No matter how firmly I
resolve to do something, say something, think something, or be something – my resolve
sometimes fails.
Life drama and
disturbing details can set me off course, especially if I’m not paying
attention.
Not so with the Lord Jesus.
He never wavered in His
purpose or His obedience to the Father. He finished the course set for Him
during His earthly ministry, from His Bethlehem birth to Golgotha and beyond.
Lord of the
Martyrs, painted by Brazilian
artist and monk Ricardo do Pilar (1635-1700), pictures this truth poignantly. The
pained face, crowned by thorns, expresses genuine agony. The chest, pierced by
a Roman sword, bleeds blood and water. The nail-torn hands are raised in prayer
and honor.
And the rough rope,
lashed about His neck, cannot hold him, unless He chooses to submit to the
suffering.
I gave my back to those who strike,
and my cheeks to those who pull out the beard;
I hid not my face
from disgrace and spitting.
and my cheeks to those who pull out the beard;
I hid not my face
from disgrace and spitting.
But the Lord God helps me;
therefore I have not been disgraced;
therefore I have set my face like a flint,
and I know that I shall not be put to shame.
therefore I have not been disgraced;
therefore I have set my face like a flint,
and I know that I shall not be put to shame.
Jesus is unfaltering.
Lord of the Martyrs
by Ricardo do Pilar
c1690
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The Scripture memory tips series is ongoing, but the April A to Z Blogging Challenge has started, and Heart of a Ready Writer is participating again this year. Watch for the Bible memory series posts, which may be interspersed with the Pictures of Jesus series during the month of April.
Amen!
ReplyDeleteBeautifully written:)
ReplyDelete