgressions;
he was crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
and with his wounds we are healed.
⁶ All we like sheep have gone astray;
we have turned—every one—to his own way;
and the Lord has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.

John 19:30 English Standard Version (ESV)

³⁰ When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

O – Having read this passage over the passing of a few days this week, it is interesting to note that the “Word of God is living and active, sharper than a two-edged sword.”  I have read this passage, and each day, seen a different layer of the crucifixion and passion of Jesus Christ.  Today – a “Man of Sorrows.”

Jesus was SO alone in this moment.  Despised by men, bearing my sin and shame, suffering physical agony, and having the iniquity of EVERYONE on Him.  In addition, His own Father turned His back on Him, unable to look at the sin He bore.  Truly, he was a “man of sorrows.”  But, He did this for a reason – to heal us, “ruined sinners to reclaim,” “sealed my pardon with His blood,” “sacrificed to set us free!”  Now, yes – we can sing, “Hallelujah, What a Savior!”

He was able to say “It is finished,” as His death paid the price for our sins.  In His death, we have life!    But the story isn’t over yet – He is now in heaven, exalted – and will be coming back to “his ransomed home to bring.”  The ones that He ransomed (bought back) will be going back to heaven (home) – with Him!  Forever!  Hallelujah, what a  Savior!

A – I don’t think I’ll sing or hear this song again, without remembering what He endured – for me.  As I listed what He endured, I thought that I have not had anything even close to this in my life – and He did this for me.   Despised and hated by men, suffering so physically and emotionally, the alone-ness in this, the scoffing by others when He was carrying and then hung on the cross, the rejection by His Father – all in bearing my sin.  Why do I not live with that knowledge every moment of my life?  Why do I gloss over it, singing these hymns, and not weeping as I realize the price He paid?  May I always have this sensitive remembering, and living out of my gratitude for His sacrifice!

P – Father God, Your Son paid the price for me, so I could have a relationship with You.  I pray that Your Holy Spirit would continue to prick my heart, keeping it tender and full of realization of the price Jesus paid for my life.  I am amazed at the extent of His sacrifice, wincing at my callous singing and reading of His death.  Father God, I am so thankful for Your willingness to accept His sacrifice and payment of my sins.  May I live in the tender remembrance of His sacrifice, and live worthy of His price.  Father, He will come again – for me!  May I share this living hope with those around me today.

Easter Hymn Study – Lamb of Glory

Week One – Day 3 – Wednesday, March 9, 2016

Lamb of Glory (Steve Green) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1IZctxGmFA

Chorus

Precious Lamb of glory

Love’s most wondrous story

Heart of God’s redemption of man

Worship the Lamb of glory

Verse 1

Hear the story from God’s Word

That kings and priests and prophets heard

There would be a sacrifice

And blood would flow to pay sin’s price

Verse 2

On the cross God loved the world

While all the pow’rs of hell were hurled

No one there could understand

The One they saw was Christ the Lamb

 

John 1:29 English Standard Version (ESV)

²⁹ The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

Revelation 5:13 English Standard Version (ESV)

¹³ And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying,  “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!”

O – Two contrasting images of Jesus Christ – the sacrificial lamb, and the Lamb who sits on the throne!  Christ was the sacrificial lamb, the perfect sacrifice, the only One who could pay for my sins.  But, He is also the Lamb who sits on the throne – receiving blessing, honor, glory, and might!

I looked this up and found two uses of the English word “lamb.”  One was found in John 1 – the idea of the sacrificial lamb, as in the OT sacrifices.  The other use was found in one instance in John, where Jesus told peter to “feed my lambs,” and all the references to the Lamb in the book of Revelation.  (over 20 of them!)  This use, with the exception of the conversation of Jesus and Peter, shows Jesus as the Lamb of God, with the majesty due Him BECAUSE of His sacrifice.

“The contrast lies in the manner in which Christ is presented in the two respects. The use of amnos points directly to the fact, the nature and character of His sacrifice; arnion (only in the Apocalypse) presents Him, on the ground, indeed, of His sacrifice, but in His acquired majesty, dignity, honor, authority and power.” (Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words)

I looked this up and found two uses of the English word “lamb.”  One was found in John 1 – the idea of the sacrificial lamb, as in the OT sacrifices.  The other use was found in one instance in John, where Jesus told peter to “feed my lambs,” and all the references to the Lamb in the book of Revelation.  (over 20 of them!)  This use, with the exception of the conversation of Jesus and Peter, shows Jesus as the Lamb of God, with the majesty due Him BECAUSE of His sacrifice.

In the song “Lamb of Glory”, we see both references to the lamb – “There would be a sacrifice And blood would flow to pay sin’s price” – the sacrificial lamb to pay for sin’s debt.  The other is seen in  the words “Heart of God’s redemption of man Worship the Lamb of glory.”

In either case, Jesus Christ is the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world – mine included!

A – What do I take away from this?   Today, I recognize and exalt Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, who takes away MY sin.  His death paid the price of the sacrifice.  He was the only One who could do this.  His perfect, sinless life paid the sacrifice for my sinful one.  But – He is also the Lamb of God who sits on the throne, equal with God, and honored with blessing, honor, and majesty – forever!  My due is to worship Him, to live for Him, to live in such a way to bring honor and glory to the One who sacrificed ALL for me!

P – Father God, I recognize Your Son as the Only One who could die for my sins, and pay the price of my sin.  Thank You for this provision, as I could not pay for my sins – only with my death.  Because of His death, I have life.  There are no words to express my thanks for this.  Father, give me the strength, and the desire, to live for You each day, with the knowledge of Christ’s sacrifice – and His standing with You – with blessing, honor, might, and majesty.

Easter Hymn Reflections – Stricken, Smitten and Afflicted

Week One – Day 2 –

Stricken, Smitten and Afflicted

Stricken, Smitten and Afflicted – Fernando Ortega – Stricken, Smitten and Afflicted

Stricken, smitten, and afflicted,
See Him dying on the tree!
’Tis the Christ by man rejected;
Yes, my soul, ’tis He, ’tis He!
’Tis the long expected prophet,
David’s Son, yet David’s Lord;
Proofs I see sufficient of it:
’Tis a true and faithful Word.

Tell me, ye who hear Him groaning,
Was there ever grief like His?
Friends through fear His cause disowning,
Foes insulting his distress:
Many hands were raised to wound Him,
None would interpose to save;
But the deepest stroke that pierced Him
Was the stroke that Justice gave.

Ye who think of sin but lightly,
Nor suppose the evil great,
Here may view its nature rightly,
Here its guilt may estimate.
Mark the Sacrifice appointed!
See Who bears the awful load!
’Tis the Word, the Lord’s Anointed,
Son of Man, and Son of God.

Here we have a firm foundation,
Here the refuge of the lost.
Christ the Rock of our salvation,
Christ the Name of which we boast.
Lamb of God for sinners wounded!
Sacrifice to cancel guilt!
None shall ever be confounded
Who on Him their hope have built.

Isaiah 53:3-7English Standard Version (ESV)

³ He was despised and rejected by men;
a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief;
and as one from whom men hide their faces
he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

⁴ Surely he has borne our griefs
and carried our sorrows;
yet we esteemed him stricken,
smitten by God, and afflicted.
⁵ But he was pierced for our transgressions;
he was crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
and with his wounds we are healed.
⁶ All we like sheep have gone astray;
we have turned—every one—to his own way;
and the Lord has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.

⁷ He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,
yet he opened not his mouth;
like a lamb that is led to the slaughter,
and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent,
so he opened not his mouth.

Acts 4:11-12English Standard Version (ESV)

¹¹ This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. ¹² And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Romans 4:25English Standard Version (ESV)

²⁵ who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.

O – These passages all recite the enormity of what Christ did for us.  Yesterday, we read the same passage from Isaiah, and then added another verse to the passage.  He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not complain or yell at God.  He was silent, bearing all this pain without voicing it or blaming God.  He was rejected by those He came to save.  He was betrayed by one whom He loved.  WHY?   Because –

• He was wounded FOR OUR TRANSGRESSIONS
• He was crushed FOR OUR INIQUITIES (sin, wrongdoings)
• The punishment required for sin FELL ON HIM
• By His stripes WE ARE HEALED
• There is SALVATION IN NO ONE ELSE
• There is NO OTHER NAME by which WE MUST BE SAVED
• He was delivered up FOR OUR TRESPASSES
• He was raised FOR OUR JUSTIFICATION

A – Listening to this song really  pounded home, for me, the great sorrow that Christ endured – for me.  Music ministers to my soul like nothing else.  The melancholy tune, along with the words, set the stage for meditating on what Christ endured.  While I realized all the POSITIVE of what Christ has done for me, today I also realize the COST – to HIM.   His wounds, His rejection by others, His punishment (although He didn’t deserve it) – all for me.  In exchange, I receive salvation, justification, and right standing with God – although I don’t deserve it!  I think that was what I was hoping for in this study – to become more aware of what Christ did – for me.  I want to personalize His death and resurrection.

P – Father God – bring to me the continued realization of the deep cost of my salvation.  I don’t want to take it lightly.  Stricken, smitten, and afflicted, rejected by those He came to save, the strikes against Him, but the greatest wound of all was the one from my sins.  It was more than all the physical torture, or the emotional wrenching by the rejection of his friends and family.  Father, I have felt rejection, and pain, but NOTHING like Your Son’s pain from enduring my sin.  Thank You, Father.  Thank You, Jesus.  I want to live my life with this realization – so that I don’t waste Your sacrifice.  I love You.  Teach me to live in that love – demonstrated to You and to those around me.

Easter Hymn Reflections

Week 1 – Day 1 – March 7, 2016

Wounded for Me

Wounded for Me – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZz4vmDQTEY

Wounded for Me – (contemporary song) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztklSyDSUZE

1. Wounded for me, wounded for me,
   There on the cross He was wounded for me;
   Gone my transgressions, and now I am free,
   All because Jesus was wounded for me.
2. Dying for me, dying for me,
   There on the cross He was dying for me;
   Now in His death my redemption I see,
   All because Jesus was dying for me.
3. Risen for me, risen for me,
   Up from the grave He has risen for me;
   Now evermore from death’s sting I am free,
   All because Jesus has risen for me.
4. Living for me, living for me,
   Up in the skies He is living for me;
   Daily He’s pleading and praying for me,
   All because Jesus is living for me.
5. Coming for me, coming for me,
   One day to earth He is coming for me;
   Then with what joy His dear face I shall see,
   Oh, how I praise Him—He’s coming for me!

Isaiah 53: 3-5

He was despised and rejected by men;
a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief;
and as one from whom men hide their faces
he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

4 Surely he has borne our griefs
and carried our sorrows;
yet we esteemed him stricken,
smitten by God, and afflicted.
5 But he was pierced for our transgressions;
he was crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
and with his wounds we are healed.

Story – W.G. Owens – http://www.wordwise-bible-studies.com/Wounded-for-Me.html

O – I look at what Christ did for me…. And I am overwhelmed that He was willing to do this – for me.  What did He go through on His journey to the cross?  He was despised (hated) and rejected by men.  A Man of Sorrows and pain.  He was acquainted with grief – familiar with grief’s presence in His life.  He was despised, hated.  His worth was not appreciated by those around Him, nor did they count Him as worthy.  His burden was our grief.  He carried our sorrows and pain.  Those around Him thought that God was abandoning, striking out at, and humiliating Him.  BUT – and this is a HUGE BUT……   He was wounded for our transgressions.  He was crushed for our wickedness and sin.  The punishment that WE deserve ( and that was REQUIRED) was on Him.  AND – by His stripes (His wounds) we are healed!

A – Christ’s journey to the cross – was for me.  He bore my sin, my wickedness, and my old nature – on the cross.  He was alone in this, willing to take on my sin, so that I could be healed and forgiven.  It wasn’t that God was abandoning Him – but that Christ was carrying my sin – and God cannot look at sin.   So, Christ carrying my sin meant that He was willing to bear the punishment, the wounds, the alone-ness, that sin brings.  For me.  Not because I deserve it, but because He loves me.

P – Father God, thank You for the cross, the place where Jesus died – for me.  He was wounded – for me.  He was beaten – for me.  He was alone in this – for me.  He bore my sin – because He loved me.  I don’t deserve this.  I should have been the one to bear my sin.  That punishment was mine.  But He took it.  That death and payment for sin should have been mine. But He paid it.  Thank You, Jesus.  Words cannot express enough of my heart for this.  Accept my life, my heart, and all my being.  Father God, I thank You that I can KNOW and look forward to the day that Jesus is coming for me, that He will bring me to Himself. Thank You, Father God, for Jesus, who intercedes for me, even now, from Your presence.  I live in the freedom that He paid for – with His life.

Growing Through Prayer – When should we pray?

Week Eight – Day 5

Psalm 51

1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!
3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment. 5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. 6 Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.
7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice. 9 Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. 11 Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.
13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you. 14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, O God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness. 15 O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. 16 For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
18 Do good to Zion in your good pleasure; build up the walls of Jerusalem; 19 then will you delight in right sacrifices, in burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings; then bulls will be offered on your altar.

O – David wrote this psalm after he was confronted by Nathaniel because of his sin with Bathsheba. He totally acknowledged his sin, his responsibility – and what that did to his relationship with God. It is interesting to note David’s acknowledgement, God’s qualities, and what we need to do to restore our relationship with God.

God’s qualities:
• mercy
• lovingkindness
• great compassion
• truth
• just
•
What God does:
• blot out our transgressions
• Cleanse from sin
• Helps us to know wisdom
• Purifies us to cleanse us, washes us
• Gives us joy and satisfaction when our relationship is restored
• Rescues us from our guilt
• Helps us to praise
• Will not despise a broken spirit or contrite heart
• Delights in our sacrifices
• Restores our relationship

David’s acknowledgement –
• I need to be washed and cleansed from sin (purify me – wash me)
• I know that I have sinned! I acknowledge that
• I was born with a sinful nature
• I have sinned against God – only God
• I have done evil in the sight of God
• I deserve to be punished (You are justified when you speak!)
• I need a “clean heart and steadfast spirit”
• I need to give God my broken spirit and contrite heart
•
What do we need to do?
• Ask God for mercy and forgiveness
• Ask Him to blot out our sins and iniquities
• Ask God to create a clean heart and steadfast spirit
• Ask God to NOT cast us away – to restore that relationship
• Ask God to sustain us with a willing spirit
• Ask God to restore our joy
• Ask God to sustain us
• Teach others of God’s ways
• Sing and praise God because of His righteousness AND His justice
• Sacrifice our broken spirit and contrite heart (repent – be thoroughly repentant)

A – Simply put….. I have sinned. I acknowledge that. I have sinned against a holy God. I repent of my sins. I need forgiveness. I need to have my relationship with God restored. God forgives and restores a repentant person. My relationship with God is restored when I repent. He brings to me a clean heart, a willing spirit, and a joy that comes from Him. Hallelujah!

P – Father God, thank You for Your love, Your mercy, Your lovingkindness. Thank You that You do not turn me away from You when I sin. I acknowledge my sin – and ask for forgiveness for those times that I ignore You, ignore Your prompting, and go my own way. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within. Cast me not away from Your presence, or take your Holy Spirit way from me. Restore unto me the joy of my salvation, and renew a right spirit within me.

Psalm 51 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRgCcTzCX-4