When
we go through a trial, we tend to ask ourselves, “Does God really love
me? How come I don’t seem to see it?” When that happens, it is time to
bring in the cross, for God’s love for you is displayed forever at the
cross.
God gave up His Son to
suffer and die on the cross for you. Jesus was pierced in seven places
for you — in His head by the crown of thorns, His two hands and feet by
the nails, and His side and heart by the spear of a Roman soldier.
Jesus wore the crown of thorns on His head so that you can have a sound
mind free from fears, guilt, depression, anxieties and stress.
When Jesus first showed His nail-pierced hands to His disciples, He
said to them, “Peace be with you.” (John 20:19–20) He wanted them to
know that peace is found in His finished work, typified by His pierced
hands. The more you see His finished work which has bought complete
forgiveness of all your sins, the more your conscience will be at peace
and rest.
Jesus’ feet brought Him
to places where there was lack, diseases, rejection, condemnation and
even death. And those feet were nail-pierced so that you do not need to
be in such places yourself. He has rescued you from having to accept and
suffer these things in life.
Blood and water flowed out of Jesus’ side when it was pierced. (John
19:34) Medical science will tell you that that means His heart had
ruptured. Jesus died literally of a broken heart so that your heart can
be filled with joy.
And just as
Eve came forth from Adam’s side when he was sleeping, the bride of
Christ, the church, came forth from Jesus’ pierced side and death. If He
died to have you as His spotless bride, He lives today to care for you.
Beloved, the only man-made things in heaven today are those scars on
His body. They will remain forever as tokens of His everlasting love and
passion for you. So if God did not spare His Son, but delivered Him up
for you, how will He not with Him also freely give you all things!
