"Not That You Died for the Whole World..."

I confess, I still can't wrap my mind around all that Easter means. Jesus, God's sinless, perfect Son, coming to live and die in a sin-cursed world...for me. No matter how hard I try, I can't comprehend it. Do I really mean that much to Him? Me? The one who fails Him so often?

"For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." II Corinthians 5:21

"He took my sins and my sorrows,
He made them His very own;
He bore the burden to Calv'ry,
And suffered and died alone.


How marvelous, how wonderful
And my song shall ever be.
How marvelous, how wonderful
Is my Savior's love for me."


(I Stand Amazed in the Presence, by Charles H. Gabriel)

I'm afraid that we've heard the story of His death so often that we forget how awesome it really is. We're so moved by reports in the news of some courageous person laying down their life to save someone else,  (and we should be) but we read the story of Jesus's suffering and death without being moved in the least. Oh, if we would just pause long enough to remember who we are and Who He is and all that He suffered...for us! And He did it willingly! He chose to take our place and to give His life for ours. Yes, He cared that much; and no, I can't fathom it. But I believe it, and how I love Him for it! I owe Him everything. I pray that He will remind me again of what He did for me at Calvary, and that I will never take it for granted!


I don't know which "Easter" song is my favorite. I love them all! But, I discovered a new song today and I love it. Not that I want to focus on "me". But I think we all could say that we share the sentiment expressed in the words of this song:

NOT THAT YOU DIED

VS 1 Familiar words so often seen That precious truth...John 3:16 You loved the world, You offered grace and what leaves me most amazed is .... CHORUS Not that You died for the whole world that humbles my heart, brings me to my knees Not that you died for the whole world But Lord that you died for me. VS 2 With trembling voice I confess Your redeeming love my unworthiness. That cruel cross, the nails the spears Yet mercy flowed, I'm moved to tears... CHORUS Not that You died for the whole world that humbles my heart, brings me to my knees Not that you died for the whole world But Lord that you died for me. Belinda Smith and Tony Wood 2004 Bridge Building Music, Inc./BMI New Spring Publishing Inc. Row J, Seat 9 Songs/ASCAP (admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing Inc.)