Amazing Love

You were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious bloodof Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot, 

The above words are part of Peter’s admonishment in 1 Peter 1. He is exhorting them—and encouraging them—to live holy lives. This is important for reasons that should be obvious to them and to us. This is possible only because of what God has done for he world through Jesus Christ.

This past Sunday we continued the series on love. Being Easter Sunday, we focused on the greatest act of love in history: the sacrifice of the Suffering Servant, Jesus of Nazareth, the “Christof God,” as Peter had proclaimed Jesus to be in the gospels. As Jesus himself had said not too long before going to the cross, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).

There is a great and powerful hymn,  And Can it Be That I Should Gain” (also known as“ Amazing Love”—there are many versions), written almost 300 years ago by Charles Wesley (#371 in our book). The song tells of the absolute amazement that we are struck with when we try and grasp God’s love for us through the sacrifice of Jesus. It notes with astonishment the act, and admits that we do not deserve “an interest in the Savior’s blood.” Yet the chorus tells it all,  “Amazing love! How can it be that thou, my God, shouldst die for me?”

Amazing love indeed.  As the people of God, we enjoy the blessings and joy of this amazing love. And we celebrate it. It is good to be here.

–Rick

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