Friday, February 23, 2007
John 19:23-24a When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining . . . "Let's not tear it," they said to one another. "Let's decide by lot who will get it."
PORTRAIT OF OUR SUFFERING SAVIOR (PAINTED BY NUMBERS): FOUR HEARTLESS SOLDIERS
Today we color the number four into our portrait (for the soldiers gambling under the cross). Our colors, more shades of gray and some red.
The Jewish dignitaries have manipulated Pilate into handing down the death sentence. Jesus is driven out to the crucifixion site. We behold Him hanging there, blood flowing from His wounds into pools on the ground. Huddled nearby are four soldiers, gambling for His tunic. They do this, not because they consider it a prize (who would want a dirty, blood-stained robe?) but because they want to heap more scorn on Jesus. We see in their actions another example of the natural corruption of the human heart.
But how different is the heart of Jesus! Even now He is filled with thoughts of love. He bears with patience the mockery and shame. He would bring to completion the work of redemption, of rescuing us from the dominion of darkness and bringing us into His kingdom of light.
One Sunday morning after returning from church a little boy asked his dad: "How does Jesus love us?" "Son," his father responded, "Jesus loves us with an unconditional love." The lad posed another question: "Daddy, what is unconditional love?" His father answered: "Do you remember those two boys who used to live next door and the cute puppy they got last Christmas?" "Yes." "Remember how they used to tease it and throw sticks at it?" "Yes." "Remember how the puppy would always greet them with a wagging tail and try to lick their faces?" "Yes." "Well, that puppy had unconditional love for those boys. They didn't deserve it because they were mean to him. But he loved them anyway. Jesus' love for you is like that. Men threw rocks at Him, hit Him with sticks, even killed Him. He loved them anyway."
May the Savior's love for you be your daily joy. May it inspire us to love Him more, serve Him better, and reflect His love in evident, tangible ways to those around us.
