The Passion of God!

PASSION! The word is listed twice in the dictionary. The first listing gives as the first definition: “Intense or overpowering emotion.” The second listing states: “The sufferings of Christ, especially in the agony of the garden and on the cross.” [source: Funk & Wagnalls Standard Dictionary © 1973]

Perhaps you have already seen Mel Gibson’s movie “The Passion Of The Christ” or have at least heard some of the hype preceding its release. I had read several articles, listened to interviews, watched a TV special on the making of the movie, and talked with people who had already viewed it to see what they thought. Yesterday my wife and I went and watched it ourselves. The cruel punishment and execution by crucifixion at the hand of the Romans were very graphically portrayed. The film contained much dialogue not found in Scripture while many other statements in Scripture I anticipated at various points in the film were not included. But it was a very moving film and hopefully will engage people in conversation regarding the truth of Jesus and lead to the reading of the accounts contained in the Scriptures.

“The Passion Of The Christ” was preceded by the PASSION OF GOD! The reality of Jesus going to the cross was all a part of the Father’s plan. It was the PASSION OF GOD for lost humanity that moved Him to send the Son. God was intent on meeting our greatest need -- complete cleansing from sin -- my sin -- your sin -- sin that put Jesus on the cross to shed his powerful life giving blood.

In our Lord’s encounter with Nicodemus, Jesus expressed the PASSION OF GOD in these words:
“For GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD, THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY SON, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” ( John 3:16 ESV)

Peter noted the PASSION OF GOD when he wrote…
“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, NOT WISHING THAT ANY SHOULD PERISH, BUT THAT ALL SHOULD REACH REPENTANCE.” ( 2 Peter 3:9 ESV)

God takes no delight in condemning. His greatest desire is for Jesus to be accepted and submitted to as Lord and Savior. It is through Jesus Christ that God provided the adequate means for salvation from sin. He was PASSIONATE about providing for that greatest need; PASSIONATE enough to send the Son and the Son was willing to endure a horrible death on our behalf. And He rose on the third day, revealing His power over death and the assurance of the same power to provide for our resurrection as well.

The PASSION OF GOD provided the means of our salvation even while we were undeserving of it. ( Romans 5:7) That PASSION ought to draw us into a loving and obedient relationship to Him. May the PASSION OF GOD produce a PASSION in us for seeking and living in accordance with His WILL.

Have a great day IMPACTED BY THE DEPTH OF GOD’S LOVE!
Carl

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