I have found it to be edifying to my soul, uplifting to my affections, and comforting to my identity as a son of God the Father to meditate upon, and journal about, what God is teaching me in his word. These practices have helped me to delight in, enjoy, and be content with him and where he has me in his world. I have found it to be especially helpful to concern myself with the subjects of God’s love and providence. These two subjects have given me stability and comfort. His providence has helped me to recognize his control, sovereignty, and work in all things. His love has helped me to see his care, compassion, and gentleness towards me.
At the same time, I know it is a rare thing to find contentment and joy in the Lord, and in where he has you on a weekly basis. For this reason, I want to share with you what the Lord is teaching me about his providence and love (I hope to be able to do this about once every week). I know that my words are not God’s words, and that only his word can satisfy you. But I want these meditations to serve as a means of understanding, and enjoyment of, God’s providence and love for you in his word. I pray that God would use these observations and reflections to help you grow in your love for him and to be comforted in where he has you.
“‘When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all people to myself.’...He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die” - John 12:32-33
As Jesus is being pinned to a cross and being lifted above the crowds, his love and mercy are calling out to sinners throughout the world. As Jesus is being rejected, scorned, and put to death, he is calling out to those who treat him in such a manner, that he accepts them. As he is being despised and denied by humanity, he is drawing many to him.
The cross, which would be a gruesome and bloody sight, is transformed into an effectual magnet–pulling souls to him by a strange and wondrous attraction.The torture instrument is turned into the deepest and most passionate of love letters, inked with the blood of Jesus, saying, “I’m calling my elect home”.
Jesus does not treat us as we treated him. We tortured him, he loves us. We sin against him, he is faithful to us. We live for ourselves, he died for us.
Oh how the cross draws. And it draws with love, love incomprehensible, inexplicable, and inexpressible. Love bleeding out with cries of, “I will draw all people to myself”.
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