How Deep the Father's Love

two thousand years ago, the ultimate love story took place on earth. but unlike the usual love story, there was no sparkle, no glitter, no fancy ball gowns with prince charming... this love story was beyond any human expectation. it was cruel and twisted, brutal and gory, but on that day, redemption had come in all its glory, and with it humanity was given something it had never received before:

hope.

how deep the Father's love for us, how vast beyond all measure that He should give His only son to make a wretch His treasure. how great the pain of searing loss. the Father turns His face away. as wounds which mar the chosen one bring many sons to glory. 

behold the man upon a cross my sin upon His shoulder. ashamed, I hear my mocking voice call out among the scoffers. it was my sin that held Him there until it was accomplished. His dying breath has brought me life, I know that it is finished.  

I will not boast in anything, no gifts, no power, no wisdom, but I will boast in Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection. why should I gain from His reward? I cannot give an answer. but this I know with all my heart, His wounds have paid my ransom. Why should I gain from His reward? I cannot give an answer. but this I know with all my heart, His wounds have paid my ransom.

"But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed." --Isaiah 53:5 

indeed, Love had arrived in all its splendor.