“It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.”
John 13:1 NIV
Liv read to us some insight from Brennan Manning about the suffering of Jesus on the cross. The agony no man has ever dreamed, bloodied, despised, disfigured....could it be that the crucifixion was beautiful?
Externally - He was naked and nailed, blood streaming everywhere - it had to be a horrible sight. Brutal and inhuman.
But there is more to His death on the cross. There is the interior beauty of His soul infused with obedience to God the Father. His soul was so full of love for you and for me that it was the most beautiful act of love from a human soul. Ever.
Consider that thing you thought would destroy you, but it didn't. Therefore as ugly as it was, it's beautiful because you have been stretched and transformed and you are stronger for it. Yes, maybe you have a limp or a scar, but it is there to remind you that His grace is enough and that He works all things for your good. Consider the beauty on the cross. PAUSE.
So, don't lose heart .... stand tall and brave! Move on and embrace the beauty in the ugly.
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