Contributing Writer: Susan Sampson

The most beautiful words jumped off the page of my bible the other day. They stared me right in the face and brought tears to my eyes as Jesus showed me just a small glimpse of what He has done for me.

I have read Psalm 103 more than once, but on this particular day, my Lord showed me verse four. In it He says, he “crowns you with love and compassion.” Such beauty and amazing grace in just a few words. I was immediately reminded of Easter.

Jesus, you wore the twisted crown of thorns that we deserve and instead you crown us with love and compassion! You accepted and wore the robe of mockery and shame and instead you have “clothed me with the garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness” (Isaiah 61:10). You allowed your enemies to mercilessly pound six inch nails into your hands and feet and now our names are engraved on the palm of your hand (Isaiah 49:16) and written in the Lamb’s book of life (Revelation 21:27). You who knew NO sin BECAME SIN for us (2 Corinthians 5:21) and removed our sins as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12).

Lord, I confess my unbelief and ask for your mercy to help me believe these truths. Establish these truths in our hearts Lord. Thank you Jesus for demonstrating your love for me on the cross, dying for me when I was still a sinner. Thank you that you did not come to call the righteous, but sinners (Matthew 9:13). I praise you Lord Jesus, my brother, my friend, my life. Help me to remember your Gospel every day and to live in humble gratitude. In your life giving name I ask these requests. Amen.