God Notions

I overheard someone say, “Good Friday…isn’t that when Jesus was crucified? What’s good about that?”  This started my thinking:

Looking at Christ Jesus on the cross, does this say what man thinks of God’s Son or what God the Father thinks of man?

   On one hand, Jesus was sent to the cross because He said He was God’s Son, that He and the Father are one. Man’s response to this was crucifixion. Jesus was beyond looking human and near death before even being hung on the cross. I am sickened to my stomach when I think of the cruelty and evil capable of Man.  I see the cross as Man at his worst.

  On the other hand, Jesus chose to go to the cross, out of love, out of obedience to our Father…His Father. Did He know God the Father would resurrect and glorify Him? Where did Jesus find that abiding trust? How did Christ Jesus endure the anticipation of what was to come? How did He endure the pain, the agony, and shame of carrying this cross and hanging from it until death?

  Did Jesus know the Father so well, being one with Him? Did Jesus know and understand His Father’s love for us and our desperate need for forgiveness and restoration?

  Did Jesus understand so well the holiness of God that He went to the cross out of great love and obedience for his Father? Does Jesus love us so much that He gave His blood, His life for payment of what we owe and cannot pay?

  Did God the Father, look at the Cross and see what we think of His Son only to say three days later at the grave, “This is what I think of my Son.”

   I get overwhelmed with mixed emotions when I think of the meaning of The Cross. My neglect of my precious Lord who waits so patiently and lovingly for me to turn back and follow Him.  The guilt of my own selfishness, my pride, and neglect of my fellow believer and fellowman. 

 I am overwhelmed at the deep thought of what exactly Jesus went through to save my life, to save your life.

How deep the Father’s love for us indeed.

Selah

How deep the Father’s love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the man upon a cross
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Songwriters: Stuart Townend

How Deep The Father’s Love For Us lyrics © Capitol Christian Music Group