Atoned

See, my servant will act wisely; He will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted.  Just as there were many who were appalled at Him - His appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any human being and his form marred beyond human likeness.  Isaiah 52:13-14

That is my Jesus.  Marred beyond human likeness for me.  For all of my sin.  For all of my uncleanness.  I get a little aggravated at the cross symbol, to be honest.  It is used so casually.  I have many crosses on the walls of my house, actually.  As decor.  I pass by them each day, not even caring to think about what they symbolize.  I wear cross jewelry.

Yet, our Saviour wasn't even recognizable on that Cross.

Did He have to die?  No.

He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death - even death on a cross! Philippians 2:8


It is easy to wallow in my pride and selfishness.  I can let grief overtake my life.  I can be bitter and angry because my 8 month-old won't be celebrating Easter with us this year.  Yet, as I go into Easter week, all I can think about is how God purposefully gave His PERFECT Son to die for me.

I had heard that you cannot understand the depth of God's love until becoming a parent.  Since Holden's birthday, I have said it many times, but it especially resonates with my soul this week.  I did not fully understand the depth of His love, until I had looked into my son's face.  He sent His Son to die for us..for me...for all.  He loves us more than I can put on paper.

I am doing a study on the Holy Spirit, and have felt a strong nudge to read the Bible through again.  I have decided to start this week.  As I remember the times I read the Bible from cover to cover, I know EVERY single word points to the Cross.  It points to the reason we exist...the reason we even have a "why" to live.

I am humbled by His goodness.  We hope because of that undeserved Atonement.

What a week to thank Him for abundant life.

Christ is Risen
by Matt Maher


Let no one caught in sin remain
Inside the lie of inward shame
We fix our eyes upon the cross
And run to Him who showed great love

And bled for us
Freely You've bled for us

Christ is risen from the dead
Trampling over death by death
Come awake, come awake
Come and rise up from the grave

Christ is risen from the dead
We are one with Him again
Come awake, come awake
Come and rise up from the grave

Beneath the weight of all our sin
You bowed to none but Heaven's will
No scheme of Hell, no scoffer's crown
No burden great can hold You down

In strength You reign
Forever let Your church proclaim

Christ is risen from the dead
Trampling over death by death
Come awake, come awake
Come and rise up from the grave

Christ is risen from the dead
We are one with Him again
Come awake, come awake
Come and rise up from the grave

O death, where is your sting?
O hell, where is your victory?
O church, come stand in the light
The glory of God has defeated the night

Sing it, o death, where is your sting?
O hell, where is your victory?
O church, come stand in the light
Our God is not dead, He's alive, He's alive

Christ is risen from the dead
Trampling over death by death
Come awake, come awake
Come and rise up from the grave

Christ is risen from the dead
We are one with Him again
Come awake, come awake
Come and rise up from the grave
Rise up from the grave