Looking Unto the Cross..... A devotional for day 7 of LENT Wednesday, March 15

The Compassion And Love Of Christ In Mark 1:41 we read that in healing a man suffering with Leprosy, Jesus was "moved with compassion." In I Corinthians 2:2, Paul the Apostle states that his ministry was focused on Christ's crucifixion. To Paul, the crucifixion was an experience of the compassion of Jesus. When he was eleven, my son Nigel had his kidneys removed. After the operation, things did not go well. We were told he wasn't responding properly and they had grave concerns. Tests were planned for the next day. We then had to wait those agonizing twenty-four hours. As we had younger children, I had to leave Christine at the hospital, to collect the youngsters from school and other family duties. Driving home, the dam broke and I began to weep. It was one of those moments of great clarity of thought and emotion. I told the Lord that I would rather suffer -- that I would rather die -- that I would prefer to take my son's suffering on myself. I told the Lord that I didn't want suffering, I didn't want to die, but given the choice I would prefer it rather than see Nigel suffer. Then it really came home to me -- Jesus really didn't want to suffer or die, but His love and compassion for me, and others, was so great that, having the choice, He chose to suffer and die in my place. Since that day, the cross has not been just a theological centerpiece for my beliefs, but the place where I was loved by the one who suffered and died to save me. Nigel survived, and today is a healthy 19-year-old, having received a successful transplant that same year. Now, when I look to the Cross, I appreciate far more the love that Jesus has for me and for you! Ian Gentles London, England Dear Lord Jesus, as we look unto the cross, we see Your great compassion and love. It truly hurt You to hang there and die for us. You didn't need to be crucified, but You chose to. Your love for us is so great that You willingly took our guilt, our sorrow and our shame upon yourself. You died there to save us, and for this we will be eternally thankful. Help us to live lives that are worthy of Your great love. Help us to be everything You want us to be. Help us never to fail You. Let your great love shine through us, that others may see, and live. Amen. Suggested Daily Scripture Reading [Psalm 119:49-72] [Gen. 37:25-36] [ I Cor. 2:1-13] [Mark 1:29-45] Visit: 1999 Advent/Christmas Series Epiphany Series You may send e-mail comments or suggestions toYvonne Edwards. Edited: Mar. 6, 6:40 p.m. Page designed by: Cecil Wallace Prayer by: Ian Gentles The background set is provided by For His Glory Copyright © 2000 NazNet All rights reserved. International copyright secured.