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TODAY’S VERSE: Isaiah 53:5
“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.” [New International Version (NIV) Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society]
“But it was our sins that did that to him,that ripped and tore and crushed him–our sins! He took the punishment, and that made us whole. Through his bruises we get healed.” [The Message (MSG) Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson]
TODAY’S MESSAGE
I remember that night. I came home terribly exhausted, my eyes burning like never before. My mind still wondering: How on earth can man be so cruel? No explanation. Yet the purpose was fulfilled; the mission was accomplished… all because of God’s awesome love for you and me.
The year it was released, some church friends and I had the chance to see “The Passion Of The Christ.” Because of all the mixed feelings it did provoke in me, I was unable to control my cry and tears –through most of the movie. And today as I reflect on Jesus’ crucifixion, I am still in shock for such unbearable torture displayed –very close to a death sentence in those days.
How on earth could Jesus –as a man– bear such maximum expression of cruelty? There’s only one answer: because of His endless love for you and me…
Once we realize this truth, nothing else seems difficult enough, hard enough, unbearable enough. Thank God for such expression of maximum love!!
TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear Heavenly Father, How can I ever find a way to thank You for such huge expression of love toward me? After realizing what You have already done, I can only bow down and worship You, Supreme Creator, Everlasting Father, Eternal Friend. I give You my all today and every day throughout eternity. Through Your Son’s precious blood, amen.
