the side of Calvary

Romans 5:8  NLT

But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.

It was a day that is very hard to forget.  The town had been busy all week as family members come home to celebrate what God had done in the past.  There was more going on that most people knew.  It was sad, but it was so real.

After hearing about Jesus coming to town what else we heard was almost unthinkable.  Not only way he arrested, but he was going to be killed.  The difference from one weekend to the next was huge.  In the distance there was a commotion.  Unsettling to say the least but reality.

Jesus was nailed to a cross.  Onlookers were amazed.  Many were certainly pleased with what was going on, yet others were crying uncontrollably as their hearts were broken as Jesus was on the cross.

Hearing what Jesus said from the cross left people questioning and even amazed.  He shouted about forgiveness.  He spoke to God which seemed foreign to most people.  He had conversations with the people on the crosses to His sides.  One was arrogant and mean.  The other was broken and in need.  Jesus spoke courage even in the midst of death.

This act, this day broke history wide open.  This side of the cross, of Calvary, leaves all of us utterly change.  Our sin is dealt with.  Our pain is relieved.  Jesus did it all.

“Calvary”

by Hillsong (on the album “No Other Name”)

The Savior alone

Carried the cross

For all of my debts

He paid the cost

Salvation complete

Now forever I'm free

Calvary covers it all

Calvary covers it all

My sin and shame

Don't count anymore

All praise to the One

Who has ransomed my soul

Calvary covers it all

No power on earth

Not even the grave

Can separate us

From mercy and grace

He is faithful to save

Oh His blood never fails

Calvary covers it all

No one but Jesus

Can make us pure as snow

We stand in Your freedom

Calvary covers it all

Place in body part

Calvary covers it all.  What happened on Calvary covered my sin and the sins of all who come to know God.  No one else could make such a difference and deliver such freedom.

This side of Calvary leaves me shaken and grateful.  Calvary leaves me new and ready to share with others.  Calvary covers it all.

Galatians 6:14  NLT

As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world’s interest in me has also died.

I pray God will help us understand the sweet truth of what happened as Jesus died on the cross for us.  Calvary was a God moment where humans couldn’t kill the Son of God.  He may have physically died, but they could not contain Him. 

This side of Calvary allows us to experience God sized portions of mercy.  I am grateful for Calvary!