One of the best ways to view a diamond is to put it against a dark background and shine a bright light on it from the side. The contrast reveals the wonder of the stone in all its perfection. So too with the cross. The dark backdrop of the cost to Jesus, contrasted with the light of the blessings we enjoy, reveals the wonder and glory of the cross. May these Easter contrasts fill our hearts with gratitude and our mouths with praise.
He was stripped naked, that we might be clothed in his righteousness.
He became poor, that we might become rich.
He became unclean, that we might be cleansed.
He was forsaken by the Father, that we might be embraced by the Father.
He became sin, that we might be set free from sin.
He died, that we might live.
He emptied himself, that we might be filled with the fullness of God.
He became a man of sorrows, that we might overflow with joy.
He came down, that we might be raised up.
He was condemned, that we might be justified.
He became homeless, that we might come home.
He was born of a woman, that we might be born of God.
He was lifted up on the cross, that the devil might be brought down.
He became thirsty, that we might never thirst again.
He was plunged into darkness, that we might walk in the light.
He experienced hell, that we might go to heaven.
He suffered shame, that we might be honoured.
He paid the price, that we might have a free gift.
He gave up everything, that we might gain everything.
He became lost, that we might be found.
He had the Father against him, that the Father might be for us.
He drained the cup of wrath, that our cup of blessing might run over.
He was cursed, that we might be blessed.
He was wounded, that we might be healed.
He was broken, that we might be made whole.
He was led away, that we might be brought near.
He was cut off, that we might be grafted in.
He bore God’s anger, that we might bask in God’s love.
He wore a crown of thorns, that we might receive the crown of glory.
He was punished, that we might be pardoned.
He gave up his spirit, that we might receive the Spirit.
He was killed as a criminal, that we might reign as kings.
He fulfilled the law for us, that the law might be fulfilled in us.
He was sent by God, to save us from God.
Heavenly Father, the words ‘thank you’ are easy to say, but this thank you comes from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for Jesus. What a love, what a cost, that I can stand forgiven at the cross. Words could not tell, not even in part, the debt of love that is owed by this thankful heart. May I never lose the wonder of your mercy. In response I present my body to you as a living sacrifice. Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord, to thee. Amen.
Marcus Nodder is senior pastor of St Peter's Barge, a floating church in London's Canary Wharf which reaches out to workers in the financial district. He worked in banking before training for Christian ministry at Oak Hill College. He is married to Lina and has four children, and is the author of What happens when I die?