Time For God: Day 10

Focus: Psalm 124:7
Our soul has escaped as a bird from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped.
 
Reflect:
She turned the stunned bird over on its back. It lay softly in her hand. In fear, its rapid heartbeat strongly drummed against her gentle palm. Carefully, she placed a clean cloth over its head. In that warm, dark place of safety the nervous bird slowly became completely calm. My wife has gained a little practice at rescuing birds.

Earlier, this pretty bird had dangled awkwardly, caught in a curtain’s netting. Its claw held firm in the mesh despite its panicked flapping. At a giddy angle, it tried to right itself. Faster wing-beats hastened its full exhaustion. At last, it ceased. Arriving home, we saw it hanging there, starkly silhouetted against the window’s crossbeam.

Coaxing a timid bird back to strength creates a close traumatic bond. We felt deeply connected to the suffering we witnessed. With a sense of joy we released it, flying strong and free. Here, clear hints of Good Friday ring true for a follower of Jesus.

Birds do not thrive in captivity. Nor do Christ’s forgiven followers. He sees how fear entraps you, and hears your pain. Love calls out to captive sinners held fast in dark despair. Sin’s penalty is death; its outcome certain… until the Lord of Life break in.

Faith glories in God’s grace; His free gift is life abundant. In worshipping the Lord, faith’s journey begins. For you, new life in Christ starts with the rugged cross: the snare is broken, and we have escaped. Love sets you free to serve Him all your days.

The cross defeats the enemy of your soul for Jesus paid salvation’s price in full. All that you could never pay he freely gave to purchase your release. Love has set you free! The penalty, power, and pattern of sin lie beaten. Freedom opens now for you.

We sing again: On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross/ the emblem of suffering and shame/ and I love that old cross where the dearest and best/ for a world of lost sinners was slain/ So I'll cherish the old rugged cross/ till my trophies at last I lay down/ I will cling to the old rugged cross/ and exchange it some day for a crown.
 
Consider:
What does Christ’s cross mean to you? How will you express your sense of awe, wonder, and thanks to God, today? How might you share your insights with a friend?

Pray:
Lord of the Cross of Shame, I kneel in your Holy presence. I worship you with that all I am. I receive the fresh love of Christ today. Draw me to the cross to witness your amazing grace. May life and lip declare to all the redeeming love of Jesus. Amen