My Jesus

First they accused Him. Then they insulted Him. I saw self-control and restraint at a level unimaginable. I cannot begin to imagine what it was like not to react but to respond in the way and manner that He did.
Then they began to whip Him and they really did. First with whips and then with whips that had iron hooks attached to it. There was blood and human flesh splattered everywhere and it was a terrible sight to behold. As if that wasn’t enough, they made Him carry a heavy cross to which He was going to be nailed. When He was too tired to move, they whipped Him some more. Friends it was gruesome. And all the while some laughed at Him and others mocked. Some spat in His face and yet He did not save Himself.
Then they put on His head a crown of thorns. The thorns pierced through His head. Then with very thick nails they nailed Him to a wooden cross. Then they turned the cross over and then up. Uuuuph the pain, the agony, the suffering of my Jesus.

Last week a new theatre opened in Lagos and the one of the premier movies that was showing on big screen at the new Silverbird Cinema was Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ. Folks I have read accounts in the Bible about Jesus’ last days but what my Jesus did for me on the cross of Calvary has never come so alive to me as it did last Sunday.

That same Jesus shed His blood for you. That same Jesus bore your guilt and shame. If you ever have the opportunity, please watch the movie.

Next time I feel pain in my body, my faith will arise for my healing when I remember the stripes He bore for me. When I go through difficulties or I face challenges, I know without a doubt that it shall pass because Jesus said, "it is finished" As you face the challenges of life, take your eyes off the problem and fix your eyes on Jesus. When you remember what He did for you, you would truly believe that their ain’t no mountain high enough.

God bless you.
May 2004