Saturday, October 8, 2016

At the Cross


Eph 2:12  That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: 
Eph 2:13  But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. 
Eph 2:14  For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; 
Eph 2:15  Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; 
Eph 2:16  And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: 
Eph 2:17  And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. 
Eph 2:18  For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. 
Eph 2:19  Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 
Eph 2:20  And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 

Jesus on the cross paid the price to redeem all who come to him, from the Jews and Gentiles (all humans). We are made one by faith in Christ Jesus, we are brothers and sisters not separated from each other but made one body of Christ, for he dwells in us. His Spirit inhabits us making us the dwelling place of God. God's Spirit stays with us, to comfort us, to guide us in all wisdom and truth. This was accomplished by the Lord Jesus Christ at the cross.

At the Cross
by Isaac Watts

Alas! and did my Savior bleed
And did my Sov’reign die?
Would He devote that sacred head
For such a worm as I?

Refrain:
At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light,
And the burden of my heart rolled away,
It was there by faith I received my sight,
And now I am happy all the day!

A dear pastor friend lost his wife a number of years ago. He is now in his mid eighties being busy ministering to others and teaching. He reflected that he had lost his joy. How sad to be alone and without joy. Are we ever alone when there are so many brothers and sisters in the Lord? Let us be encouragers and sing the hymns of praise, for joy and peace are the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Like David, sometimes we feel alone, but he encouraged himself in the Lord and so shall we be encouraged. 

Thus might I hide my blushing face
While His dear cross appears,
Dissolve my heart in thankfulness,
And melt my eyes to tears.
 
Refrain:
At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light,
And the burden of my heart rolled away,
It was there by faith I received my sight,
And now I am happy all the day!
 
But drops of grief can ne’er repay
The debt of love I owe:
Here, Lord, I give myself away,
’Tis all that I can do.

May we be blessed in Jesus and a blessing to others.


No comments: