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The Makers Man-Remaking Repurchase Replayed

When Christ the Mighty Maker Died

Well might the sun in darkness hide
And shut His glories in
When Christ the mighty Maker died
For man the creature’s sin

Alas And Did My Savior Bleed 1707
By: Isaac Watts (1674-1748)
ref. by Ralph E. Hudson, 1885

Listen to this modern version of this penitent hymn as you prepare to ponder the lyrics.

Please make certain to enjoy the podcast below.

Here is podcast content always available as part of an extensive archive of resources. We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today and please consider becoming a Subscriber to support our mission of providing these tools to everyone with access to the internet!!

Everyone enjoy this podcast and transcript below!  It features meditative music and moments to contemplate the Scriptures and reflections shared.

Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.

As we continue our journey through this penitent text and hymn, make each stanza your own by praying through it. Let’s think about this.

The Mighty Maker

It is hard for me to fathom that the One who made all things voluntarily offered His life so that He could remake all things.

Scripture clearly tells us that Christ made all things and in Him all things hold together. Jesus was there at the the beginning  and will be there at the end, Alpha and Omega. Because of the cross we get to join the song of joyful praise which began at the creation. As one hymn puts it, “Mortals join the happy chorus which the morning stars began.”

Christ brings us back into relationship with God. Brings us back to God, having been put to death, but made alive in the spirit. Because He suffered we do not have to any longer.

When Christ the mighty Maker died

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, 1 Peter 3:18 ESV

Having initially made all things good, He suffered and died to remake everything good again. His work of creation flawed by our sin was set right in His work of re-creation and redemption. He was put to death in the flesh, to make us alive in the spirit. Hallelujah!

RESONATE!
Take a moment and think of your favorite part of creation. Praise God for revealing His glory to you in it. Then praise Him for revealing His glory in His redemptive work, even more miraculously that His creative work, when You get down to it. The revelation is possible because He died, paying the penalty for our sins. Thank Jesus for dying.

The Sinful Creature

For Man the Creatures Sin

He is the Creator, or Maker, and we are the pinnacle of creation, having been made in His image. The creature of creatures. But before we begin to think to highly of ourselves, remember that when given the opportunity the first of us blew paradise up by choosing their will over God’s. This is often the underlying issue with sin.

At that original sin but us, the creature, at odds with Christ, the Creator. What should have been Paradise became Paradise lost. Their sin separated them from God, and ours does the same. If it had been you or me in the garden we would have made the same mistake.

For man the creature’s sin

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23 ESV

We fell short, so God had to intervene to lift us to His glory again. We sinned, so God had to do something about it, The cross changes our temporal direction as well as our eternal destiny. Christ models for us the self-denial that ushers God’s light into our lives. Will you embrace His path!

If the Spirit did not reveal to us the significance of Christ’s work in our redemption we would not believe it, would not even realize our need for a Savior. But thanks be to God, He has revealed it to us. Thank the Spirit for doing His work of revealing our sin and Christ’s salvation.

Spirit, thank You for revealing my sin and Christ’s salvation.

RESONATE!
How kind of God to reveal to us how much we need Him. The Holy Spirit does this work. Will you welcome that work, not only in salvation, but in sanctification as well?

Mighty Maker, thank You for making all things well. Righteous Redeemer, thank You for making all things well again. Keep me continually mindful of how grateful I should be for both of those incredible workings. Amen.

Awestruck Thinking!

Are these thoughts helping you to develop greater spiritual awareness?  Sign-up in the form to the right above to get updates of new tools to help you be Resonant.

Podcast 49.3 Transcript, 26.3 Replayed

Welcome to Thursday Thoughts at Resonant 7, where we reflect on the reality of God and resolve to let it resound in our lives, repeatedly. Let’s think about this.

Well might the sun in darkness hide

Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. Matthew 27:45 ESV

As Jesus hung on the cross a darkness covered the whole land. Though we do not know exactly what the gospel writers mean by this, it seems more than just poetic. A heaviness undoubtedly permeated those three hours while Jesus suffered on the cross. Think about that.

And shut His glories in

For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. Hebrews 2:10 ESV

It was fitting that this darkness would be paralleled by that which Jesus was battling. He was about to experience separation from the Father as He became sin for us. The suffering of the One who made all things would bring many to glory. Thank Him if you are one of them.

When Christ the mighty Maker died

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, 1 Peter 3:18 ESV

Having initially made all things good, He suffered and died to remake everything good again. His work of creation flawed by our sin was set right in His work of re-creation and redemption. He was put to death in the flesh, to make us alive in the spirit. Hallelujah! 

For man the creature’s sin

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23 ESV

We fell short, so God had to intervene to lift us to His glory again. We sinned, so God had to do something about it, The cross changes our temporal direction as well as our eternal destiny. Christ models for us the self-denial that ushers God’s light into our lives. Embrace His path!

Take a few moments to talk to Jesus about what has come to your mind, or listen to what He is saying to you, then I will read our text once more, with the refrain.

Well might the sun in darkness hide
And shut His glories in
When Christ the mighty Maker died
For man the creature’s sin

Take the mindfulness of God’s presence cultivated in these last few minutes into the next ones and beyond.  Until next time, Be Resonant.

The post The Makers Man-Remaking Repurchaseappeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attribution
When Christ the Mighty Maker Died – https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-stories/crucifixion-of-jesus-bible-story.html
For Man the Creatures Sin – https://pixabay.com/photos/cross-sunset-humility-devotion-1448946/

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That Time the Middle of the Day Was Dark (Reframed)

Well Might the Sun in Darkness Hide

Well might the sun in darkness hide
And shut His glories in
When Christ the mighty Maker died
For man the creature’s sin

Alas And Did My Savior Bleed 1707
By: Isaac Watts (1674-1748)
ref. by Ralph E. Hudson, 1885

Listen to this modern version of this penitent hymn as you prepare to ponder the lyrics. Please make certain to enjoy the video below.

Below is video content always available as part of an extensive archive of resources. We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today and please consider becoming a Subscriber to support our mission of providing these tools to everyone with access to the internet!!

Everyone, enjoy this video, and the transcript below.

Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.

As we continue our journey through this penitent text and hymn, make each stanza your own by praying through it. Let’s tune our hearts.

Was It An Eclipse?

Though there has been much speculation over whether this was an actual eclipse, a partial eclipse or something else, one thing seems certain, something happened to the sun in the middle of the day. Some translations go so far as to particularly mention the sun, but many do not. This leads me to believe there was a darkening happening, and it certainly had a physical dimension, but it seems to have been much more.

Well might the sun in darkness hide

Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. Matthew 27:45 ESV

As Jesus hung on the cross a darkness covered the whole land. Though we do not know exactly what the gospel writers mean by this, it seems more than just poetic. A heaviness undoubtedly permeated those three hours while Jesus suffered on the cross. Think about that.

From noon until 3 in the afternoon the sun hid, as Jesus hung on the cross and became sin for us. Imagine what that must have been like for those first disciples. So catastrophic was Jesus’ suffering and death even the celestial orbs took note. Thank Him for enduring that darkness.

RESONATE!
If Jesus had not surrendered to the Father’s will this darkness would not have come. If it had not, we would still be in darkness with no hope of ever reaching God’s light. Jesus changed that. Thank Jesus for enduring that darkness. 

Or A Much Deeper Darkness

And Shut His Glories In

Though it seems there was a physical darkness that occurred during those last hours on the cross for Jesus, it may have been the expression of a much deeper and more sinister darkness. A spiritual one. Good swallowing up evil, but evil was not going down without a fight.

And shut His glories in

For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. Hebrews 2:10 ESV

It was fitting that this darkness would be paralleled by that which Jesus was battling. He was about to experience separation from the Father as He became sin for us. The suffering of the One who made all things would bring many to glory. Thank Him if you are one of them.

His glory somehow became shut up as He bore our curse upon that tree. Since the opening of the skies at His baptism, on through His transfiguration there had been a glory which rested on Jesus throughout His ministry. Something happened to it during this period so significant was these moments on the cross.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments to ponder the weightiness of these hours. Eternity hung in the balance and Jesus was open wide the gates of heaven through the work He was doing. Bless the Father for allowing it.

Jesus, thank You for enduring the darkness of the cross. Your sacrifice allows You to bring me to glory, along with everyone else who believes. May I never grow weary of giving You praise. In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Grateful Tuning!

Keep coming back, and we will work to help you remove the things that may hinder your longing for His return by cultivating an awareness of God’s presence. We will help you tune your heart to live out your worship by providing resources like this to help you acknowledge the greatness of God as you become more Resonant, 7 days a week.

Like what you’re finding here?  Fill out the form to the right to get an email with each fresh post and updates of new tools to help you be Resonant.

Please comment below and share if you have found this helpful in your journey of being more resonant.

Video 49.3 Transcript, 26.3 Reframed

Welcome to Tuesday Tunings at Resonant 7, where we reflect on the reality of God and resolve to let it resound in our lives, repeatedly. Let’s tune our hearts.

Well might the sun in darkness hide
And shut His glories in
When Christ the mighty Maker died
For man the creature’s sin

And hide it did from noon until 3 in the afternoon, as Jesus hung on the cross and became sin for us. Imagine what that must have been like for those first disciples. So catastrophic was Jesus’ suffering and death even the celestial orbs took note. Thank Him for enduring that darkness.

Jesus, thank You for enduring that darkness.

But even worse than the darkening of the land would have been the spiritual darkness that must have settled in with it as Jesus suffered. His glory somehow became shut up as He bore our curse upon that tree. Separation from the Father had to be the worst. Bless the Father for allowing it.

Father, thank You for allowing this agony.

Scripture clearly tells us that Christ made all things and in Him all things hold together. To think that the One who made it all would die for His creation is almost more than our feeble minds can comprehend, yet we know it is true. Thank Jesus for dying.

Jesus, thank You for dying.

If the Spirit did not reveal to us the significance of Christ’s work in our redemption we would not believe it, would not even realize our need for a Savior. But thanks be to God, He has revealed it to us. Thank the Spirit for doing His work of revealing our sin and Christ’s salvation.

Spirit, thank You for revealing my sin and Christ’s salvation.

Take a few moments to talk to Jesus about what has surfaced in your heart, or just listen to what He is saying to you, then we will sing once more.

Sing

Take the awareness of God’s presence cultivated in these last few minutes into the next ones and beyond.  Until next time, Be Resonant.

The post That Time the Middle of the Day Was Dark appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attributions
Well Might the Sun in Darkness Hide – https://pixabay.com/photos/eclipses-solar-sun-astronomy-434338/
And Shut His Glories In – https://pixabay.com/photos/solar-eclipse-sun-clouds-astronomy-2667048/

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The Shepherd Loves His Sheep (Replayed)

Amazing Pity Grace Unknown

Was it for crimes that I have done
He groaned upon the tree
Amazing pity grace unknown
And love beyond degree

Alas And Did My Savior Bleed 1707
By: Isaac Watts (1674-1748)
ref. by Ralph E. Hudson, 1885

Listen to this modern version of this penitent hymn as you prepare to ponder the lyrics.

Please make certain to enjoy the podcast below.

Here is podcast content always available as part of an extensive archive of resources. We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today and please consider becoming a Subscriber to support our mission of providing these tools to everyone with access to the internet!!

Everyone enjoy this podcast and transcript below!  It features meditative music and moments to contemplate the Scriptures and reflections shared.

Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.

As we continue our journey through this penitent hymn, make each stanza your own by praying through it. Let’s think about this.

Pity and Grace

It was His pity that prompted His grace. He did not simply feel sorry for us. He was moved to compassion.

It reminds me of Matthew 9:36 which says, “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Sheep without a shepherd are in a bad way. With no protection, they are easily victimized. They can not protect themselves, and are likely to be in grave danger.

That was our status because of the crimes we had done which separated us from our Good Shepherd. Our sins had put us in a bad way. With no protection for the wrath of a Holy God, no way to escape it. We were in grave danger. Then, the cross.

Amazing pity grace unknown

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, Ephesians 1:7 ESV

The riches of God’s grace and the extravagance of His pity are on display at the cross better than anywhere else. Redemption and forgiveness are ours because of Christ’s work there. God saw how our sin caused us to suffer and He intervened.

Grace like that which was on display on the cross had never been seen before it. The Father saw that we were suffering in sin, He pitied us, and then did something about it. He sent His only Son, the only one who could, to bear the penalty for our sins.

RESONATE!
Give Him praise! What are you waiting for? Sing a song, say a prayer, find a way to express, “Father, I praise You for Your grace and pity.” 

And Love

And Love Beyond Degree

When I think of myself as the lonely sheep, harassed and helpless and the darkness encroaches, I am so thankful for Jesus’ pity and grace. But I am also thankful for His love. He came after me, and it cost Him.

I am reminded of Matthew 18:12 which says, “What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray?” He would leave ninety-nine to come after me, but in order to get to me, He had to give up His life.

And love beyond degree

But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 ESV 

He showed His love best on the cross, while we were still sinners. Love beyond degree. He did not wait until we were lovable, and good thing because we never would have been to a holy God. Instead, He made us lovable through the cross. Hallelujah! Thank you Jesus!

The cross is an expression of love that we can not even truly fathom. For Christ to bear the weight of all sin for all time requires a love that is truly incomprehensible, yet the Spirit makes it known to us. Thank the Spirit for giving you the capacity to see and receive God’s love there.

RESONATE!
Do you remember your helpless and harassed state before you surrendered to the Shepherd’s call? Take a moment and think about that. Then think about His coming to you, like a sheep lost and alone, when you first believed. That was the work of the Spirit, allowing you to see and receive God’s love at the cross.  Thank Him.

My Good Shepherd, thank You for coming after me and finding me. Thank You that I did not have to come to You, but instead you pursued me. I will be grateful eternally for that kindness. Amen.

Grateful Thinking!

Are these thoughts helping you to develop greater spiritual awareness?  Sign-up in the form to the right above to get updates of new tools to help you be Resonant.

Podcast 49.2 Transcript, 26.2 Replayed

Welcome to Thursday Thoughts at Resonant 7, where we reflect on the reality of God and resolve to let it resound in our lives, repeatedly. Let’s think about this.

Was it for crimes that I have done

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. 1 Peter 2:24 ESV 

Yes, Christ bore the punishment for our crimes, our sins, when He went to the cross. He had never sinned and was crucified without reason, which is why Pilate washed His hands of the matter. The sinless died for the sinful. Recall when you first realized you needed a Savior.

He groaned upon the tree

And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Mark 15:34 ESV

Jesus said several things from the cross but this expression may have seemed that most like a groan. Again, in His humanity Christ felt forsaken as He died on the cross. He endured that shame and separation from the Father for our good. Thank Him for bearing the cross for you.

Amazing pity grace unknown

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, Ephesians 1:7 ESV

The riches of God’s grace and the extravagance of His pity on are display at the cross better than anywhere else. Redemption and forgiveness are ours because of Christ’s work there. God saw how our sin caused us to suffer and He intervened. Give Him praise!

And love beyond degree

But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 ESV 

He showed His love best on the cross, while we were still sinners. Love beyond degree. He did not wait until we were lovable, and good thing because we never would have been to a holy God. Instead, He made us lovable through the cross. Hallelujah! Thank you Jesus!

Take a few moments to talk to Jesus about what has come to your mind, or listen to what He is saying to you, then I will read our text once more, with the refrain

Was it for crimes that I have done
He groaned upon the tree
Amazing pity grace unknown
And love beyond degree

Take the mindfulness of God’s presence cultivated in these last few minutes into the next ones and beyond.  Until next time,
Be Resonant.

The post The Shepherd Loves His Sheep (Replayed) appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attribution
Amazing Pity, Grace Unknown – https://pixabay.com/photos/sunset-sheep-silhouette-dusk-50494/
And Love Beyond Degree – https://pixabay.com/photos/jesus-good-shepherd-christ-1335804/

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We Find the Defendant NOT Guilty (Reframed)

Was It For Crimes That I Have Done

Was it for crimes that I have done
He groaned upon the tree
Amazing pity grace unknown
And love beyond degree

Alas And Did My Savior Bleed 1707
By: Isaac Watts (1674-1748)
ref. by Ralph E. Hudson, 1885

Listen to this modern version of this penitent hymn as you prepare to ponder the lyrics. Please make certain to enjoy the video below.

Below is video content always available as part of an extensive archive of resources. We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today and please consider becoming a Subscriber to support our mission of providing these tools to everyone with access to the internet!!

Everyone, enjoy this video, and the transcript below.

Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.

As we conclude our journey through this ancient text and hymn, make each stanza your own by praying through it. Let’s tune our hearts.

NOT Guilty

Imagine it. The case is presented. Every charge brought against you is proven true. Your presence at the scene of each crime is confirmed, without a shadow of a doubt, by your fingerprints. The jury needs no time to deliberate, so clear is the evidence against you. The judge asks them for their decision, and the foreman rises and states boldly, “We find the defendant NOT guilty.”

As you sit in stunned amazement, the judge explains that someone else has agreed to take your punishment. All you have to do is accept their offer and you are free, the guilt and punishment for it being entirely imputed to them. You agree and are released immediately.

Sound too good to be true? That is effectively what Jesus did for you.

Was it for crimes that I have done

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. 1 Peter 2:24 ESV 

Yes! An emphatic yes! Christ bore the punishment for our crimes, our sins, when He went to the cross. He had never sinned and was crucified without reason, which is why Pilate washed his hands of the matter. The Sinless died for the sinful, the Innocent for the guilty.

As we journey through this season toward Holy Week and our celebration of His resurrection, consider again all for which you have been forgiven. That forgiveness was only possible through Christ’s work on the cross, that dreadful tree. He made it possible to die to sin and live to righteousness. Will you walk along with Him on your own sojourn of self-denial?

RESONATE!
Recall when you first realized you needed a Savior. Maybe you found it hard to believe. Maybe you wept at the wonder of it. Whatever your reaction, remember it today, then thank Him for taking your punishment.

Ninth-Hour Groaning

He Groaned Upon That Tree

Though the Scriptures tell us Jesus was mostly silent before His accusers at the mockery they deemed a trial, it just as clearly tells us He was not silent on the cross. He spoke to John, instructing him to care for Mary, His mother. He admitted His thirst, revealing His humanity. He spoke to and pardoned one of the thieves hanging there with Him. But that is not all He said.

His most heart-wrenching statement may well have been the one where He confessed the separation He felt from the Father, with whom He had existed eternally. Jesus felt forsaken by Him. He groaned in anguish as the weight of the  sin of the world pressed down upon Him, and He felt alone.

He groaned upon the tree

And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Mark 15:34ESV

Jesus said several things from the cross, but this expression may have seemed most like a groan. Again, in His humanity, Christ felt forsaken as He died on the cross. He endured that shame and separation from the Father for our good.

Jesus was God, and man. Crucifixion is a tortuous way to die. The Scripture clearly records that Jesus groaned while He hung on that cruel device. He cried out to the Father, suffered with thirst, and announced His work was finished.

RESONATE!
Jesus groaned to spare you from the separation He felt on the cross. Thank Him for bearing the cross for you. Thank Him for enduring the cross.

Jesus, thank You for bearing the punishment for my crimes on that cruel tree. Help me to die to sin and live to righteousness, as one who is not guilty. In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Guiltless Tuning!

Keep coming back, and we will work to help you remove the things that may hinder your longing for His return by cultivating an awareness of God’s presence. We will help you tune your heart to live out your worship by providing resources like this to help you acknowledge the greatness of God as you become more Resonant, 7 days a week.

Like what you’re finding here?  Fill out the form to the right to get an email with each fresh post and updates of new tools to help you be Resonant.

Please comment below and share if you have found this helpful in your journey of being more resonant.

Video 49.2 Transcript (26.2 Reframed)

Welcome to Tuesday Tunings at Resonant 7, where we reflect on the reality of God and resolve to let it resound in our lives, repeatedly. Let’s tune our hearts.

Was it for crimes that I have done
He groaned upon the tree
Amazing pity grace unknown
And love beyond degree

Another question, and another answer. Yes, He endured the cross, scorning its shame, because of the crimes or sins I have committed. He was without fault or blemish and yet took the punishment that we deserved upon Himself. Thank Him for taking your punishment.

Jesus, thank You for taking my punishment.

Jesus was God, and man. The crucifixion is a tortuous way to die. The Scripture clearly records that Jesus groaned while He hung on that cruel device. He cried out to the Father, suffered with thirst, and announced His work was finished. Thank Him for enduring the cross.

Jesus, thank You for enduring the cross.

Grace like that which was on display on the cross had never been seen before it. The Father saw that we were suffering in sin, He pitied us, and then did something about it. He sent His only Son, the only one who could, to bear the penalty for our sins. Give Him praise!

Father, I praise You for Your grace and pity.

The cross is an expression of love that we can not even truly fathom. For Christ to bear the weight of all sin for all time requires a love that is truly incomprehensible, yet the Spirit makes it known to us. Thank the Spirit for giving you the capacity to see and receive God’s love there.

Spirit, thank You for allowing me to see and receive God’s love at the cross.

Take a few moments to talk to Jesus about what has surfaced in your heart, or just listen to what He is saying to you, then we will sing once more.

Sing

Take the awareness of God’s presence cultivated in these last few minutes into the next ones and beyond.  Until next time,
Be Resonant.

The post We Find the Defendant NOT Guilty (Reframed) appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attributions
Was It For Crimes That I Had Done – https://pixabay.com/photos/fingerprint-daktylogramm-papillary-255904/
He Groaned Upon That Tree – https://pixabay.com/photos/cross-jesus-wood-church-christ-77999/

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Let’s Be Honest, Worms Were Better Off (Replayed)

Would He Devote That Sacred Head

Alas and did my Savior bleed
And did my Sov’reign die
Would He devote that sacred head
For sinners such as I

Alas And Did My Savior Bleed 1707
By: Isaac Watts (1674-1748)
ref. by Ralph E. Hudson, 1885

Listen to this modern version of this penitent hymn as you prepare to ponder the lyrics.

Please make certain to enjoy the podcast below.

Here is podcast content always available as part of an extensive archive of resources. We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today and please consider becoming a Subscriber to support our mission of providing these tools to everyone with access to the internet!!

Everyone enjoy this podcast and transcript below!  It features meditative music and moments to contemplate the Scriptures and reflections shared.

Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.

As we begin our journey through this penitent hymn, make each stanza your own by praying through it. Let’s think about this.

His Glory

The first half of this stanza asks if our Savior, our Sovereign bled and died, but it is the second half which really finishes the question. It provides the reason behind why He did and should leave those of us who benefit from His sacrifice in stunned awe. Take a few minutes to ponder this.

Would He devote that sacred head

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 ESV

The Father gave His only Son to provide us the opportunity to move from death to life. What an astonishing and extravagant yet necessary gift it was! Consider for a moment your eternity if Jesus had not been willing to surrender to the Father’s will. We would be doomed.

Yes, God was so committed to our redemption that He was absolutely willing to devote, to commit a large portion of His resources, namely the sacred head of His beloved Son, to that purpose. He loved the world that much. May we be overwhelmed by it in this penitent season.

RESONATE!
This is one of the most basic truths of our faith. Christ died for us. This is one of the most common verses infall of Scripture, but when was the last time you stopped to reflect on it? Will you take a few minutes right now and do that? If you will, first pray this simple prayer. “Lord, overwhelm me with Your sacrifice.”

My Depravity

For Sinners Such As I

The juxtaposition between the innate value of these two things, Christ’s glory and my depravity, highlights the stark contrast between the two. But the choice of words for this last line has changed over the years, and though I like the current version best, I must admit the original lyrical choice by Watts is pretty striking. Not sure what it is, let me take you back.

Current – For sinners such as I

Transitional – For such a one as I

Original – For such a worm as I

Although not certain why the change was initially made, I have heard it supposed that people were not comfortable associating themselves with a worthless worm. This seems silly to me because of the utter lostness of our souls when we acknowledge we were sinners, as in the current version. “Such a one” was a terrible choice, and “sinners such as I” is superior in my opinion to “such a worm”, but I appreciate the powerful illustration of being acquainted with the lowly condition of a worm.

For sinners such as I

But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 ESV

Far worse off than any worm, doomed would we be because of our sin. It separated us eternally from the Father…and yet, He made a way. Christ died for us to show us the love of God. And that extravagant offering was devoted and offered while we were so undeserving. We were sinners, lost and hurling down a path toward eternal damnation and separation from a loving God. Then He intervened.

RESONATE!
How will you respond to that love through this season of Lent? How will you offer yourself to God, responding to Jesus’ example? Ask the Spirit to show you to respond, and then enliven the praise of your ransomed soul.

O Sacred Head, thank You for being so devoted to the Father’s will that You were able to accomplish my redemption. Through this season as I approach Easter again, overwhelm me with Your sacrifice and fill me with wonder as never before. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Honest Thinking!

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Podcast 49.1 Transcript (26.1 Replayed)

Welcome to Thursday Thoughts at Resonant 7, where we reflect on the reality of God and resolve to let it resound in our lives, repeatedly. Let’s think about this.

Alas and did my Savior bleed

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, Ephesians 1:7 ESV

As we journey through this hymn during the season of Lent we will answer a lot of questions. Yes, the savior bled for us. And His blood purchased our redemption, our forgiveness. As we begin our journey, thank Him for the riches of His grace poured on your life.

And did my Sov’reign die

Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last. Luke 23:46 ESV

Can you imagine what those moments must have been like for those first disciples? We have the benefit of history, but their hearts must have been breaking. Try to empathize with the pain they had to have felt. It will only intensify the joy of our resurrection celebrations.

Would He devote that sacred head

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 ESV

The Father gave His only Son to provide us the opportunity to move from death to life. What an astonishing and extravagant yet necessary gift it was! Consider for a moment your eternity if Jesus had not been willing to surrender to the Father’s will. We would be doomed.

For sinners such as I

But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 ESV

Doomed would we be because of our sin. It separated us eternally from the Father…and yet, He made a way. Christ died for us to show us the love of God. How will you respond to that love through this season of Lent? How will you offer yourself to God, responding to Jesus’ example?

Take a few moments to talk to Jesus about what has come to your mind, or listen to what He is saying to you, then I will read our text once more, with the Refrain.

Alas and did my Savior bleed
And did my Sov’reign die
Would He devote that sacred head
For sinners such as I

Take the mindfulness of God’s presence cultivated in these last few minutes into the next ones and beyond.  Until next time, Be Resonant.

The post Let’s Be Honest, Worms Were Better Off appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attribution
Would He Devote That Sacred Head – https://pixabay.com/photos/jesus-christ-clinic-jesus-christ-2437571/
For Sinners Such As I – https://pixabay.com/photos/earthworm-soil-dirt-macro-686593/

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