Lord Jesus, As I Think Upon...

Every year, as Easter approaches, my thoughts turn towards the amazing sacrifice Jesus made upon the Cross for us. I also think about the words that He spoke whilst on the Cross. There was no bitterness, anger or hate, only love and forgiveness. I also think about how heavy the weight of my sin and shame must have been upon His shoulders, and tears come to my eyes when I think about the stripes upon His back and the thorns upon His head. He did not have to die - He chose to because of His great love for me and you. So, this Easter, I urge you, too, to think upon these things.

LORD JESUS, AS I THINK UPON...

Lord Jesus, as I think upon
What You did on the Cross for me,
I think about the words You said
While You were nailed to that tree.

They placed You there between two thieves,
As though You were a criminal too,
But You said "Father, please forgive them,
For they know not what they do."

One of the thieves then mocked You,
Saying "If you are the Christ save Yourself and us."
But the other thief rebuked him
"Do you not fear God to behave thus?"

"For we are being treated justly,
And are exactly where we belong,
But this man is totally innocent,
And has done nothing at all that is wrong."

Then he asked You not to forget Him,
In a humble and contrite way,
And You promised that he would be with You
In heaven that very day.

Then darkness fell upon the earth,
And You cried out once again.
"My God, why have You forsaken me?"
Was Your heartfelt cry of pain.

For Your Father turned His face from You,
For MY sin was too ugly to bear.
Yet You were willing to pay that price,
To release me from the tempter's snare.

Then, knowing all had been accomplished
According to Your Father's will,
You cried out "It is finished!"
And thus the Scriptures did fulfil.

Immediately the veil was torn in two;
The graves of the saints were opened wide;
And three days later You rose from Your tomb,
To reign forever at Your Father's side.

But You promised You'd return one day,
To take me home to be with You,
So I am watching and waiting patiently,
For I know Your Word is true.

Lord, I don't know how to thank You,
For Your sacrifice of love,
But maybe one day I'll be able to
When I join You up above.

Until then I'll sing Your praises,
And try to do Your will –
I'll try to spread Your words of hope,
And in others Your love instil.

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