Jesus So Loved Me!

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How great is the love that was poured out by the Son of God for me. A hymn says, "Amazing love, how can it be, that you my King should die for me?" Jesus said, "No greater love is there than this: that a man lay down his life for his friends." God has done more than any of us could ever ask in order to wash away our sins to give us eternal happiness in the life to come. He took on human flesh and paid the penalty of our sin with His own blood. He did it for you! He suffered for you, in your place. There was no other way. He can not, in his holiness, reward unforgiven sin. He just can't. But just as strong as his hatred of our evil is his great love, mercy, kindness and grace. The cross of Jesus Christ was the only way to reconcile the two--hatred of sin and love of sinners. No human religion, no ritual, no rites, no good deeds could do it. Only by offer a spotless lamb in our place--one who is perfectly holy and is righteous enough to exchange his sufferings for the forgiveness of all.

How can anyone complain that God is too narrow in allowing only one way to be acceptable before Him when He gave so much just so that they could come join His eternal family? How can anyone say "I have my own way to God other than Jesus" when Jesus gave up His very life through intense shame, suffering, bloodshed? How can someone follow some human religious figure when the very Son of God became man to save him or her from eternity in hell?

What then shall become of the one who rejects the Son? Scripture says, "how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation?" (Hebrews 2:2). And it says, "The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him." (John 3:35-36)

Oh wonderful and holy Lord, your love is greater than life. You amaze us that one so pure and blameless would love his impure creatures with such a love. It is hard, Lord, to comprehend such a love that while we were still sinners you died for us. After the way I have failed to honor you and live as purely as one ought, you have still brought me to the place of repentance and forgiveness. I am cleansed from my impurities in your sight in Christ even though I am still a sinner. What grace I have found that you would adopt me into your eternal family.

Lord, my heart is heavy and grieves that so many are hostile toward you and your way of salvation. I can't bear to think of people I know perishing in hell as you have warned us. I want more than anything, Lord, that you would open the eyes of those who are far from you to see you glory, to know your love, to believe in your Son and thus receive their eternal inheritance. Jesus, reach out your hand and draw them to yourself. Amen.