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TRUST JESUS TODAY

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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: TRIAL (05/10/18)
When things get tough, painfully heard, I sometimes cry out, “Why me Lord?” Almost immediately, I am humbled with “Why not?” as a convicting vision settles behind my eyes.


For three years Jesus taught him, loved him. Washing his stinky feet and breaking bread with him at their last meal together, He served him. Knowing what was coming, He continued to minister to him until the end.

In a beautiful garden, God outlined a salvation plan for fallen man. In a garden, His Son prays for physical fortitude and spiritual courage. Asking for this cup to pass from Him, Jesus poured out His heart to our Father, sweating blood. He added with a loving voice and strength of character for ‘Your will not mine.’

Betrayed by 30 pieces of silver and a kiss, arrest follows His time with our Father. His trial begins with witnesses for the prosecution giving false testimony. Religious leaders hearts abound with jealousy for His authoritative teachings pointed out their sin. His conviction of their actions in fleecing the people placed their position of power in jeopardy. When Jesus said they would see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of God, they cried out ‘blasphemy’ and tore their robes. Condemning Him with no power to execute any citizen of Jerusalem, they took Him to the governor.

The governor overturned the verdict declaring he found no fault with the man. "I will not have innocent blood on my hands." Stirred by the leaders, the crowd yelled, ‘we will take the responsibility – we and our children!' The governor pleaded with the accused to speak up for he had only one pardon to grant that day. Surprised at hearing nothing from the defendant and spurned on by the chanting crowd, he did what was necessary to avoid a riot. He released the murderous revolutionary Barabbas while ordering flogging for Jesus.

Bruised and battered, scorned as they tortured Him, Jesus took my beating. The barbaric cat-o-nine-tails ripped His flesh for the whipping I deserve. The crown of thorns bit into His skin as I stood in the mocking crowd. I held the nails when Jesus willingly laid on the cross. He looked at me as He made provisions for His widowed mother. Assuring me paradise awaits me, Jesus hung in excruciating pain. Unrecognizable as a man, bleeding from the brutal treatment I should receive, Jesus smiles at me with compassion in His eyes as He gives up His spirit.

Why Him? Why not me? Love in the first degree put Him on the cross for all mankind. I accept His gift and receive a life sentence – eternity with Jesus.


Thank You, Jesus, for wanting me in heaven with you. Thank You for bearing all the pain and punishment for my crimes. Thank You for understanding my complaining wicked heart and forgiving me for it. Thank You for issuing full pardon for my sins.

I ask for Your strength to infuse me to walk out this trial. I pray You consider me trustworthy as You did Your servant Job. I ask for courage to accept what is and what is to come with a joyful heart. I long to worship and honor You with praise on my lips, regardless of circumstances.

For Your glory, not mine, Your will be done. In the loving name of Jesus – Amen!
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Judy Ewald
05/18/18
Your account of what Jesus did for us is good.
I think sharing more of what you are or were going through would help us relate to how you came though knowing that Jesus went through the same or more for you and understands.
I am fairly new at this myself, and story telling is not easy for me.
Just a thought but it was well written
Linda Lawrence 
05/19/18
I agree with Judy. This is a worthwhile piece that just needs some help from you so the reader sees the personal connection between you and Jesus' executioners. It could use a bridge between the story of the crucifixion and your prayer. This is worth refining.
Christian Belyea
05/19/18
You did a great job! Your love for the LORD and your longing desire to please Him truly leak between every line, especially at the ending. Good usage of alliteration in places, too. Swell job!