taking. He knew that before it was over they would hate and capture
and torture and spit upon him. He knew that ultimately they would
nail him to a cross.
So why would he have let it happen? Why would he have allowed
his perfect Son to come into a world where his death was (to God at
least) a certainty? Why would he have set his heart on that irrational,
recklessly passionate path known as Calvary?
Think about it. What other way could we see so clearly the value
that God placed on us? He so desperately desired that we walk with
him in a love relationship that he paid the ultimate price.
When we catch sight of the amazing sacrificial love that Christ
demonstrated on the cross for us, our lives are forever changed.
Charles Wesley wrote of this life-changing revelation in his own life
in his famous hymn, “And Can It Be?”
And can it be that I should gain
An interest in the Savior’s blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain?
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! how can it be
That thou my Lord shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! how can it be
That thou my Lord shouldst die for me?
(From the Hymnal for Worship and Celebration,Waco, Texas: Word
Music, p. 203.)
Jesus did not just happen along on this planet by chance. He
came for a reason. I am the reason, and so are you. He arrived to
knock at the door of our hearts and take his place in our lives. He
186 CLAIRECLONINGER