Welcome to Hank’s Place – 280
I’ve been sharing chapter titles from “A Violent Grace” by Michael Card. Why? Because each simple phrase presents to us a fresh facet of our Great Salvation through JESUS!
“He was nailed to the cross so I might escape judgment.” After an unbelievably horrible flogging by the Roman soldiers, it is now time for Jesus’ crucifixion. Jesus has been abandoned by His supporters; only a few weeping women are left. Almost unbelievably, Jesus is required to carry His own cross. John 19:17. Jesus is so weak at this point that He falls. The Romans pick Simon of Cyrene (that’s in Africa) to carry the cross to the place of crucifixion.
Did you know that many Africans believe that because God picked an African to assist Jesus in His last moments, that He will again pick Africans to carry the word of salvation in these last days before His return? And why not?
Well, Jesus is crucified, hanging between heaven and earth. Suffering excruciating pain. The word “excruciating,” literally means “out of the cross.”
He is hanging there alone — no followers, scorned and humiliated, awaiting the most miserable of deaths. But this is also a very unique time. “Now is the time for judgment on this world, now the prince of this world will be driven out. But I, when I am lifted up from the earth will draw all men to myself.” John 12:31- 32.
Paul in Gal 3:13 declares, “Jesus has redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written ‘cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.’”
Jesus is crucified between two thieves. Both thieves rail against him, but then one has a change of heart. “We are getting what we deserve, but this man has done nothing wrong.” “Remember me when you come into your kingdom,” he says to Jesus. Luke 23:40-41.
He speaks to Jesus on the cross without scorn or mockery. He is the first to address Jesus the way most of us do today. And with his words, that unnamed thief becomes the first to be drawn to the crucified Christ.
Today my friend, see Jesus upon that Cross – carrying our sin – being cursed for us – so we would would be granted eternal life. Call out to your Savior today — call out to Jesus — and COME ALIVE!
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