April 08, 2025
by Pastor Chuck SwindollScriptures: Mark 15:24
Crucifixion ranks right up there on the short list of the most painful and torturous deaths ever devised. In the first century, the cross meant death . . . but not just any death. It meant the most hideous, anguished death imaginable.
Then the soldiers nailed him to the cross.
—Mark 15:24 (NLT)
Crucifixion ranks right up there on the short list of the most painful and torturous deaths ever devised. In the first century, the cross meant death . . . but not just any death. It meant the most hideous, anguished death imaginable.
Each time I return to Golgotha and relive the horror of His final suffering, I am more deeply thankful for my Savior’s willingness to suffer as He did in my place. I also realize how inadequate I am to express my profound gratitude.
What Thou, my Lord, hast suffered Was all for sinners’ gain; Mine, mine was the transgression, But Thine the deadly pain. Lo, here I fall, my Saviour! ’Tis I deserve Thy place; Look on me with Thy favor, Vouchsafe to me Thy grace. | What language shall I borrow To thank Thee, dearest friend, For this Thy dying sorrow, Thy pity without end? O make me Thine forever; And should I fainting be, Lord, let me never, never Outlive my love to Thee. —BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX, 12th century |
O Father, how exceedingly grateful I am for the Lord Jesus Christ. Although the scene occurred twenty centuries ago, it is as if I have just witnessed His death. How horrible it was! What anguish was His! The pain He bore on my behalf is more than I can even imagine. And it was my sin that caused it all “Mine, mine was the transgression, but Thine the deadly pain.” I pause to tell You how very much I love You and how grateful I am for the price the Savior paid on my behalf. All praise to You because grace abounds, forgiving my sins once for all. Because of Christ. Amen.