The Gospel Revealed

I want to share a childhood story. 

When we were young, there was me, my first brother, and other younger siblings in the household. As the eldest and due to some age gap, I wasn't as mischievous anymore. But sometimes, when my younger brothers or sisters would get "too playful", as was normal for children their age, it was customary for the other siblings to also receive the heat of my parents' discipline. Perhaps it was the number of children ㇐ we were six in all ㇐ or maybe as an example to the others, it was done that way at the time. I remember feeling flustered at my other siblings for drawing out the disciplinarian in our parents at times. 😅

And I had a fresh revelation again of what Jesus did for me. Many would probably feel the unjustness of being punished for someone else's mistake. I'm not perfect. I can say I would somehow feel that at times. But for someone innocent as Christ was, and receiving the punishment and ruling reserved for a criminal, it must have been difficult ㇐ if He were not the God of love.

Why did He have to do it? He should be making the judgment, not taking it or receiving it. But since He was humble, He was not so easy to offend. He was truly perfect.

I guess I just wanted to arouse a fresh look and appreciation for the cross. It is all too easy to be familiar with the story, but I hope what Jesus did for you will always be fresh and alive in your heart, in joyful and difficult days.

Dr. Rice Brooks summarized the gospel in this: "The gospel is the good news that God became man in Jesus Christ. He lived the life we should have lived and died the death we should have died, in our place. Three days later, He rose from the dead, proving He is the Son of God and offering the free gift of salvation and forgiveness of sins to anyone who repents and believes in him." 

May you allow me to pray for you. 😃

Prayer

"Thank you God for shedding your blood on the cross. I pray for your blessing in your name, the ones you wanted us to receive in your place. Instead of a curse, you gave us a blessing. Instead of pain, you traded it with healing and joy. We are not the same because of what you've done. Thank you forever. In Jesus Name."