Hung In Love

"It wasn't the nails that kept Jesus there.  It was love."

Oh boy.

I experience a tension reading the Good Friday story, maybe you guys and gals can relate.  On one hand, I have overwhelming (read: can't comprehend) gratitude for the gracious provision of Jesus' work on the cross.  On the other, I hear Him telling me that when He says "pick up your cross and follow Me", that He is calling me into moments just like this.

So after reading that line at the top, I'm left with this challenge.  He could have just peaced out!  His execution was completely unjust, and He was completely powerful to stop it/avoid it/destroy everyone who tried to destroy him.  But it was love that kept him there.

Fast forward 2000 years.  My interpersonal relational challenges are not all-together unjust, and I am not completely powerful to change/stop what is happening.  Yet how quickly I try to manipulate and control, or completely leave the situation, rather than be crucified on behalf of those people.

Christ's love, through me, will keep me there.  In the hurting.  In the brokenness.  In the abuse.

"He hung in love just to draw you near" -Mat Kearney

Try to picture that, Jesus passionately in love with you every moment He hung on that cross!

Wow, this blog post just took me on a wild ride with Christ.  Thanks team!

-Mike