Sunday Words of Encouragment April 4, 2010

HAPPY RESURRECTION DAY!

We had a powerful service today with wonderful Choir songs and a brief but meaningful sermon.
Pastor noted that the Greek word for "finished" is the word a servant would use to say to his master " I have completed the task you assigned me; it is good and ready for inspection."  When Jesus said on the cross "It is finished" He was saying to His father that He had completed the assigned task.  He did it voluntarily - He gave His life; no one took it from Him.  He did it for us.

I spent several hours yesterday looking for the song I wanted for Easter -
I found this song that I had never heard but it presents the meaning of Easter for me!

Words and Music by Stuart Townend

How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
(REPEAT)

Verses for today:
John 10: 17-18

“The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again.

No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.

I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again.

This command I received from my Father.”

I thank you and praise you Lord for your sacrifice.