I woke up today thankful that it was Good Friday. A day where we remember the ultimate representation of self-giving love. I’m thankful because without the sacrifice of Jesus, I know that I’m not worthy to talk to God or come into His presence. I don’t know how many times I’ve broken the ten commandments or any other of God’s laws and yet, I get to walk around carrying the presence of God with me. If we still had to do things the way of the Old Testament and bring sacrifices and atonement for each time we broke the Law, I daresay none of us could stand.
But today, I can talk to God, sing to Him, and hear from Him through the bible and the Holy Spirit. All because of Jesus, our Gentle Saviour.
Isaiah 53:7 (ESV) says, “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth”.
Not only did Jesus did not speak up to defend Himself from the false accusations, He went as far as to pray for His oppressors; the people who were inflicting agonising pain on Him. “And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34; ESV).
I know that I couldn’t have been so gracious and yet many times in scripture, we are called to follow Jesus’ example.
2 Timothy 2:24-25 (ESV), “And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth,…”.
Ephesians 5:1 (ESV) “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God”.
Children copy everything from the adults around them – whether good or bad, they soak it all up and it shows in their behaviour. We are to do the same where Christ is concerned. After all, it is because of God’s great gentleness that we ourselves are still standing and not consumed. Even weighed down by the sins and griefs of the world that was killing Him and feeling forsaken by the Father, Jesus demonstrated gentleness on the cross and showed salvation to the criminal that repented. Even then, in the throes of agonising pain the likes of which I cannot possibly imagine.
Jesus’ servant heart was displayed throughout His earthly ministry culminating in His death on the cross when He purchased unmatchable rest for our souls. For this I’m eternally grateful.
Matthew 11:29 (ESV)
“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls”.
This post was originally written for Five Minute Friday but may also be linked up at these places.
(Image credit: Wesley Tingey from Unsplash)
oh yes, Wemi! His gentleness is what holds us always. He is so faithful. Thank you for your words of reminder on this Good Friday. Shared to twitter, may others be encouraged too.
Amen! Thanks for sharing Mariel 🙂
Jesus, our gentle Savior.
“It is because of God’s great gentleness that we ourselves are still standing and not consumed.” Amen! So grateful for His great gentleness upon my life. May you and yours have a blessed Easter!
Amen and same to you Joanne!
Your words convict me that I need to be gentle not just when I’m feeling good. It’s easy to exude gentleness when everything is going my way–not so easy when I’m in pain, frustrated, or weary.
Yes, I’ve also been reminded to be gentle even when I don’t feel like it.
Wemi, what a beautiful reflection on Good Friday, “But today, I can talk to God, sing to Him, and hear from Him through the bible and the Holy Spirit. All because of Jesus, our Gentle Saviour.” This thought is such a blessing, thank you!
Thank you Donna and Happy Easter!
Wemi, I appreciate these beautiful and reflective thoughts on this Good Friday. This is a profound thought, “It is because of God’s great gentleness that we ourselves are still standing and not consumed.
Yeah, I know I gotta
emulate our servant God,
but there’s not a lotta
stuff to bring, ’cause I’m so flawed
by silly pride and vain conceit,
by highfalutin’ attitude.
I don’t want to wash the feet
of the worthiest of the good,
but this is precisely
what I have to do;
Jesus asked me nicely,
but I’m telling you
I fear the next request He’ll toss
at me is death on my own cross.
Wemi, this is beautiful. thank you for this blessed reminder. So beautifully spoken. Blessings.
Who is a saviour is none other than the the God and He is obviously the master🙏. Wonderful creation of yours deserves every applause really appreciating 👍