The Feast of Love
March 29, 2013 § 1 Comment
“On that day a fountain will be opened to the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and impurity.” – Zechariah 13:1
We call this day good – Good Friday. For Christ-followers it is the day we reflect on Jesus’ crucifixion. In a few hours we will have a simple Good Friday service, and together we will celebrate both the most terrible and the most beautiful of moments in human history.
“May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” – Galatians 6:14
Most terrible because it was a human injustice to put Jesus on the Cross. He committed no crime. He was sinless. He was God’s ‘spotless lamb.’ It was horrendous and humiliating for the Son of God to die a sinner’s death.
Most beautiful because it was for love.
“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13
Every image of deliverance and redemption in the scriptures were realized and fulfilled when Jesus died. God’s fierce rage towards sin was satisfied by the sacrifice of the Son He loves – for us. And in His death, we are forgiven.
This is our Feast.
peace.
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 left 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
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
By Stuart Townend
unfinished1 
“…the King of Love my Shepherd is…”