Wikipedia tells us: Crucifixion is a method of capital punishment in which the condemned is tied or nailed to a large wooden cross, beam or stake and left to hang until eventual death. It was used as a punishment by the Persians, Carthaginians, and Romans, among others. Many of us are fully aware of the horrific death our Lord suffered as He was crucified. Prior to the actual nailing of Him to the cross, he was beaten, whipped, spit on, forced to have a crown of thorns shoved into his head and tormented by many. There are movies that recreate the horrific picture of this cruel punishment and subsequent death. I find some of them too disturbing to watch.

We are all human and all sinners.  Each and every one of us sins. Can you even fathom the suffering of Christ? The agony of gasping for air to breathe, as His body was being pulled by gravity, tugging at the nails. His lungs were slowly being stretched down as He could no longer pull himself up to breathe. His unbelievable death was for each and every sin you have and or will commit. What? Yes, Jesus gave His life for me and every sin I have/will commit.

Fill your heart with His unconditional love for you. Expand your lungs, breathing in LIFE. Raise your hands to heaven and shout HALLELUJAH! You’re are a child of the most high God, who sacrificed His Son for you. What a gift! Conjure up the horrific picture of His crucifixion and then feel the joy from His sacrifice. It was for YOU! You are His! It is ok to smile.  It is ok to shout. It is ok to breathe in the breath of God. Allow your senses to experience the joy His love will bring you. Your sins are forgiven. Woohoo…hallelujah! Thank you, God, for the gift of your Son. Help me to know Him!

Jill