In order to apprehend His Grace, I must apprehend my sin.
My complicity in the greatest crime ever, pushing the Thorns down upon His head, causing Him pain and agony. He would not retaliate, strike back, rage or even complain.
In fact He knew I would do this. He loved me, and while I was yet a sinner (and I still am) He provided a way out. I receive that by His grace, unmerited favor. He knows my choices, yet reaches out to me. I am guilty, he sacrifices.
I don't fully receive His grace, when I don't fully appreciate my sin. That choice was not a small thing.
"And they clothed him in a purple cloak, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on him.
And they began to salute him, "Hail, King of the Jews!"
And they were striking his head with a reed and spitting on him and kneeling down in homage to him.
And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. And they led him out to crucify him."
Gospel of Mark 15:17-20
The pictures are of thorns from my wife's childhood farm near a creek by the railroad tracks where they used to play.
The picture of Jesus is from John and Millie Bowen, placed in their great room to remind us Jesus was a man acquainted with sorrows.
