REFLECTION ON IN-VIRGIL SATURDAY

Pastor Cheng Kin shared with us that traditionally the elder brother in the Jewish family would go and search out the younger brother who left home and then went astray. In the story of the “prodigal son” a.k.a. “the parable of the lost sons,” both the children were lost; didn’t know the heart of the father, didn’t know the love of the father except to make some selfish demand. This is the first time I am hearing the message about Jesus being our elder brother (the firstborn among many brethren) who came to seek us who were lost in sin and shame. It was so refreshing that Jesus did all that – died on the cross for me – in order that he might bring me back to my father, receiving my forgiveness and obtain my true inheritance.

The In-Vigil Saturday service was refreshing to my soul and a strengthening of my spirit.

Of course the song “Jesus Paid It All” stirred me in my heart and draw me into the worship of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ thanking him for all that he had done for me. I am forever grateful. Thank you for the cross, the mighty cross. This week has been truly a wonderful spiritual journey for me. Since last Sunday (Palm Sunday) I have been made so aware of Christ – who He is to me, – that really each day brought about a little insight into his love for me. It is so good to be able to feel his love embracing me once again, to feel his presence, and a beautiful encounter of my lover-king!

I don’t know about you, but the whole week has softened my heart, soften my spirit and I found myself once again wanting to be pliable in his hand. I want to give of my best to the Master once again. He has done so much for me – who for the joy (I am one of them) that was set before him that he endured the cross, despising the shame – indeed, shame the shame till there is no shame and became the glorious display of unconditional love, incredible power and impenetrable victory! Greater love had no man than this that he laid down his life for his friend – and I am his friend, his younger brother, and his servant.

I know that all the solemn reflections of Christ, of the cross, and of his death lead to the most glorious climax of his resurrection – Easter Sunday. That makes the difference. He is alive. He is alive. And the gates of hell could not hold him. And death was conquered once and for all. God be praised!