GIVE HIM PRAISE

“After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.  Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth. When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.”

John 19:28-30

King James Version

Marvin P. Dalton wrote the greatest hymn that I believe has ever been written “Oh What A Savior”.  “Once I was straying in sin's dark valley No hope within could I see They searched through Heaven And found a Savior To save a poor lost soul like me.   O what a Savior, O hallelujah His heart was broken on Calvary His hands were nail scarred His side was riven He gave His life-blood for even me.”

Every time I sing this inspiring hymn, I am awed that the Saviour of the world loves me so much that He died for me.  When I hear someone singing it, I stand up and raise my hands to Jesus while the tears roll down my face.  Think about it!  Our precious Saviour had never done anything wrong yet He allowed them to beat Him beyond recognition, spit on Him, curse Him and mock Him and pound nails into His precious hands when He died for our sins on the cross.

I believe with all my heart that every time they pounded a nail into His hands that He felt that pain in His heart.  Yes, our precious Saviour was beaten and humiliated for you and for me and died for our sins on the cross and endured a pain and agony that you and I will never know but I believe that He died of a broken heart.  All He had ever done was love people and they crucified Him.  If you have ever had somebody who you thought was your friend say cruel words about you, then you have just a fingernail’s grasp of the pain, humiliation and suffering that Jesus endured because of your sins and my sins.

Would you please join me in praising the “KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS”. “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9-11).

Heavenly Father, thank You for Jesus.  Precious Saviour, thank You for dying for my sins on the cross.  One day I will have the privilege of seeing You face to face.  What a happy and joyous day that will be.  I love You, dear Jesus.  Heavenly Father, I pray for all who are lonely, discouraged, brokenhearted and going through dark valleys, please comfort and encourage them as You have done for me so many times.  Thank You.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe

October 29, 2019