DAILY READING
REFLECTION
The Way of Suffering
by Diane Ward
Prologue:
I was assigned to write this scripture selection. I didn't want to write this one! I would have wanted to write about Mary Magdelene seeing the risen Jesus in the garden. Her agony had turned to ecstasy! I don't know much about mocking and I do know much about suffering as a nurse of many years. Like wounded soldiers nurses keep much of what they have seen to themselves. We must not turn away from Him, the suffering Saviour. We must see Him as He was that day hanging on a cross.
All four gospels and the book of Isaiah record the mocking and suffering of Jesus. (Isaiah 53:7-12) Something about Him burned my pride away and turned it all to love’s way. The writers of the following lyrics speak to my heart in a profound way that I cannot begin to write.
"Down the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem that day, the soldiers tried to clear the narrow street.
The crowd pressed in to see the man condemned to die on Calvary.
He was bleeding from a beating, there were stripes upon His back.
He wore a crown of thorns upon His head and bore with every step the scorn of those who cried out for His death.
Down the Via Dolorosa called the way of suffering like a lamb came the Messiah, Christ the King.
He chose to walk that road out of His love for you and me. Down the Via Dolorosa, all the way to Calvary." (Billy Luz Sprague and Niles Borop)
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How deep the Father’s love for us, how vast beyond all measure, that He should give His only Son to make a wretch His treasure.
How great the pain of searing loss—the Father turns His face away, As wounds which mar the Chosen One Bring many sons to glory.
Behold the man upon a cross, my sin upon His shoulders; Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice, call out among the scoffers.
It was my sin that held Him there until it was accomplished; His dying breath has brought me life—I know that it is finished.
I will not boast in anything, no gifts, no power, no wisdom; but I will boast in Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection.
Why should I gain from His reward, I cannot give an answer - but this I know with all my heart–His wounds have paid my ransom. (Stuart Townend)
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PRAYER
Dear Risen Lord, what a precious gift you have given us, your Son and by Him, our Salvation. May I ever remember the cost and never take it for granted. The price was steep and our salvation results. Thank you, Jesus! Amen.
