Jesus & Tea

Arms stretched out in reconciliation….

Things I see when I look at the cross: Jesus marred in blood and wounds because he loved too deeply. Because he was God with us; Immanuel was he, and nothing would stop him from accomplishing his purpose. Because turning water into wine at a wedding was not enough. Because making the leper whole was not enough. Causing the lame and paralyzed to walk was not enough. No. He had to go the whole mile.

Then, I close my eyes to see his mother Mary weeping at his feet, and realize that no one who has walked this earth would have known Jesus more intimately than Mary. Jesus, dare I ask that I would be able to walk intimately with you like Mary? Can I be impregnated with you in my spirit like Mary was impregnated with you in her womb? I want to know you and to suffer with you. Do you find me worthy?

Dear God, am I really worthy that you should die in my place on a cold and cruel cross? Naked and covered in my shame on that cross. Flogged and and adorned in a crown of thorns who went, carrying your own cross.

Many a time have I wept in solitude forgetting to invite you into the places of my heart that I am ashamed of. Naked you went to the cross and so naked I stand before you broken and unworthy, and asking for more intimacy.

I am asking you to know you , Jesus of Nazareth, born in a manger, to a humble Jewish Virgin. I am asking to know you Jesus who was raised in a Jewish family, who memorized the Prophets and the Torah, and sought only to be in His Father’s House. I am asking to know you Jesus who raised the dead to life; who turned water into wine at a wedding as a foreshadow of a the greater wine of your blood that would be ”poured out for many.” I want to know you Jesus.

Reflection:

The cross is the instrument through which sin and its power are cancelled. It is on the cross that Christ takes on the the sins of the WHOLE world, and with that the very wrath of God the Father. Close your eyes and walk with Christ to golgotha, and behold ”How deep the father’s love for us, how vast beyond all measure, that he should give his only son to make a wretch his treasure. How great the pain of searing loss, the Father turns His face away, as wounds which mar the chosen one, bring many sons to glory.”

Christ loves you so much.