Author: astherainandsnow

“For this commandment that I command you today is not too hard for you, neither is it far off. It is not in heaven, that you should say, ‘Who will ascend to heaven for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’ Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will go over the sea for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’ But the word is very near you. It is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it.

“See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil. If you obey the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you today, by loving the Lord your God, by walking in his ways, and by keeping his commandments and his statutes and his rules, then you shall live and multiply, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to take possession of it. But if your heart turns away, and you will not hear, but are drawn away to worship other gods and serve them, I declare to you today, that you shall surely perish. You shall not live long in the land that you are going over the Jordan to enter and possess. I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days, that you may dwell in the land that the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.” Deuteronomy 30:11-20

I can’t. It’s too hard. That’s impossible. These may be reasons we whine regarding God’s precepts, but they are no excuse. Not only is God’s word available and full of encouragement, but God’s regenerating and enervating Spirit who dwells within gives desire and strength to follow. (Psalm 19:7-11; John 14:16-17)

Every day we set priorities and make choices. Our loves and our beliefs dictate both. If we want above all else to get ahead in life, to succeed materially, to be recognized or amass likes or get applauded, our energy will be spent in specific directions. We’ll set our course and run, disregarding anyone and anything that hinders our achieving those goals.

But if the Lord has instilled spiritual hunger for Him, His kingdom and word and righteousness, we will choose to seek first those things, and tailor our days to do so. We will deliberately set our minds on things above and take delight in His truth. We will commune with Him and bring every decision to prayer and under the scope of the Word. (Matthew 6:33; Colossians 3:1-2)

What excuses do we make that are really veiled admissions of spiritual apathy, sloth, or prurient desires? In what areas are we given to wayward affections that trump righteous desire, and what will we do to reverse that? How can we soak anew in the powerful and good word of God so our minds are renewed and appetites transformed? (Romans 12:1-2)

Oh Father, help me seize Your possible, determined to keep Your word and so bring You the honor You deserve.

“The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.” Deuteronomy 29:29

“The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him,
    and he makes known to them his covenant.” Psalm 25:14

“No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.” John 15:15

“It is written,

‘What no eye has seen, nor ear heard,
    nor the heart of man imagined,
what God has prepared for those who love him’—

these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God… ‘For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?’” “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.” 1 Corinthians 2:9-10,16a; 13:12

It seems in life that as soon as we figure out one situation, another arises that is shrouded in mystery. The tension of not knowing, and not sure we really want to know, keeps us in constant suspension. For man, we can chafe at the complication being unable to anticipate and organize and plan, but for God, this is His marvelous method of keeping us- who were made for eternity- in wonder at His ways, and of teaching us to trust. While we may be impatient, there is no question that God is not, but is marvelously unfolding our days and history as He intends and in His time. (Ecclesiastes 3:11)

God keeps secrets that will one day be revealed, and reveals to us all we need to know for today. His secrecy evokes our sense of His divine attributes and unsearchable ways, which strum our heart strings in awed praise for what we know is higher than our comprehension, but infinitely good. It also directs us to what is important for us to tend to now while He is tending to what is to come. He handles way more than we can imagine, and supplies for us to handle what is necessary. (Matthew 6:34; Romans 11:33)

We believe in and love Him now by faith, and one day will see Him face to face. We want answers now, and He says, ‘I know, and that is enough.’ Trusting Him at His word strengthens our faith and inspires us to know Him better, not just details and situations. All this is part of our ongoing sanctification. Our hope and trust in what is to come purifies our confidence in Him who holds that future. (1 Peter 1:8-9; 1 John 3:2-3)

Are we taking spiritual and practical advantage of all our Lord has revealed to us, relishing our communion with Him and obeying His spoken Word? How willing are we to leave the future and unknown to Him, believing He is preparing all things with perfection?

Lord, keep me delighting in all Your Spirit unfolds and makes clear. Continually whet my appetite for more of You. Help me live by what You have made known, and trust what You have yet to reveal.

“Now Moses and the elders of Israel commanded the people, saying, ‘Keep the whole commandment that I command you today.  And on the day you cross over the Jordan to the land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall set up large stones and plaster them with plaster. And you shall write on them all the words of this law, when you cross over to enter the land that the Lord your God is giving you, a land flowing with milk and honey, as the Lord, the God of your fathers, has promised you. And when you have crossed over the Jordan, you shall set up these stones, concerning which I command you today, on Mount Ebal, and you shall plaster them with plaster. And there you shall build an altar to the Lord your God, an altar of stones. You shall wield no iron tool on them;  you shall build an altar to the Lord your God of uncut stones. And you shall offer burnt offerings on it to the Lord your God,  and you shall sacrifice peace offerings and shall eat there, and you shall rejoice before the Lord your God. And you shall write on the stones all the words of this law very plainly.’” Deuteronomy 27:1-8

Much is made by God for the preeminence of an altar. On the day you cross over– this must be your established priority, your constant reminder, your identity, your goad to surrender, obey, and rejoice. Your altar shall hold and portray My word, your altar shall be for Me, your altar is our place of communion.

Today, we erect many altars and neglect the Lord in most, if not all. We arrive at days and places that flow with figurative milk and honey, and erect monuments to ourselves. We make choices that enhance our image, collect objects and experiences that boost our public personae. We relish (and flaunt) all the blessings from God and behave as though they flowed from our efforts and expertise.

But God calls us to a deeper way of living. He commands us to put Him first in a fixed and permanent way. When all our efforts, work, dreams, and plans are offered to Him, He brings blessings of peace and provision. When we take delight in the worship of Him, He bestows rejoicing and gladness on all that concerns us. When His word is our guide and light and hope, we have strength and wisdom for today and hope for tomorrow.

What is it exactly that I worship? To whom or what do I offer myself, and surrender my passion and affections? What do I prize? What is my aim, my standard, and my banner? What needs to change and be yielded for my primary altar to stand erect for the Lord of all?

“Spirit of God, who dwells within my heart,
wean it from sin, through all its pulses move.
Stoop to my weakness, mighty as you are,
and make me love you as I ought to love.

Teach me to love you as your angels love,
one holy passion filling all my frame:
the fullness of the heaven-descended Dove;
my heart an altar, and your love the flame.” ~George Croly (1780-1860)

Oh Lord, keep my walk steadfast and blameless. May I daily put You first, seek and honor You at the altar of my whole heart. (Psalm 119:1-5)

“Your hands have made and fashioned me;
    give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.
Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice,
    because I have hoped in your word.
I know, O Lord, that your rules are righteous,
    and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
Let your steadfast love comfort me
    according to your promise to your servant.
Let your mercy come to me, that I may live;
    for your law is my delight.
Let the insolent be put to shame,
    because they have wronged me with falsehood;
    as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.
Let those who fear you turn to me,
    that they may know your testimonies.
May my heart be blameless in your statutes,
    that I may not be put to shame!

My soul longs for your salvation;
    I hope in your word…

Forever, O Lord, your word
    is firmly fixed in the heavens.
 Your faithfulness endures to all generations;
    you have established the earth, and it stands fast.
By your appointment they stand this day,
    for all things are your servants.
If your law had not been my delight,
    I would have perished in my affliction.
I will never forget your precepts,
    for by them you have given me life.
I am yours; save me.” Psalm 119:73-81,89-94a

Pray I will cling. This request came from a beloved suffering friend, a cry of a soul desire in the midst of unthinkable affliction. Ah, clinging… holding on to the high and holy One we know and love, and gripping what is true. Grasping His promises, holding fast to hope, drawing strength from His presence. Of course, clinging is taking hold of the lifeline offered us, the way to calm and peace in the most tortuous and unlikely places.

In every trial, would we turn our trust from all that is transient and take refuge in Him, our home? Would we humble ourselves to be revived there? Would we cling, unswervingly, with every ounce of faith and strength, to our Lord and His sure and steadfast hope? Would we hold so tightly we hear His breath and feel His heartbeat, and there take comfort that He has us? (Isaiah 57:13,15; Hebrews 10:23)

When we are buffeted by cruelties of the present and uncertainties of the future, He is our sure Rock and unshakable foundation. When all is aswirl in emotion and events, threatening the stability of relationships, economies, and health, God our King is in full control. What need we release to take hold of Him?

“Jesus, I am resting, resting
in the joy of what thou art;
I am finding out the greatness
of thy loving heart.
Thou hast bid me gaze upon thee,
as thy beauty fills my soul,
for by thy transforming power,
thou hast made me whole.

Simply trusting thee, Lord Jesus,
I behold thee as thou art,
and thy love, so pure, so changeless,
satisfies my heart;
satisfies its deepest longings,
meets, supplies its ev’ry need,
compasseth me round with blessings:
thine is love indeed.

Ever lift thy face upon me
as I work and wait for thee;
resting ‘neath thy smile, Lord Jesus,
earth’s dark shadows flee.
Brightness of my Father’s glory,
sunshine of my Father’s face,
keep me ever trusting, resting,
fill me with thy grace.” ~Jean Sophia Pigott (1876)

Lord, fix my hope in You as Your word is fixed in heaven, stable and sure.

“Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things;
    and give me life in your ways.” Psalm 119:37

“When you sit down to eat with a ruler,
    observe carefully what is before you,
and put a knife to your throat
    if you are given to appetite.
Do not desire his delicacies,
    for they are deceptive food.
Do not toil to acquire wealth;
    be discerning enough to desist.
When your eyes light on it, it is gone,
    for suddenly it sprouts wings,
    flying like an eagle toward heaven.” Proverbs 23:1-5

“Come, everyone who thirsts,
    come to the waters;
and he who has no money,
    come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
    without money and without price.
Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,
    and your labor for that which does not satisfy?
Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good,
    and delight yourselves in rich food.
Incline your ear, and come to me;
    hear, that your soul may live.” Isaiah 55:1-3a

“Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you… I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” John 6:27,35

We were made to eat, food being the fuel for our bodies to subsist and thrive. There are also material goods vital to meeting basic needs and functions for a healthy, productive life. But the Lord gives clear caution against upending these priorities out of balance, and elevating the status of important things to ultimate things.

One distinction is who we seek as the Source- self, or Jehovah Jireh. We can puff ourselves into self-dependence and indispensability, yet He is the One who provides for our every need (and want). We must guard against thinking it is only in our power and grit to amass things, and beware taking credit for favors and success we’ve received. When we take charge, we are subject to pride and self-importance, diminishing our high view of God and reducing Him to a Dispenser of blessing on our efforts. Is this our temptation and tendency? Would we transform our thinking by dwelling on what is true of Him? (Genesis 22:8,14; Deuteronomy 8:10-19; Philippians 4:19; James 1:17)

Another distinction is the value we place on material goods and earthly treasures. Have they become ends, and thus idols, in themselves? What is our drive and goal? Have we allowed our enjoyment of food to morph into gluttony, opened the love spigot on money, or erected heart shrines to performance, accolades, education? Where have we unbridled our affections to run wild and wayward or inordinate? What’s occurred in our souls that we seek the gifts over the Giver? (1 Corinthians 6:13; 1 Timothy 6:10)

Seeking the Lord Jesus first satisfies in itself, and keeps all else in right perspective and place. Would we exchange the worthless things of this earth for the worthwhile that never passes away? (Matthew 6:19-21,24-33)

Good Father, purify my every appetite. Help me always be a steward of Your goodness and graces, serving You with joyfulness and gladness of heart because of Your abundance. (Deuteronomy 28:47)

“The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; the desert shall rejoice and blossom like the crocus; it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God. Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who have an anxious heart, ‘Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.’ Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy. For waters break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; in the haunt of jackals, where they lie down, the grass shall become reeds and rushes. And a highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Way of Holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it. It shall belong to those who walk on the way; even if they are fools, they shall not go astray. No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there. And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” Isaiah‬ ‭35:1-10‬

We long, we pine, we wait. We cry out, How long? When? Ever? We ache for loved ones who yearn and ask the same. But the promises of God are certain ‘shalls’ that bestow hope and rejoicing today, even when we do not know about tomorrow. The pronouncement of gladness, and glory, and the majesty of the Lord, lifts the heart even now in the wilderness of circumstance, disease, brokenness, and fear. Do we glimpse the color it drops, and feel the cool water it offers?

If sorrow and sighing shall flee one day, let’s tell them ‘Be gone!’ today! When we put our trust in the One who holds the present and the future, we can reckon gladness in our dry land now, and blossoming in our desert, and bring this cheer to others. A heart that grasps the immensity of God’s gracious promises is one that has the capacity for compassion toward those who have not heard.

What labor, what burdens, weaken the hands? Where have wrong paths made feeble the knees? What sister or brother needs someone alongside to guide and support? Do we answer the anxious heart with hand-wringing, fretting, and pessimism, or with prayer, thanksgiving, and promises? How can we meet blindness with holy vision, and speak truth to the deaf? How can we help usher in rejoicing and renewal? Whose hand can we grasp and lead to Zion? (Philippians 4:5-6)

Lord, break through spiritual lethargy and apathy to bring blossoming delight in You and concern for others. Keep me on the Way of holiness that I may share Your gladness all my days.

“In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim… One called to another and said:

‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;
the whole earth is full of his glory!’

And I said: ‘Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips..; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!’” Isaiah 6:1-3,5-6

“Esther [said], ‘All the king’s servants and the people… know that if [anyone] goes to the king inside the inner court without being called, there is but one law—to be put to death, except the one to whom the king holds out the golden scepter…

“Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king’s palace, in front of the king’s quarters, while the king was sitting on his royal throne inside the throne room… And when [he] saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she won favor in his sight, and he held out the golden scepter… Then Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter. The king said to her, ‘What is your request?'” Esther 4:10-11; 5:1-3

“I appeal to you.., by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that… you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:1-2

“Let us with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16

When we see our Lord, high and lifted up, regal and resplendent, we are undone. A proper fear of God keeps us trembling, tentative, hushed and waiting for His welcome. Our merciful High Priest holds out His gleaming scepter of grace, and we approach with confidence. We bow, honor, and offer our whole body. We seek and find help in time of need.

Our Lord bids us come for palpable comfort, sweet communion, fresh understanding, secret and personal confidences. He tucks us at His feet by His throne where He is seated, victorious, reigning in perfect authority. He listens to all we need, and imparts His wisdom and blessing.

How often do I begin my day without seeking the golden scepter? Do I whisk by the royal court to go about my plans and duties, taking no thought for the Lord of my moments and hours? What could change in my outlook, my demeanor, my insights and reactions with others, were I to take time with my King in His throne room? What new strength, patience, willingness to overlook offenses, or graciousness, might I find there? What burdens do I continually lug around and allow to impede spiritual and relational growth, when I could leave them at His feet? What parts of my body have I been unwilling to sacrifice, what crevices of my mind have I kept back from renewal in the light of the word?

Oh Lord, may I come reverently to Your throne room and seek your raised scepter every day. I offer myself and my praise so you can have Your way with me.

“Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness,
    you who seek the Lord:
look to the rock from which you were hewn…
Look to Abraham your father..;
for he was but one when I called him,
    that I might bless him and multiply him.
For the Lord comforts Zion;
    he comforts all her waste places
and makes her wilderness like Eden,
    her desert like the garden of the Lord;
joy and gladness will be found in her,
    thanksgiving and the voice of song.

“Give attention to me, my people,
    and give ear…
The coastlands hope for me,
    and for my arm they wait.
Lift up your eyes to the heavens,
    and look at the earth beneath;
for the heavens vanish like smoke,
    the earth will wear out like a garment…
but my salvation will be forever…

“Listen to me,..
fear not the reproach of man,
    nor be dismayed at their revilings…

“The ransomed of the Lord shall return
    and come to Zion with singing;
everlasting joy shall be upon their heads;
    they shall obtain gladness and joy,
    and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

“I am he who comforts you;
    who are you that you are afraid of… man who is made like grass,
and have forgotten the Lord, your Maker,
    who stretched out the heavens
    and laid the foundations of the earth,
and you fear continually all the day
    because of the wrath of the oppressor,
when he sets himself to destroy?..
I am the Lord your God,
    who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar—
    the Lord of hosts is his name.
I have… covered you in the shadow of my hand,..
saying.., ‘You are my people.’” Isaiah 51:1-3,4a,5b-7,11-13,15-16

Do you hear the call? Listen to me. Give attention. Give ear. Lift up your eyes. Listen. Though we pursue righteousness and seek the Lord in daily life, we encounter waste places of regret and missed opportunities, wildernesses of vision, hope, and passion. We cannot do over or forget what we wish we could. Our efforts at productivity get choked in droughts of energy, clouds of depression. Our desire is earnest, but fear of failure or retribution takes over, remorse lingers, anticipated sorrow looms. Take heart! Our loving Lord speaks directly into our deserts of soul and experience, and promises comfort, joy, and gladness!

Look to Abraham! His situation with Sarah was humanly impossible, yet Almighty God fulfilled His pledge. Take hold of God’s great deeds of the past and know He will do them again. Nothing is too hard, or wonderful, for Him to perform! (Genesis 12:1-3; 18:10-14; 21:1-7)

And look to the heavens and earth! All God made points to His creative power, the splendor of life, the contrast between transient and everlasting. We were made for eternity, and the arid, sonorous dirge here will be transformed into exalted, melodious song! (Ecclesiastes 3:11; 1 Corinthians 15:42-45)

Where are our senses engaged? How will we attune and align them to the unseen but audible presence of our Lord? What waste places will we offer to Him, so we can welcome His very real comfort?

Father, help me live this life for the next, buoyed by Your promise of ultimate renewal. Help me never to lose heart in what is presently wasting away, but be inspired by the glory that is to come when you make all things new. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18; Revelation 21:1-5)

“Thus says the Lord,
he who created you..:
‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
    I have called you by name, you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
    and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
    and the flame shall not consume you.
For I am the Lord your God,
    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…
Because you are precious in my eyes,
    and honored, and I love you,
I give… peoples in exchange for your life.
Fear not, for I am with you;
    I will bring your offspring from the east,
    and from the west I will gather you.
I will say to the north, Give up,
    and to the south, Do not withhold;
bring my sons from afar
    and my daughters from the end of the earth,
everyone who is called by my name,
    whom I created for my glory,
    whom I formed and made…’

‘You are my witnesses,’ declares the Lord,
    ‘and my servant whom I have chosen,
that you may know and believe me
    and understand that I am he.
Before me no god was formed,
    nor shall there be any after me.
I, I am the Lord,
    and besides me there is no savior.
I declared and saved..,
    and I am God.
Henceforth I am he;
    there is none who can deliver from my hand;
    I work, and who can turn it back?..’

‘I am the Lord, your Holy One,
    the Creator.., your King.'” Isaiah 43:1-7,10-13,15

Surrounded by carved cliffs and arches and canyons, every vista was lofty, grand, broad, other-worldly, sublime. Up on a ledge nestled two bird friends, sheltered from the wind, taking in the infinite view, its majesty ordinary in their avian world. Safe and secure, they lingered long moments, seemingly without care at the Lord’s heavenly altar. Our God, mighty and transcendent, is very personal. None cares like He, unique and holy, Creator King, Savior, Redeemer, and perfect lover. (Psalm 84:3; Matthew 6:26)

Understanding how God loves helps us to comprehend who we are and why we are here. He fashioned and made us individually. He called us by name to be His children who are treasured, honored, and divinely loved. He instilled in us purpose, to glorify Him and be His witnesses, and saved us from destruction. He redeemed us. He seeks us out, and rescues us and those we love who are also His.

This unchanging God still redeems every flood and flame that would otherwise consume and destroy. He is alongside as we walk through troubles, sanctifying our distress and refining us in the fire of suffering and sorrow. Because of who He is, we can navigate our days in confidence and security. We are safe because He reigns on His unshakeable throne.

Are we enduring a trial? He has it. Is our identity confused? He knows our name. Do we feel unloved and unlovable? We are precious in His eyes and safe in His arms. (Deuteronomy 33:27; John 10:28-29)

“Fear not, I am with you; O be not dismayed,
for I am your God, and will still give you aid.
I’ll strengthen you, help you, and cause you to stand,
upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.” ~ George Keith (1787)

So be it, Lord!

“Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven,
    whose sin is covered.
Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity,
    and in whose spirit there is no deceit…

I acknowledged my sin to you,
    and I did not cover my iniquity;
I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,’
    and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.” Psalm 32:1-2,5

“As far as the east is from the west,
    so far does he remove our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:12

“In love you have delivered my life
    from the pit of destruction,
for you have cast all my sins
    behind your back.” Isaiah 38:17

“Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.
Speak tenderly… and cry to her
that her warfare is ended,
    that her iniquity is pardoned.” Isaiah 40:1-2

“I have blotted out your transgressions like a cloud
    and your sins like mist.” Isaiah 44:22

“I, I am he
    who blots out your transgressions for my own sake,
    and I will not remember your sins.” Isaiah 49:25

“He will again have compassion on us;
    he will tread our iniquities underfoot.
You will cast all our sins
    into the depths of the sea.” Micah 7:19

There is a truth staked out at the beginning of the Bible that we are sinners, and a resounding message through the scriptures that our sin is forgiven. “The Lord God clothed them.” “The Lord has put away your sin.” “There is now no condemnation.” Marvelous gifts of grace, with vital qualifiers: “I ate.” “I have sinned against the Lord.” “For those who are in Christ.” Yes, forgiveness is freely applied to us, guilty culprits all, and our sin is gone forever, but only because of Jesus who carried it away. Full ransom has been paid, perfect justice has been duly served, at the cross. (Genesis 3:12-13,21; 2 Samuel 12:13; Romans 8:1)

None can atone, but Christ alone.

“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21

Our days should be tinged with an ever-present rejoicing that we bear our sin no more, but this is no thoughtless melody. Grace so free to us is costly to the Bestower. The fact that we have been forgiven is not merely a trite verbal message; the pronouncement was written in blood, the blood of our perfect Savior in agony for our sake. Sin with its gore and fallout and penalty has been removed from us, but it went on Jesus Christ. Let us sing the recurring theme that Jesus paid it all.

“Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.” ~ Elvina M. Hall (1865)

If we are Christians, do we value what Christ has done for us? What do our actions and words reveal about our spiritual standing in Christ- flippancy, or deep reverence and gratitude?

“My sin oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
my sin, not in part, but the whole,
is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more;
praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!” ~Horatio Gates Spafford (1873)

Lord Jesus, may I ever sing of Your marvelous grace, Your unending love, Your exquisite forgiveness, so many join the chorus.