July 15, 2020

July 15

Running with Jesus

Matthew 27: 33-34 And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull, they gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink.

     I decided to talk to Matthew about what came next in the details and this is what he shared.  They tried to give Jesus a mixture in order to reduce His pain but Jesus did not take it. Gall is usually considered a narcotic that was used to deaden pain. Jesus would suffer conscious and with a clear mind.  His mind was always clear about God’s purpose and plan.  He would come, suffer and die willingly for the sin of man.  He was the promise seed that was given to Eve in the garden that would crush the serpents head and that was about to be accomplished.

     Golgotha was the place that transgressors were taken to be crucified and left to hang as a public example for others.  It was a terrible fear tactic used to control the people.  This day they were taking an innocent, sinless, perfect man to hang on a horrible cross. This day Jesus became the Passover Lamb crucified for us.

     How shallow we take our faith and religion today.  As I read these Words in this passage I felt ashamed of myself for all the petty little things that happen that make me want to throw in the towel. Somebody hurt my feelings…now we call that pain and suffering…they didn’t speak to me…..I didn’t get a visit……I didn’t like that color carpet…..What are we doing these days? And all the begging we have to do to get a nursery worker or teacher…..All the phone calls to just keep people attending regular. Sometimes people miss and say no excuse I just didn’t like peanut butter……we are talking about a Man dying on a cross to save us from hell. Oh I am sorry I wasn’t supposed to mention hell.       

     Perhaps we need a “Skull” placed in every city to remind us of Calvary! Guess I am on a soap box today.  Well the Holy Spirit got me so why not you too!

 All I can say today Father, I am so sorry for all my lame excuses and cry outs for mercy. Please, forgive us and keep the blood of the cross in sight lest we forget.  I am so ashamed.

  How about you?  Let’s just kneel before Him and not even speak for we are unworthy.

If this wasn’t enough, the nails, tomorrow, can we bear to read it.

Judy Hollaway

Originally penned 2015