Shielded

 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy, he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,  and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you,  who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1:3-5

On Good Friday I watched the movie, The Passion. For years I have chosen to view this movie during Holy Week to be reminded of how much Jesus went through to save me. I loved the compassion He showed to His mother and their relationship with each other. I longed to be present as He taught the multitudes that gathered on the hillside. I imagined being at the table as He gave his disciples communion for the first time and I greatly desired to hear His voice and see Him face to face.

I also wept as He endured the punishment for my sins. I wanted to cry out, “Stop hitting Him,” as the continual beatings and whippings took place. I often shielded my eyes while watching the horrific scourging that drew His blood and jears from the crowd.

As I thought about the scenes the following day a touching reality became clear to me. I shielded my eyes from the cruelty, the mocking, the pain, but He shielded me. He paid the penalty I deserved. By His stripes I was set free. He spent every last breath to make sure that we would be able to return to our Father in Heaven and while on earth, have a relationship with Him. That’s how much He loves us.

Because of Jesus, I can say with all my heart, “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.” Psalm 28:7

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for your unfailing love. Thank you for taking my punishment and for redeeming my life. You are my strength and my shield. You Lord, are my everything. Help me to live for you. In Jesus’ name, amen.