O The Love of Christ

If you are anything like me, you have trouble "picturing" or "comprehending" what Jesus truly did when He laid down is life for us. Perhaps we will never be able to comprehend it on this earth with these fallen bodies and minds. But as I wrestled through my lack of power to see and love and appreciate what Jesus did for the Redeemed, I "received" a picture in my head that helped me more fully and emotionally connect with the triumph of our Savior on the cross. I say "received" with quotes because I am not claiming that this is a direct revelation from the Father, but I like to assume that He was answering my cries for a better understanding and love for what Jesus did for me on the cross.

So I pictured a tangible person in my life who has clearly exhibited the love of God to me every day of my life, by the power of Christ. For me, it is my mother. Though our long relationship has not been all "roses," she has reflected the love of Jesus for me in a way that no one else ever has. Needless to say, I have developed a deep love for her. Then I pictured my deepest, darkest sin. One that, though I am truly forgiven of, I am deeply ashamed of. It was my fault. I chose to rebel against God. I said, "I want my own way, I want self-gratification, I know what is best!"

Then I pictured my lovely, tender mother saying, "I will take Clay's sin on me so that he does not have to suffer God's wrath, for I love him. I will take on God's wrath so that Clay can be free." She did not deserve my sin! I sinned! But O how she loves me! Then I saw, O the love of Christ!

"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep." -John 10:11