Wondrous Love

The air is pleasant as I sit in the warm sunshine by a river basking in the love of Jesus Christ. I just completed reading the book of Leviticus. I cannot even tell you the number of times I have started reading through this book of the Bible and quit midway because of getting bogged down in the rituals, sacrifices, and cleansing. I would move on to another book thinking, "Really, what does this have to do with me?" This time I was determined to get through it and prayed that God would, "Open my eyes that I may behold wondrous things out of Your law." (Psalm 119:18)

As I have read through Leviticus this time, and yes, it can be confusing and difficult reading, I have been struck with the amount of work and faith it took the children of Israel to live a life that allowed God to abide in their presence.God is holy and just. He could not abide in their presence without the proper sacrifices and cleansings taking place to make atonement for the sins of His people. Therefore, the Israelites had to constantly abide by God's laws or face judgement and separation from Him.

As questions rolled through my mind-"How would my life be different if I was alive in that time period?" and  "How would I handle that lifestyle?"- My heart began to swell in thankfulness and praise to God for Jesus Christ. Jesus came to earth and lived that perfect lifestyle that none of us are capable of. He was spotless, perfect, and without blemish. He was the example of the lifestyle that God requires of each of us, yet we are unable to live because of sin. BUT GOD, in His awesome mercy and grace, and because of His amazing love for us, had a plan. He would allow His perfect Son without blemish to become that spotless Lamb that would be sacrificed for the sins of His people. He would become the ultimate sacrifice which would allow those who put their faith in Him to have a direct relationship with Him. There would no longer be a need for the constant shedding of blood to cover the sins of His people, and there would no longer be the veil that separated the people from God's presence. In fact, because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, His Spirit would indwell every believer giving them direct access to a relationship with their Savior. Jesus Christ died...shed His blood...endured great pain and agony to become the sacrifice for my sins and the rest of the world when we were incapable of anything good. Everyone now has the opportunity to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ when they put their faith in Him.

How full of thankfulness and praise our hearts should be! We no longer have to live a life full of laws and rituals. We have direct access to a RELATIONSHIP with Jesus Christ. And yes, He cares for each one of us and what is happening in our lives. He loves us enough to die for us, and He longs for a personal relationship with each one of us. For those of us who profess faith in Christ, our lives should spill forth hope to those around us. For those seeking faith or even unsure about Christianity, I want to encourage you that there is a God who loves you very deeply and who offers hope and peace for your soul.

May our hearts overflow with praise to God for His Son...

1 What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss
to bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul,
to bear the dreadful curse for my soul?

2 When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down,
when I was sinking down, sinking down;
when I was sinking down beneath God's righteous frown,
Christ laid aside his crown for my soul, for my soul,
Christ laid aside his crown for my soul.

3 To God and to the Lamb, I will sing, I will sing,
to God and to the Lamb, I will sing;
to God and to the Lamb who is the great I AM -
while millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing;
while millions join the theme, I will sing.

4 And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on,
and when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on;
and when from death I’m free, I’ll sing and joyful be,
and through eternity, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on,
and through eternity I’ll sing on.