Musings of a New Heart and a Partially Renewed Mind

[UntoHim]

Thoughts on Passion Week

Father give me the passion of your Christ
when hearts are troubled, when angst and fear reign
Now may peace that passes all understanding
then a holy passion fan into flame

Father give me the passion of your Christ
who for joy set before a cross endured
Now precious blood cleanses all who come
speaking better things than Able's for sure

Father give me the passion of your Christ
who lived and loved, selfless and unreserved
Now let this same mind be also in me
humbled, not to be served, but to serve

Father give me the passion of your Christ
when hearts and minds fall to flesh and to sin
Now I would be as the prodigal's father
who welcomed with loving embraces for him

Father give me the passion of your Christ
who suffered and died for righteousness' sake
Now may I pick up my own cross as well
taking the path that my Savior would take

You can tell a lot about a person when you find out what they are passionate about. Young lovers are passionate about each other...at least until the honeymoon is over. Some kids are passionate about growing up to be something or someone. Some young professionals are passionate about making it to the top of their profession. Some people are physically gifted, and their passion is expressed on the fields and courts of competition. Some people are passionate about the arts...expressed in words on paper or a computer display, paint on a canvas, the formation of various materials or musical notes from various instruments or from their voice. Some people are passionate about building something for God.

We know that God is a passionate Being, because we are made in his image and after his likeness. Just as a living Being has created living beings, a passionate Being has created passionate beings. So it should be no wonder to us that when God's own son appeared he would be found to be the most passionate of men. Yet just as the Lord Jesus became angry, but did not sin, he expressed various other forms of human passion, but did not sin. In fact his passion accomplished just the opposite, and to the benefit of both God and men.

We have now entered a season of angst and fear, the likes of which most of us have never seen. In the days leading up to the crucifixion, our Lord experienced such angst and fear, even to the point that "his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground". His passion and commitment towards his Father and towards a sinful and lost world were tested to the uttermost. This week, as we meditate on and remember the ultimate sacrifice of the Son of God, may we pray that we have the very same faith, passion and commitment. Now may I pick up my own cross as well, taking the path that my Savior would take.
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