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Listen while you read: "O Sacred Head Sore Wounded"1 (Lyrics) |
John 18:25-27 – Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. They asked him, "You are not also one of his disciples, are you?" He denied it and said, "I am not." One of the slaves of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, "Did I not see you in the garden with him?" Again Peter denied it, and at that moment the cock crowed. (NRSV)
Winter hangs on wherever there are shady places with patches of snow. In spite of that, during Holy Week, I've been diligently tidying up the house by putting away winter decorations and pulling out spring ones in anticipation of Easter. As I place the crystal crucifix on the shelf, I'm reminded of Jesus' sacrifice. It's hard to get into a joyful frame of mind on Maundy Thursday with Good Friday looming.
Our Lord's agony in Gethsemane and His subsequent crucifixion cast a dark shadow on our hearts. Jesus' sacrifice of Himself to pay the price for my sinfulness strikes at my own selfish sensibilities, causing me to hang my head in shame, perhaps like Peter did when he denied Jesus, as his Lord was hauled away. However, when I look to the picture of Jesus that is hanging on my wall and see the love pouring from His eyes while His blood runs into them, I fall to my knees in repentance.
Despite my weak flesh, Jesus loves me so much that He forgives me. As the first childhood hymn that I learned declares, "Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so."
Little ones, and old ones like me, may go to Him whenever and however we are.
Jesus is calling us to come to Him, so let's go to Jesus now in prayer.
Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, how can we ever say thanks for the things that You have done for us — things so undeserved — yet You gave Your life to prove Your love for us. Forgive us yet again for our sinful choices, and enable us to forsake our fleshly desires to become living testimonies to Your mercy and grace. Amen.
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Amen.
Amen to your prayers. Easter blessings!
Thanks, Cass, for the encouraging words.
Thank you for a simple and touching message.
Amen Cass.
Easter Blessings.
Thank you, very beautiful devotion and prayer.
Blessings!
I should’ve known it was You, Cassie! Clear and beautiful, like a good old hymn! Thank you for a lovely devotional today.
HI Cass,
Once more your heartfelt devotional hits home, and I pray for a spirit like yours.
(Texas)
Dear Cass,
Your writing touches my heart. I am humbled before Christ. Blessings to your day and joyous Easter that Christ is Risen.
Thank you so much, Cassandra, for your inspiring, touching devotional.
I feel blessed by it!
Blessings,
(Canada)
Hi Cassandra,
Thanks for your devotional on Presbycan today.
Trust things are going well for you these days. May the Lord fill you with peace and joy this Easter!
A wonderful devotional! Keep them coming.
It is so heartwarming and humbling to dwell on this amazing sacrifice our Lord Jesus, who was without sin, made for us.
Blessings from a sister-in-Christ.
Hello Cassandra,
Thank you for your very mindful and meaningful words in today’s devotional. We are so fortunate for the love our Jesus has for us and ever thankful that He is willing to forgive our sins and keep us on the right path.
Blessings for your writing and for your Easter.
Dear Cassandra.
Thank you for the great reminder that Jesus Loves Us and that we can pray to have God help us not to sin and to be forgiven. We need to remember all that God has done for us so that we can have a relationship with him and feel his love. May Easter help us all to remember God’s gift and to sing his praises.
Good afternoon Cass,
A very good devotional today. We were just listening to a video, by a local Minister of the gospel, as to how Jesus pointed out that we should love each other, and you confirmed that Jesus loves us too, the Bible tells us so.
Christ is risen indeed.
Blessings.
How do we deny knowing Jesus? The other day I had a meltdown. For a few minutes I forgot Who was in charge and so, denied Him.
Good morning Cass
We do know that Jesus does love us, all of us. Thank you for writing. I wish you a Happy Easter, the Lord is risen indeed.
Blessings.