Tell my
people, "When I hung on the cross, I took all your sin upon me. I became
your
sin so that you would be blameless. My hands, feet and side were pierced
for
you. The agony I endured being separated from my beloved Father was for
you.
When I called out. "It is done!” my work was accomplished for all time.
You do not
have to hide in shame. I bore the shame for you.
I know you have found it difficult to accept my grace because you have
not yet
fully grasped the limitless extent of my sacrifice for you. I took the
utter
horror of your sin to myself the day I bled for you. My blood reached
across
the centuries and covered you with my righteousness the day you
believed. You
did not choose me. I chose you. I know your sin. It was revealed to me
all that
long time ago. It was enough to turn my Father’s face from me in
disgust. My
spirit screamed out in agony at that dreadful moment. Do you think I
endured
that for everyone else but you? Your name was even then written on my
heart,
child. My heart reached out to call you to my bosom. Darkness came upon
the
earth because my Father could not bear to look upon me …… and then the
veil was
torn for you. I did not sacrifice myself out of duty but from pure and
perfect
love. Would I abandon my own flesh and blood? You are my child – flesh
of my
flesh and blood of my blood.
When I was on earth, I endured all that you have had to - and much more.
I
suffered all that you have - and much more. I was tempted as you were -
and
much more. I wept as you have - and much more………… I had to become a man
like
you. If I had not done so, you would never have been able to know me. I
am your
God.
The Spirit of power that raised me from the dead is the same Spirit I
have
given to you. It is my Spirit - living in you. It is I who work in you
to
present you spotless before my beloved Father. He sent me to call you.
He sent
me to die for you. I cannot force you to love me. That is not true love.
I
cannot force you to be obedient. That is not true obedience. Hear my
voice – I
HAVE ALWAYS LOVED YOU. I WILL LOVE YOU FOR ALL ETERNITY. Here I am,
waiting for
you to love me.”
