I’ve been struggling the last week or so, writing drafts for posts and then not being entirely happy with them. This one in particular is something that’s been waiting for a while to post; I believe this is something that we need to hear.

Please discern for yourselves, as I’m at a place where I feel it needs to be heard, but have not so much confidence in my ability to speak (though I have had some positive feedback from others).

How deep the Father’s love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the man upon a cross
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

Stuart Townend.
Copyright © 1995 Thankyou Music

I have pursued you, found you, cherish you and love you
I will never abandon you, never leave you
I will encircle and enfold you
In the midst of your trials I will be as a solid rock
An oasis of peace, bringing your soul to quiet rest in Me

Hear my Fathers heart again,
You who are downcast, downtrodden, fearful and anxious
I love you, I cherish you,
I desire only the best and good for you
Let me lift you up and set your feet on my Rock,
The Rock of your salvation
On this Rock you cannot fall, nor will you stumble
Keep the eyes of your heart on My heart
And we will walk together, you and I
As overcomers, into the glorious new dawn.

Does this seem unbelievable? Perhaps a starry-eyed description of who we are, based on no reality that you understand? You would be right! As we become closer to Christ, so it is that we realise the depth of our depravity.

It’s a bit like that tale of a guy who thought he was pretty OK really, until he got married and then discovered some cracks and problems, and gained a new awareness of his shortcomings. Then, he had kids, and suddenly found out what an absolute ratbag he really was.

It is the same as we draw closer to Jesus; the more we see Him, the more we realise our own depravity. The more I have understood this, the more I have understood Luke 7 v47:

Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.

When we start our walk with Christ, we may well be like the guy who thought he was pretty OK really. In a sense, we are forgiven little, and love little. As the walk deepens (or, we hope it deepens) – we realise just how much we have been forgiven, and love blossoms accordingly.

And why does love blossom? Because we come to an ever deeper understanding of what Jesus Christ gave for us, what an immense cost He bore for us, and therefore how great His love for us. A fierce, desperate and overwhelming love, burning in the heart of our Holy Creator God for a people who were so very far off – dead in their rebellion and their sin.

And, more than that, we realise that He really did pay the cost – paid it in full. That, in God’s eyes we really are unblemished, infused as we are by His grace. Infused with Holiness, the Righteousness of Christ, as we are found in Him, and He in us.

It is a paradox, indeed – but it is true. We are both the now and the not yet. A new creation, even as we struggle with the old man within us.

We are, when we are found in Christ, truly the apple of our Fathers eye. May you find a blessing in that, today.