How often have we heard the story of the crucifixion of Christ?  We must never stop telling the story of the God who sent His only Son to take the punishment of sin for every soul that has ever lived.  It is a powerful story, but it is a gruesome story.

We sing songs and whitewash the gory details so often to tell the wondrous story that saves our souls, but we can never forget it was the most victorious moment for Hell.  The air was full of demons crowded around to see what they believed to be the defeat of Heaven’s Hero.  Entering into the hearts of people in the crowd to lie about Jesus, to falsely accuse Him, to drive the Roman soldiers to delight as they scraped away Jesus’ flesh in the flogging.  They didn’t think twice about attaching a living human being to wooden crossbars with nails driven through the flesh, tendons, and muscles of the wrist and the tops of his overlapping feet.  Blood splattered to the delight of the crowd and every perverted demon. 

Though mortal, He had infinite knowledge of all things which includes you and me.  The Bible says that nothing has been made but by Him.  As He pushed on the nail driven into his feet to extend his body and open his lungs for one more breath, He knew exactly why and for whom He did this.  Knowing each and every human being by name, by face, by personality, He did it for each of us.  He endured for those who would believe and for those who never will.  He is no respecter of persons.  Whosoever believes will be saved.  He thought of my face as the sturdy thorns were driven into His.

Fully aware of my sins and yours, He remained silent before His accusers.  The shameful decisions we wish to hide, He knew every detail that He might cover them fully.  He was pierced for our transgressions.  He did not fight the nails.  He did not squirm or flinch, but cherished every ring of the hammer upon His nails.  He held still as Roman soldiers struck Him in the face.  He could have called each one of them by name.  He knew their Mom, their Dad, their pain, their joy, their lost dreams, and their lost childhood.  He was bruised for those who bruised Him.  He considered it all joy that these bruises would bring healing to every hurtful word, every abusive moment, every neglectful act He already knew we would face.

He saw my face when I sat in my room alone struggling in depression.  He saw your face when despair and hopelessness overwhelmed.  It was for you and for me.  And it was not easy.  It was Hellish.  He took our defeat that we might live in His victorious resurrection.  In Heaven, He calls out our name before His Father.  He calls us by the nickname given to us by our grandmother.  It was for you that He embraced the suffering of the cross.  And it was not easy.  The crucifixion of Christ was not simple.  It was Hell on Earth.  It was complete humiliation and torture beyond anything any of us will ever know.  And it was personal.  

When we whitewash the bloody details of the cross, we lose the depth of His passion for our soul.  He must remember He suffered, bled, suffocated, and died in matchless pain.  And He did it with you in mind.

But he was pierced for our transgressions;

he was crushed for our iniquities;

upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,

and with his wounds we are healed.

Isaiah 53:5 (ESV)

God bless you all.  You are all in my prayers.  May the crucifixion of Christ be ever on your mind today, that He did it all for you.

Live Blessed and Be a Blessing!