OzThoughts Tuesday 28th October 2008

OzThoughts Tuesday 28th October 2008

Did you meditate yesterday on the prophecy from Isaiah 53 of the suffering servant? Then meditate further on the old hymn, often associated with Easter, “Man of Sorrows”?

As I read through the words again, I thought ‘how often do we sit and consider an empty cross’? I thought that most of my readers would worship, and identify with, churches which use the symbol of an empty cross. A lesser number would readily identify themselves as members of churches which use the cross with Christ on it as a reminder of Jesus’ suffering and death for us.

I thought, too, that I have two copies of the movie “The Passion of the Christ”(one on video and one on DVD) which I have never watched. Why? To be honest I have no real desire to be confronted with a portrayal of the brutality and suffering Jesus endured to the death.

But I remember the words of Paul:

“You'll remember, friends, that when I first came to you to let you in on God's master stroke, I didn't try to impress you with polished speeches and the latest philosophy. I deliberately kept it plain and simple: first Jesus and who he is; then Jesus and what he did—Jesus crucified.” (1 Corinthians 2: 1-2 The Message)

“Jesus crucified”. What does that mean to us? Is that the message of our church today? Maybe you’re thinking “Ah wait, there is more”. Yes, but it was enough for Paul.

[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_117.mp3]

Jesus, the name high over all,
In Hell or earth or sky;
Angels and men before him fall,
And devils fear and fly.

Chorus
We have no other argument,
We want no other plea;
It is enough that Jesus died,
And that he died for me.

Jesus, the name to sinners dear,
The name to sinners given;
He scatters all their guilty fear;
He turns their hell to Heaven.

Jesus the prisoner's fetters breaks,
And bruises Satan's head;
Power into strengthless souls he speaks,
And life into the dead.

O that the world would taste and see
The riches of his grace;
The arms of love that compass me
Would all mankind embrace.

His glorious righteousness I show,
His saving truth proclaim;
'Tis all my business here below
To cry: Behold the Lamb!

Happy, if with my latest breath
I may but gasp his name,
Preach him to all, and cry in death:
Behold, behold the Lamb!
Author: Charles Wesley (1707-88) (verses)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 60


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