What if Jesus had refused the cross?

William Barclay, the Scottish New Testament scholar, explains it this way:

If He had refused the cross or, if in the end, He had come down from the cross, it would have meant there was a limit to God’s love, that there was something which that love was not prepared to suffer for men, that there was a line beyond which it would not go.  But, Jesus went the whole way and died on the cross and this means that there is literally no limit to God’s love, that there is nothing in all the universe which that love is not prepared to suffer for men, that there is nothing, not even death on a cross, which it will refuse to bear for men.

Garden of Gethsemane

Irene drove herself to and from dialysis treatment today.  JoAnna flew into SJC this morning; she and Irene went to Trader Joe’s and had a relaxing afternoon.  Irene was fatigued from the dialysis treatment but we ventured to dinner at Carpo’s.  We’re looking forward to a restful weekend.

Mount of Olives

What if Jesus had refused the cross?  Sin and disease would not have been crushed.  The abundant and victorious life would be only a pipe dream.  Eternal life would be only a far fetched delusion.  Purpose and direction in this world would be meaningless and futile.

Jesus willingly and lovingly remained on the cross, suffering an excruciating death, that we commemorate as Good Friday, in order that we might truly live.

…. 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.
Isaiah 53:5

Caminando con Fé

Dave

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My son, keep your father’s commands
and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.

Bind them upon your heart forever;
fasten them around your neck.

When you walk, they will guide you;
when you sleep, they will watch over you;
when you awake, they will speak to you.

For these commands are a lamp,
this teaching is a light,
and the corrections of discipline
are the way to life,

Proverbs 6:20-23

J. Scott Bush, photographer at www.sebaygalleries.com

This first day of spring put a skip in Irene’s step today.  The ever present nausea continues but she was very active accomplishing many tasks around the house and enjoying the longer hours of daylight.

Today one of my colleagues at InterWest referred another employee to Irene’s website because her 22 year old niece was hospitalized on Sunday and is experiencing some of the same symptoms that Irene experienced one year ago.  At this time the doctors are baffled as to her diagnosis.  This young person has kidney failure and is already on dialysis.  Please pray for her, although we’re not prepared to release her identity.  We hope to learn more soon and will report back in the days ahead.  We pray that the “Light of men” will enlighten the physicians.

God’s commands are a lamp, the Word’s teaching a light and the corrections of discipline are the way of life.

And that life and light is in the Son.

Caminando con Fé

Dave

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