“For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood.”
Romans 3:23-25
It’s really strange how we can hear a story over and over and over again, but never really “get” the message. Has that ever happened to you?? I attended church as a young child, was really active in my church’s youth group throughout high school, baptized when I was a sophomore in high school, graduated from a Christian College…however this year was the first time that I really, truly understood the sacrifice Jesus made for all of us. Maybe it’s because I’m a mom and the thought of sending my children to a horrible death for people who are so unworthy is hard for me to grasp.
Take a look at Isaiah 53. Jesus was a normal guy; “nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance.” He was perfect in every way. He had done no wrong EVER and had NEVER deceived anyone. He was the epitome of love and perfection. Yet He suffered a horrible death for you and me. Would you do that for complete strangers?? I think if we were completely honest the answer would be a big, fat N.O.!
“But many were amazed when they saw him. His face was so disfigured he seemed hardly human, and from his appearance one would scarcely know he was a man.” Isaiah 52:14
After all of the wonderful work he had done for so many during His life, He was despised and rejected. He was treated harshly…beaten, whipped, stabbed…before a bunch of strangers who thought He was being punished. Little did they know that it was the Lord’s plan and Jesus HAD a choice, and He CHOSE to roll up his sleeves and follow the Lord’s will. He suffered rejection and so much pain for us. Now that, my friend, is love!! Thank you, Jesus, for trading places with me!❤️
Everyday Carly 