Looking Unto the Cross..... A devotional for day 14 of LENT Thursday, March 23

Together they climbed the mountain, father and son. The son burdened under the weight of the sacrificial wood, the father's heart heavy with the thoughts of the sacrifice to be offered. After they had reached the place, the father arranged the wood for the sacrifice. He then bound his loving and obedient son, and placed him on the altar. The moment of truth for father and son. Could he offer up his only son? He lifted the knife............. The son, the child of promise, held out his hands to be bound. He offered no resistance to his father's plan. The knife was raised over his head............. A voice calls out "Do not lay a hand on the boy" (Gen 22;1-18) "To obey is better than sacrifice" (1Sam :22) Generations later another "Son of Promise" carried wood on His back to another place of sacrifice. Unlike the boy of the past, this man understood His true destination and purpose. His legs were weak under the weight of the burden He carried as he stumbled and rose again. Finally He reached that place of sacrifice. He, like the boy so long before, willingly stretched out His arms. The sound of the hammer driving the nails into flesh rang out, pain ripped through His body. My rebellion and disobedience were the nails that secured Him to that cross. It was His obedience and love that allowed it. As the cross was raised, the full weight of my sin was now on His back. His heart was feeling the rejection and separation from His Father that I deserved. He cried out not to save Himself, but to save me.... "Father forgive them..." (Luke 23; 34). Then, "It is finished" (John 19:30). And it was.... Obedience and Sacrifice were one. "I desire Mercy, not sacrifice" (Hos. 6:6). Mercy triumphs over Justice! Teresa Riordan Buffalo, NY USA Prayer: Who am I, Lord that you should be mindful of me, a sinner? As I walk the steps with you to Calvary this Lenten Season, help me to look at my life with new eyes. Show me the areas of my life that continue to be nails driven into your hands and feet. Help me Father to make a decision to submit to Your will and to be obedient to Your words and call. Amen Suggested Daily Scripture Reading [Psalms 70, 71] [Gen. 42:29-38] [I Cor. 6:12-30] [Mark 4:21-34] Visit: 1999 Advent/Christmas Series Epiphany Series You may send e-mail comments or suggestions toYvonne Edwards. Edited: Mar. 22, 10:15 p.m. Page designed by: Cecil Wallace Prayer by: Teresa Riordan The background set is provided by Marvel Creations Cross button courtesy of The Christian Graphics Gallery Copyright © 2000 NazNet All rights reserved. International copyright secured.