For His Glory

Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, "We are going up to Jerusalem and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. He will be handed over to the Gentiles. They will mock him, insult him, spit on him, flog him and kill him. On the third day he will rise again. (Luke 18:31-33)

I sit here speechless. What words could possibly describe the raw emotions my heart feels? I have just seen the movie "The Passion of The Christ" depicting the final twelve hours of my Holy Savior's life on this earth. I will never forget what my eyes have seen, for it will forever be engraved on my heart.

All that I can do right now is pray. I feel like falling flat on my face, prostrate.

"Forgive me, Lord Jesus", I weep. "I am responsible for Your pain and suffering. You were beaten for my sins and You were mocked for my transgressions. I feel wretched and so unworthy! Forgive me Lord, for like Peter, I too have denied You. I have sat quietly by, not professing my faith and love for You as You deserve. And like the other chosen disciples, I too have turned my back and doubted Your words. My heart is broken, Lord. I am so sorry! Forgive me. I long to be in Your arms, Father. You are everything to me. I love you so much!"

How could I ever doubt Your love for me, Messiah? Your holy, perfect, sacrificial, gracious love was passionately poured out of You and over me."

I cannot stop picturing His blood-streaked face with the one perfectly piercing eye looking right through me. In the broken body, I see beauty. He loves me enough to die for me.

Unbelievable.

As I picture my Lord hanging there on that cross, I feel Him speaking to my heart. I see Him slowly lifting His thorn-pierced head. Looking into my eyes, He says.

Do not weep for Me. I passionately love you, child. I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. My blood is pouring out as the final, perfect sacrifice for you, so that you may have eternal lfe. The grave WILL NOT hold Me down. I will conquer death so that you may have life everlasting. I have chosen you, beloved, to tell everyone you know this Good News.

Honor Me with your lfe. The blessings I bestow upon you are given so that you may share them with others. Love these others with the passion I give you, because then all men will know that you are My disciple. Love Me, child, with all of your heart, soul, strength, and mind.

I adore you, beloved I will never leave you nor forsake you. Nothing can separate you. from My love. I will be with you always, to the end of the age. I love you passionately."

I prayed that I would be forever changed from seeing this movie. I prayed that I would see the face of Jesus each time I sing praises to His name. I will live my life worshipping Him and bringing glory to His name every chance I get. After all, this blessed life that He has given me is the only gift I know to give honor to my Glorious King!

     Alison