Ahem... well hello. It's been suggested that I write a new blog post, and seeing as it's been a while, I'll do just that.
I tie-dyed an apron today with kool-aid and vinegar. Still waiting to see the final result, it could be interesting. Anyway, I didn't use gloves, even though I knew my hands would be stained. Dumb. Sure enough, my right hand currently looks like a cross between a Cheeto and a really sunburnt hand. It was worth it though. My hand is like a battle scar from a war that I really believed needed to be fought. This war was just between my and my apron I suppose, but the metaphor rings true. What things in your life are worth fighting for? What would you be willing to dye your hands red for, metaphorically speaking? Would you put up with burnt arms to spend a day at the park with your little brother? Would you sacrifice your facebook time, TV time, and x-box time for your track team? Would you die for your friends?
Wait, did I say die?...
Yep. Pretty sure I did. "Greater love has no man than this- that he lay down his life for his friends." Do you love your friends so much that you would lay down your life for them? To be completely honest, I don't know if I could ever do that. Especially if I don't think they'd do it for me... seriously. I used to have a legitimate fear that I would be in a situation where I COULD take a bullet for someone, and I would have to choose. I don't worry about that so much these days, cuz if God brings me to it, I know he'll bring me through it. ;) Nevertheless, it's yet another opportunity to measure how much Jesus loves you and me.
I'm not going to outline the gory details of crucifixion to you now (besides, I think there's a pesky chain email that does it quite well...) but I'm sure you have an idea of how long and painful it was. But here's an interesting fact about the death of our Lord that I never really noticed- Jesus wasn't murdered. In John 19, verse 30, we are told, "When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit." He gave up his spirit willingly. It was because of our sins that he was on that cross, but he didn't have to die. For goodness sake, who are we to think we could possibly kill the Son of God (The God of the Angel Armies) anyway? No, we didn't kill Jesus, he truly was given a choice, and he chose to give up his spirit for our salvation. What an amazing gift. And because of his love, he desires for us to be willing to do the same (except not the same at all) for him- give up our lives. Wouldn't you want your friends to love you as much as you love them? It's not necessary for us to physically die in order to give up our lives though. Show Jesus how much you love him by giving everything you have, everything you are to him. He doesn't promise it'll be easy, but suffering on the cross wasn't easy either. It's your turn. Pick up your cross and follow him.
p.s. Jesus would catch a grenade for ya ;)
