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At the cross

Jer:22:8-9
Why did the Lord destroy such a great city? And the answer will be, because they violated their covenant with the Lord their God  by worshipping other gods. 

Punishment is imminent, if there is sin. That is the eternal law. For the wages of sin is death. And God being true, He cannot keep that aside. He is God who finds sin disgusting, who abhors rebellion. He cannot be changed. His wrath is instigated, out of grief. 

But His everlasting love never fails. His love endures forever. So even before you would repent, He has extended the hand of forgiveness. But not at the cost of the eternal law. He could have overwritten it. He could have erased it and rewritten another one. But received upon Himself the eternal punishment, because He so loved you and me. 

On the cross we see the conjunction of judgement, wrath, forgiveness, truthfulness, infallibility, inerrancy, abhorrence, grief, joy, hatred to sin and love for the sinner. In those eyes lie eternal life. 
We see God personified in Jesus Christ. The Son of God, the second identity of Trinity, standing helplessly to be killed by His own creation. The Almighty, Creator God, the Lion choosing to keep quiet as a sheep to be sheared and killed. Why? Out of His love. 

How do you respond? With tears of gratefulness? Or arrogance of selfishness? 

At the foot of the cross
Where grace and suffering meet
You have shown me Your love
Through the judgment You received
And You've won my heart - Don Moen


Image courtesy:  https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.manilatimes.net/2022/04/15/entertainment-lifestyle/show-times/what-it-means-to-stand-at-the-foot-of-the-cross/1840052/amp
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