Think with me today on the amazing reality that you have been made right with God. There is not a hair-breadth of sin that keeps you from His glorious presence. He swallows you in grace and taste no bitterness of sins which you assume remain on you. Jesus Christ – incarnate! Jesus Christ – in perfect life as man! Jesus Christ – the spotless sacrifice! Jesus Christ – the substitute in wrath! Jesus Christ – finishing the work unto death! Jesus Christ – resurrected! Jesus Christ – ascended and ruling! Jesus Christ – returning for His own!
All of this is yours. No fear. No condemnation. No last minute surprises or changes in your standing. Loved by Another. Pursued by Another. Rescued by Another. Accepted in Another. Safe and secure with Another. Our grand and gracious gift is unshakable, undiminished and unwavering. In the midst of our great and relieved joy let us humbly read Thomas Kelly’s words from more than 200 years ago. Let us add sober humility to our exuberant joy.
Smitten, Stricken And Afflicted
By: Thomas Kelly
Stricken, smitten, and afflicted,
See him dying on the tree!
This is Christ, by man rejected;
Here, my soul, your Savior see.
He’s the long expected prophet,
David’s son, yet David’s Lord.
Proofs I see sufficient of it:
He’s the true and faithful Word.
Tell me, all who hear him groaning,
Was there ever grief like this?
Friends through fear his cause disowning,
Foes insulting his distress;
Many hands were raised to wound him,
None would intervene to save;
But the deepest stroke that pierced him
Was the stroke that justice gave.
You who think of sin but lightly
Nor suppose the evil great
Here may view its nature rightly,
Here its guilt may estimate.
Mark the sacrifice appointed;
See who bears the awful load;
It’s the Word, the Lord’s Anointed,
Son of Man and son of God.
Here we have a firm foundation;
Here the refuge of the lost;
Christ, the rock of our salvation,
His the name of which we boast.
Lamb of God, for sinners wounded,
Sacrifice to cancel guilt!
None shall ever be confounded
Who on him their hope have built.
Jeff – nothing in the world nor in church life can change these glorious truths. “No fear. No condemnation”.
May you experience this Lord’s Day just as you have written. No fear. No condemnation.
God bless.
J
Thank you, J. Yesterday was a good day at Meadow and plenty of joy, hope and truth to fill our tanks. Praying for you and your family in your new work across the sea.