Before and After

 

jcFB box-2 copy

 

My early morning was spent in Isaiah 53, reflecting on the Messiah’s sacrifice for me. A shower of emotions swirled around my spirit, drenching me in their meaning. These were hard words.

Crushed, wounded, pierced, despised, chastisement, oppressed, afflicted, sorrow, grief, cut off, judgment… slaughter.

These are also precious words… these are the words of redemption.

“…because he poured out his soul to death…”

Before Christ my heart was under judgment and faced a death sentence. I was condemned and my soul despised by an enemy opposed to my salvation. My life bore the oppression of chastisement and judgment. My sorrow, my grief, cut me off from hope. I was continually pierced by the reminders of my failures and my sin. Everything in me was slaughtered by it.

“…and was numbered with t he transgressors; yet he bore
the sins of many…”

After Christ, those words change. Condemnation has no hold on me and judgment fails in its attempt to convict. Hope has been handed back to me as a precious balm to heal the wounds of regret. The killing fields of sin have been plowed under by the redemptive force of love. Everything Jesus carried on that day of sorrow, he carried not only for me, but also away from me.

And He did the same for you…

Blessings, Jay

Comments

floyd said…
Well said. I can hear the passion in your words; words that honor our Savior and bring His spirit forth. Happy Easter, brother.
Jay Cookingham said…
Thanks Roberta...Happy Easter!
Jay Cookingham said…
Thanks Bro', praying you have a blessed Easter!
jasonS said…
The sacrifice, the goodness of God, the costly gift--it makes me stand in awe and worship. My struggle will never equal His and He gives me strength throughout every one of them. Thanks Jay.
TCAvey said…
I love that Christ carried our judgement away from us....we don't have to carry it any longer.

The price He paid is beyond my understanding. How beautiful and liberating it is to be known by Christ.

"judgment fails in its attempt to convict" Now that's something to rejoice about!
Great post.
Jay Cookingham said…
How liberating indeed! Thanks TC!
Jay Cookingham said…
Standing in awe of a Savior who gave everything is a daily posture I want bro'. Thanks Jason!

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