What-a-blessing God gave our world! He sent His one and only son to reconcile us back to himself! God gave us Jesus to pay our debt, to rid us of our sins, and allow us a way to spend eternity with the Trinity. God in Christ replaced our infected hearts when we receive the gift of salvation and this gift wasn’t wrapped in a beautiful box with a bow on top. This Gift was mocked, publicly flogged, crowned with thorns, railroad nails driven in both his wrists & feet, shanked in the side with a spear from which blood and water poured out, and given sour wine to drank. Some say it took approx 6 hours before Christ said, “Tetelestai” and release His spirt (John 19:28-30) but yet he graciously allows us a lifetime for us to die to our flesh!! My point today is to highlight our need to be mindful of the greatest sacrifice known to man and to appreciate the life He offers us to live in Christ. Jesus did not take any shortcuts on the way to our redemption. At the cross, He drank the wine of his Father’s wrath down to the very last drop and He did so for us—that we might enjoy the wine of his Father’s love, join him at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, and live redeemed forever in the glorious presence of the one who took no shortcuts in saving us. This alone is enough to give Him all the praise, honor, and glory He rightfully and unequivocally deserves! Will you join me?!