A Hammer and Nails
A hammer and nails . . . so common in the life of a carpenter. Did Jesus know the role they would play in his work of redemption?
A crown of thorns . . . simple stems from His creation. Did the king of the universe know they would cause Him so much pain?
Betrayal, beatings, and shouts for crucifixion filling the air . . . men and women created in His image rejected Him. Did He know in advance how they would betray Him?
The ones He came to save – spitting, beating, torturing, pounding nails, crucifying.
Ray Boltz wrote a song a number of years ago called, “Feel the Nails.”
The chorus asks the questions:
- Does He still feel the nails every time I fail?
- Can He hear the crowd cry “Crucify” again?
- Am I causing Him pain?
Then I know I’ve got to change, I just can’t bear the thought of hurting Him.
By God’s grace and mercy, Jesus died once for all!
Now you belong to Christ Jesus. At one time you were far away from God. Now you have been brought close to Him. Christ did this for you when He gave His blood on the cross. Ephesians 2:13
Christ died for everyone so that they would live for Him. They should not live to please themselves but for Christ who died on a cross and was raised from the dead for them. 2 Corinthians 5:15
Jesus has always been as God is. But He did not hold to His rights as God. He put aside everything that belonged to Him and made Himself the same as a servant who is owned by someone. He became human by being born as a man. After He became a man, He gave up His important place and obeyed by dying on a cross. Because of this, God lifted Jesus high above everything else. He gave Him a name that is greater than any other name. So when the name of Jesus is spoken, everyone in heaven and on earth and under the earth will bow down before Him. And every tongue will say Jesus Christ is Lord. Everyone will give honor to God the Father. Philippians 2:6-11
Jesus died that we might live.
Jesus died that we might live for Him.
Jesus died that we might live for Him, and glorify God the Father.
May we run to His open arms . . . spread wide, nailed to a cross out of love.
He chose to die for us than ever live without us.
Stop for a moment and make it personal. Place your name in John 3:16; For God loved _________ so much that He gave His one and only Son.
Photo Credit