The name speaks for itself - Rhapsodies and Anecdotes. This is the venue in which I share (often ecstatically) personal stories about what God teaches me as I dive into His Word each day. I hope you like what I post and that it challenges you as it does me.

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3.29.2013

Mourning

Sometimes I take a break from my "scheduled" reading of the Bible and just read the Psalm that goes with that particular day of the year. It's good for me because it makes me think differently and freshly about the Word. Today was one of those days. So, I read Psalm 88. The following is what I wrote in my journal after reading and meditating this morning.
The assigned title of this Psalm is "A Petition to be Saved from Death." I think this is appropriate, especially considering today is Good Friday.
I imagine Jesus' prayers in the garden last night, and perhaps phrases of this Psalm coming to mind, recalling that men of faith before Him also faced imminent death. Of course, His cup to drink is much deeper, much more bitter. It is the most immense, the most heavy burden possible to be born. And Jesus is the only man capable of bearing it. 
Jesus dies today. He bows His head. Breathes His last. Gives His life for the sake of man, for the sake of those who would believe, for you, for me.
The wrath of God the Psalmist fears is a wrath so all-encompassing that he ought to fear, yet so completely poured out on Jesus that it removes all fear. 
I am so very thankful that Jesus bore the wrath of God for my sake. How can I do anything but offer my own life in return?
We mourn today, as the disciples did.
But we mourn joyfully for, though today is Friday, Sunday is coming.
Praise Him whose life, death, and resurrection ensure that our death is turned to life when we rise with Him at His return!
I love God's Word. It is living and active. Sharper than a two-edged sword. It speaks to our lives and circumstances. Most importantly, it points us to the one true God and the only way of salvation: Jesus Christ.

As I am thinking and writing, this song keeps coming to mind. I hope it helps you to reflect upon all that Jesus did on your behalf and to worship, even as you mourn.


Remember Jesus today. Consider His sacrifice for you. Feel the weight of your sins on His shoulders.
"Surely our griefs He Himself bore, and our sorrows He carried;
Yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities;
The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, and by His scourging we are healed." Isaiah 53:4-5

That you might know Christ,

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