Rev. Ray and Pat Amos
2 Corinthians 5:21
“For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.”
“JESUS SUFFERED TO SAVE US”
The Australian evangelists,Sir Allen Walker, once told of an incident in the Australian hills. There were sheep grazing when suddenly they were spooked and ran for safety. Flying above was a large and dangerous eagle. What was unusual was the one sheep that just sat where it was. The bird swooped down and with its razor sharp claw killed the sheep. The shepherd ran to it and turned the sheep over, and beneath it was a little lamb. It was safe, and it’s wool was red from the sacrifice of it’s Mother.
The Bible says about Jesus, “He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.” Isaiah 53:7
He was only guilty of Love. He spoke no words to defend himself, and did not even suggest his innocence. Like the sheep that died on that hillside to save her lamb, Jesus died on another hill to save us. “For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)
He could have said, “I didn’t sin. Why should I die on the cross?” Yet, he was covered with the guilt of our sin. The Lamb’s blood is upon us. The gospels song says, “I should have been crucified, I should have suffered and died. I should have hung on the cross in disgrace, but Jesus, God’s Son, took my place.”
That’s how much God loves you and me. Does our life reflect our appreciation for this gift of God? Jesus has made it possible for the New Year to be met with a New Life.
Grace and Peace, Rev Ray
“Link to YouTube Video – Via Dolorosa
