Photo taken at Tao Fong Shan Christian Centre, Hong Kong
While being reviled and insulted, He did not revile or insult in return; while suffering, He made no threats [of vengeance], but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges fairly. He personally carried our sins in His body on the [a]cross [willingly offering Himself on it, as on an altar of sacrifice], so that we might die to sin [becoming immune from the penalty and power of sin] and live for righteousness; for by His wounds you [who believe] have been [b]healed. For you were continually wandering like [so many] sheep, but now you have come back to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.
Footnotes
- 1 Peter 2:24 Lit wood.
- 1 Peter 2:24 Generally regarded as a reference to being spiritually healed from the illness of sin; however, many also consider physical healing to be included in Christ’s atoning death.
1 Peter 2:23-25 AMP [biblegateway.com]
REFLECTION
As I prayerfully ponder what Jesus Christ did for us on the cross of Calvary, I can’t even begin to fathom the private and public pain that He endured so that we could be rescued from the snare of sin and kept eternally safe from the horrors of hell. Saying Thank you, Jesus doesn’t seem enough, but I don’t think the perfect expression of gratitude exits on this side of Heaven – however – we can give Him our hearts and all the love we know how to give, as we praise and worship Him, and seek to know and love Him, as we serve and love the people He lovingly laid His life down for. We can give our entire lives to Him with deep gratitude and yield to Him – our Living Hope – and trust that His perfect love is enough. Our omniscient Maker fully understands the depth of our private and public pain, and He promises “…that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.” (see Romans 8:28-29 CSB)
All praise, honour and glory to The Perfect One – Jesus Christ – our Redeemer.
PRAYER POEM: Love
Loving Lord Jesus ~ Your selfless sacrifice took away my sin, so that I may enter in and learn the ways of love from above.
May I more deeply Your love receive, and with joy and peace more deeply believe. For by You I am eternally loved and known and, because of You, Heaven is my forever home.
May my gratitude be shown in every word and deed, trusting You to meet every need, for Your wonderful ways and timing are perfect indeed.
