THE CROWN OF THORNS

1. 
   
2. 
3. 
   
4. 'BEHOLD THE MAN!'
5. 'THE KING OF THE JEWS!'

In the Gospels, we read about the trial and crucifying of Jesus - and I can't help but wonder how many words have been written through the ages, for reading and for singing, on the suffering 

endured by our Saviour.  'When I survey the wondrous cross' is a good example:

1. 
   
2. When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of glory died,
3. My richest gain I count but loss, and pour contempt on all my pride.
4. Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast, save in the death of Christ my Lord.
   All the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them to His blood.
5. See from His head, His hands, His feet, sorrow and love flow mingled down!
   Did e’er such love and sorrow meet, or thorns compose so rich a crown?
6. Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were an offering far too small;
   Love so amazing, so divine,  demands my soul, my life, my all.

We have an Acacia tree in our garden, and I have on several occasions cut branches to make a crown of thorns to place on the cross for Easter services.  To do this, you have to wear heavy duty gloves to prevent injury from the thorns - but think of it.....the crown of thorns placed on the head of Jesus was probably pressed into His forehead.......as referred to in the third verse of the hymn above. He died with a crown of thorns on His head, but He will return wearing many golden crowns......the sign of ultimate authority of the King of kings.

'HE CAME TO HIS OWN, AND HIS OWN DID NOT RECEIVE HIM, BUT AS MANY AS RECEIVED HIM, TO THEM HE GAVE THE RIGHT TO BECOME CHILDREN OF GOD, TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE IN HIS NAME....' John 1:11-12.

THE SENSITIVITY OF JESUS

I just love the sensitivity of Jesus! 

In John chapter 8 we read how the scribes and Pharisees brought before Jesus as He was teaching in the temple, the woman caught 'in the very act of adultery.' But instead of reacting how they were hoping He would, He took the opportunity to convict them of their own sin, and as a result, each and every one slunk away with their tails between their legs! I love the comment 'starting with the oldest!'

What of the woman? How embarrassed she must have been, but Jesus was mindful of this, and kept His eyes averted, only addressing her once the accusers had left, and absolving her of her sins.  

When one thinks of all the players in this incident, and the wisdom dealt out to them by Jesus, one can only marvel.  In James 3:17 we read:
'The wisdom that is from above is first pure, 
then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, 
full of mercy and good fruits, without 
partiality and without hypocrisy.'

How we need this kind of wisdom in this day and age.  
GOOD NEWS: 
James 1:5 advises us that it is available to us:
'If any of you lacks wisdom let him ask of God, 
who gives to all liberally, and without reproach, 
and it will be given to him.'

THE HEART OF A KING

I haven't posted to this blog for a few weeks now, spending more energy on the 365 day blog challenge I'm doing on finefeatheredfriends365!  However, I haven't completely forgotten this one, and here are a few thoughts I've been attacked with....

John ch.2 tells us that Jesus knew what was in man (vs.25).... And this ties in well with the choosing of David as the future king of Israel. You remember the story of Samuel the prophet being directed by God to go and anoint a son of Jesse, and poor little David wasn't even lined up along with his brothers, wasn't even considered to be eligible by his family.  But God had already chosen him, and he was sent for and anointed with oil.

In 1 Samuel 16:7 we find these dynamic words:
"Do not look at his appearance or his physical stature, (referring to Eliab, probably
the eldest son of Jesse) because I have refused him.  For the Lord does not see as 
man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart."

No one knows what goes on in the heart of man except the Lord, and nothing is
hidden from His sight.   But He has made provision for our human failings through
the shed blood of Jesus, and once we commit our lives to Him, we can begin walking 
in the light and our lives are cleansed from sin, our minds being renewed in God's word.

We may not have been chosen to be king of Israel, like David, but as believers we are chosen
to serve the Lord in newness of life.