What More Could He Do to Prove His Love?

He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.          Isaiah 53: 3-6

Before I begin the new chapter of my life story; I really want to pause to consider once more what faith really is. That is what were going to be the major lessons that I would have to learn over the next 2 decades of my life? What does faith really look like? What is it? What better day to look at that than today, “Good Friday!” The most horrendous act of mob injustice ever and we call it “good.” The day when all  the sins of the world, the horrors of the concentration camps, the terrorist bombings, the death of innocent children, and every evil gossiping word that ever came from my own lips were bore by perfect righteousness. He was beaten for my sins. He was mocked, humiliated, and hung on a cross to pay the price of my sin. As He hung there with all the sins of mankind upon His shoulders, the most horrid of all things was when His Father’s joy, love and spirit turned away. The entire earth shook!! Darkness covered the world as the only true light of the world gave up His life to plunge into death alone, naked and covered with my shame, my guilt. We celebrate that as “Good” Friday.

jesus christ picture

artwork by permission of Ronald Barba

The Centurion Soldier which was in charge of Christ’s execution watched as all the events unfolded. He had heard Jesus say “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). This Soldier had witnessed the conversation among those upon the cross. He had watched Jesus tell John to care for Mary. Whatever agony was His own,

Continue reading “What More Could He Do to Prove His Love?”

POETRY SUNDAY—SEEKING GLORY NOT HIS OWN

jesus christ picture

Jesus never searched for human fame or honor.  He rejected every chance for human pride or human glory while He walked on this earth.  Instead, He continuously strove to bring all the Glory to His Father.  Even in His obedience to die upon the cross, He displayed His love and trust of the Father who would raise Him from the dead.  Because of His humility and lack of desire for His own Glory—He has been made most Glorious.  Humility brings Glory to those who do not seek it for themselves.

 

SEEKING GLORY NOT HIS OWN

By Effie Darlene Barba

He did not seek for Glory-His Own

He longed to make His Father Known

Rejecting Pride and the fame of men

He bore Himself my guilt, my sin

He took my shame upon that cross

He never counted His pain a loss

Surrendered to His Father’s Will

He allowed His blood to freely spill

And as His Blood poured forth that grave day

He bowed His head to softly pray

Pardon for this sinner’s prideful heart

That from His love I cannot depart

Humbly bowing to the Father’s will

Made Jesus shine more glorious still

So while seeking Glory not His own

He was lifted high upon His throne

His Father’s pride and joy set ablaze

That all of heaven should sing His praise

“Glorious” the angel chorus sings’

“Lifted High above all earthly kings

The humble lamb who then was slain

Forever more He shall now reign”

And as I gaze upon that glorious face

To marvel at His beauty and His Grace

How can I give Him less than all?

Before His throne to humbly fall

Love so strong that strips this prideful heart

Of all desires, bidding them depart

Only Jesus is my precious king

The treasure to whom I long to cling

My joy, my hope, my true love song

Abiding in Him where I belong

[bctt tweet=”Jesus Christ humbly submitted to His Father’s Will, rejecting self exaltation  or Glory”][bctt tweet=”Casting aside all human desire for acceptance or Glory, I must seek the honor &Glory of God”]

Revelation 5:11-13New International Version (NIV)

11 Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. 12 In a loud voice they were saying:

“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and praise!”

13 Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying:

“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be praise and honor and glory and power,
for ever and ever!”

New International Version (NIV)

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

The artist that drew the picture “A Broken and Contrite Heart” featured on my header and  who designed my logo is Ronald Barba.   Feel free to email me at Artedabarba@gmail.com or purchase his art at  http://fineartamerica.com/art/all/ronald+barba/all

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post.  I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.