HE STAYED ON THE CROSS

“Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst.”

John 19:18 KJV

Al Harking wrote the inspiring hymn “He Didn’t Come Down” about Jesus staying on the cross.  Many times we get discouraged and feel like giving up.  Think where you and I would be if Jesus hadn’t stayed on the cross and paid the penalty for our sins.  We would be on our way to hell.

Thank God for the compassionate and unconditional love of Jesus for us that kept Him on the cross.  John W. Peterson wrote the beautiful cantata “No Greater Love”.  Indeed there is no greater love than the love that Jesus has for you and for me.  O how Jesus loves you!

Even Jesus grew weary and got discouraged when He was here on His mission.  If Jesus could keep going when He was ridiculed, rejected and cursed, you and I should also keep going even in the midst of criticisms, sarcasm, hatred and heartache.  Jesus understands how we feel and He loves us.

We read in Mark 8:34 that we are to deny ourselves and take up our cross and follow Jesus.  Mary Brown wrote the beautiful hymn “I’ll Go Where You Want Me to Go”.  When we sing the words are we singing them from our heart?  Do we really mean we will go where Jesus wants us to go?

Are you willing to stay on the cross of criticism, ridicule and hatred for Jesus?  He stayed on the cross for you and endured pain and agony that you and I will never know.  What a Saviour!

Joanne Lowe

November 15, 2016