Matthew 26:28
“...for this is my blood, sealing the new covenant. It is poured out to forgive the sins of multitudes.”
The
Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by
permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois
60188. All rights reserved.
I’ve been seeing trailers for the movie Left Behind, starring Nicholas Cage. This film is set to be released in October 2014. It’s been probably a decade since I read the Left Behind
series, written by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins. This set of 12
fictional novels gave me insights into the biblical passages of the book
of Revelation and helped “unpack” this chapter of the Bible for me in a
manner that I could understand. So I am anxious to see this film and
see how Hollywood has treated this story.
As I read the passage
from Matthew 26 today – this tiny piece of a verse in which Jesus is
speaking – I was reminded of a scene in one of the last books of the
Left Behind series. Jesus has returned for His church. All of His
believers are gathered in one assemblage...millions of people – maybe
more. And Jesus is sitting on His throne and calling their names, one
by one. Each person is sitting patiently and waiting his/her turn with
Jesus. No one grows impatient...and nothing is rushed. Time must quite
literally stand still! As each believer comes to sit with Jesus, it is
as if no one else is there. Jesus has all of the time, energy, love
and focus for that one person in that moment. Everything centers on the
interchange between this Christian and his/her Jesus. When I read this
part of the story, I literally cried. I was so moved by this deeply
personal interaction and how much Jesus loves each of us...how much He
loves ME!
So as I read Jesus’ words in Matthew 26 today, I
thought of His blood shed on the cross...for ME...and YOU...and the
other guy...each and every one of us individually. People could easily
say, “It’s really no stretch to say that Jesus’ blood was shed for each
one of us, because He was there...either way He was crucified.” And
anyone who believes this has totally missed the point.
When God
sent Jesus to earth, knowing fully well what would happen to Him...how
high the cost would be...He said, “I’m sending Him anyway. I’m sending
Him to die for Joe, Sue, Jim, Margaret, Sanjay, José, Chou Ling,
Svetlana, Ingrid, Marco, Dakotah, Moses, Naomi, Kenyatta...” and on and
on. Jesus didn’t die on that cross for anyone else more or less
significant than YOU! When Jesus surrendered His spirit to God...He was
thinking of YOU! Out of His abundant love, grace, mercy and
forgiveness, He stayed nailed to the cross and suffered unimaginable
atrocities...for YOU!
If you don't take away anything else from
these words today, hear this. Jesus died for the sins of the
multitudes...but no one is any more or less precious to Him than you
are. When you think of the blood of the cross...when you “drink the cup”
in Holy Communion...consider this to be your “time at the throne” in
His presence. Imagine that someday, you truly will have your “moment”
with Him in this manner...and it will be as if you are the only one who
exists for Him. You are THAT special and important!
So whatever
is happening in your life today, stop and think of the cross and Jesus’
blood...shed for you. Remind yourself that you are so important to
Jesus that He made this amazing sacrifice...just for you. Surely He can
handle the challenges of your day. The One who sacrificed everything
on your behalf is not about to abandon you now! Feel His presence.
Recognize His amazing love for you...His grace and mercy over every
aspect of your life. Thank Him for such glorious compassion and
devotion. Honor Him with every word and action.
Jesus came to
the world for YOU. If you have committed your heart to Jesus, He will
come back...for YOU. This promise is signed and sealed for all who
belong to Jesus...those who call on Him and trust in His power to
forgive. Are you one of His already? Isn’t it time you were?
©2014 Debbie Robus
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