My Savior, My God is one of my favorite worship songs by Aaron Shust. The lead in to the chorus is:
That he would leave his place on high
And come for sinful man to die
You called it strange so once did I
Before I knew my Savior
To be honest, I still count it strange. I still am filled with wonder that the all-powerful creator of the universe would love me. Even more, that He would exchange the glory of being constantly worshiped in heaven for trudging down here for thirty some years as a flesh-and-blood human being. And if that was not enough, He loved me so much that He allowed His own creation to torture and murder Him.
Yes, He allowed. He could have stopped it all with one word. Remember, He is the same one who SPOKE all creation into existence (John 1:3). And don't forget when He was arrested in the garden. Jesus asks the soldiers who they are seeking. They reply "Jesus of Nazareth." All He says is "I AM he". I emphasize this (I AM) only because John's gospel does. I AM is the name that God gives himself in the Old Testament to Moses, and John never wants us to lose sight of who this man, Jesus, really is. The soldiers' response, by the way, is to draw back and fall to the ground (John 18:6). In other words, they were literally tripping over themselves to get away from one that they recognized was more powerful than they were.
And Jesus loved me so much that He chose to experience this in my place. The Father's wrath was poured down on Jesus for me. Imperfect me. I have sinned plenty. Not just the "oops, I can't believe I did that (again)" stuff. I mean the "I want what I want and I don't care what it costs me" stuff. Actually, it cost Him, not me. My life was stained blood red with that kind of sin, and more than deserved the wrath of God. And yet, like the song, Jesus came for sinful man to die.
I still count it strange. It silences me. It fills me with tears at times - tears of humility, tears of regret at times, but also tears of joy. I am filled with joy because, although I am still amazed, I now need never doubt the depth of His love. I need never fear that He will walk away from me. No one would ever go through that kind suffering, only to walk away when I fail; especially since He knew all the failings of my life even before He paid for them.
Now, here's the catch (isn't there always a catch). He asks me to take up my cross and follow Him. It's not really a catch though. If He asks me to follow, it must mean that He has already gone before me to make a way. He also promises to walk with me and give me the strength to do all that He asks me to do (Philippians 4:13). And when I fall short of what He asks, He does not give up on me (Philippians 1:6) or walk away. Instead, He promises :
"The moment they saw him they worshiped him. Some, though, held back, not sure about worship, about risking themselves totally. Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: “God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:17-20 The Message)
This happens when Jesus appears to His disciples right before He returns to heaven. Notice it says "Some, though, held back, not sure about worship, about risking themselves totally." He commissioned all who stood there and promised to be with them always. He understands my struggles and even my doubts. That is precisely the reason for the promise. I am not going on my own and He won't ditch me when I screw up. He is with me till the wheels fall off.
THAT is why I still wonder in amazement, but also with joy. THAT is the kind of God I want to follow. Don't you?
To view My Savior, My God (Aaron Shust) video, just click.
Scriptures mentioned:
John 1:3 "All things were created through Him, and apart from Him not one thing was created that has been created. " (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
John 18:6 "When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground." (English Standard Version)
Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (King James 2000 Bible)
Philippians 1:6 "For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." (New American Standard Bible )
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