In Other Words: The Blood

“At the heart of the story stands the cross of Christ where evil did its worst and met its match.” ~ John Wenham

There are so many good things that have already been said of this quote this week, that I don't feel like I have too much to add. There are two things keep running through my mind. One is that evil is NO match for the glory and power of God. Though I am sure that was not Wenham's intent. :o) Two is I love how he mentions that "evil did its worst". A lot of times we look to our salvation and the events that brought it about as a wonderful thing - and don't get me wrong, it is wonderful indeed! - but we easily forget the agony that went along with it.

Iris mentioned The Passion of the Christ. I vividly remember the day after my lovely husband and I watched that movie, sitting in my chair, getting angry with God for having Jesus - the one and only perfect One EVER - take all of MY "crud" upon His perfect self. Imagine that! Being mad over the very thing that saved my soul. It just seemed so unfair. What He went through was brutal, and He deserved none of it, but I did and didn't get it. What I didn't deserve and yet was given anyway was Him taking it upon Himself. But that's what the grace of God is... what He gives to us even though we are unworthy and undeserving of even the smallest drop of it. It took me a little while to come to terms with that, and I'm glad that I went through those angry moments because I feel as though it has made me appreciate the gift a little more. I've always been one of those people that requires a swift knock to the head to "get it" sometimes when it comes to God's love and grace. Seeing it so vividly and having to come to terms with the horror of it and the fact that it was for me (and you) was a big knock.

I'll end now with a poem I wrote when I was around 14. Yes, it's quite old but the message still rings true and fits with this week's quote and the Passover season, so I thought I would share.

The Blood

As blood flowed down His thorn-crowned head
The people shouted, ''This Christ, He's dead!''
No one assumed, they could not understand
That this crimson blood would save the souls of man

They carried Him to the tomb, and there laid Him down
The blood still clinging to His bruised, scarred crown
As they sealed the grave, they could not conceive
That this blood held power to cleanse all who believe

The third day came, when He rose up again
The scars were still there, but no was blood on Him!
He gave up his life; shed His precious blood for all
Now our lives we must give Him in answer to His call

The power is so great, our minds cannot understand
The love God expressed for us when He revealed His plan
This power is still flowing, coming down like a flood
So will you believe in the Power of the Blood?

© Crystal M.H. 2007

Please visit Iris at Sting my Heart for more on this week's quote.