The
following writing contains explicit expressions, as it relates to the
crucifixion suffered by Christ. While discomforting, the brutal reality of sins
penalty reveals the wondrous depths of God’s love for us.

Knowing his fate, he entered the garden. It was there in a place of fellowship with
God that his communion with man would come to an end.

Soldiers came – close friends fled his side. The time had
come. The road to death and sacrifice
was before him. Reluctant in the flesh, yet eager and willing in the spirit, he
cried to God, “Not as I will, but as you will.” Once begun there would be no
release. The penalty of sin would be
brutal – this journey to death would move quickly and would be one he must
travel alone.

Clothes rent, tied to a post, his back was torn. The rhythmic count of the whip lashing upon
his exposed back was the only sound to be heard above the blood thirsty cries
of the crowd.

No justification for his death, Pilate washed his
hands. The crowd chanted as the most
notorious of sinners was released from the bonds of eternal punishment; all in
exchange for the life of the spotless “Lamb of God” being led to the
slaughter. Innocent in the hands of
brutal soldiers he was mocked and stripped naked for all to see.

Upon his arrival to earth, wise men honored him with
treasure – upon his death, blinded fools would crown him with a crown of
thorns.

The very same mouth that had spoken words of life and taught
mortal men the ways of a righteous God, was mockingly slapped and punched. Lips that had once spoken to the storms,
saying, “Peace, be still,” were now swollen shut from the hatred of sin’s
furry. This man, who called Lazarus back
to life, would now be silent unto death.

Dusty roads, once filled with the feet of those running to
see his miracles, would become crowded with those seeking his death. On his knees he fell – the cross heavy upon
his back. The dry dirt beneath him
quickly gathered up precious drops of blood and sweat, still thirsty for more.

There, at the height of a hill, for all to see, it would
happen – this spectacle of shame. In a demonstration like no other, the very
son of God would be murdered at the hands of his creation.

Fighting the urge to resist, he willingly lay upon a cross.
He starred through swollen eyes at the face of the one who swung the hammer.
His hand helplessly clinched in pain around the very nail that pierced it. The deafening sound of the striking hammer
filled his ears – ears that had once heard the sounds of children happily running
and the laughter shared with his disciples.

His body convulsed and his lungs rapidly fought for air as
the cross was lifted into place.
Although in pain beyond measure, he was still very much aware. He overheard the laughs and whispers of the
onlookers. He heard the soldiers, as
they jokingly gambled for the robe of this supposed, “King of the Jews.”

His fears and expectations had been greatly exceeded. The sting of death was overwhelming. His
muscles cramped in dehydration as he helplessly fought to find a position that
would bring the slightest of relief – it would not be found.

The muscles in his legs shook uncontrollably as the weight
of his body rested upon the broad nail that pierced his feet, eerily holding
them in place. The excruciating pain was
immeasurable. His mouth widened and gasped as if to ease the pain and show
forth proof that life still remained within him.

Blood from his open wounds mixed with his pouring sweat,
covering his entire body. He was
unrecognizable. His bruised and swollen features no longer showed the beauty of
the man seen feeding the hungry multitudes on a hillside. The face that once
carried a warm smile was now gripped with the anguish of death. Time slowly
passed – as if to allow for adequate torture; during each living moment that
remained.

Except for the momentary convulsions and cries of pain; his
movements began to settle in a visual demonstration of his submission. Death
was quickly approaching, as if looking for its prized possession. The drops of
life giving blood slowly began to cease.

His mind was flooded with human emotions, and divine
realities. At the height of a hill, raised above the on-looking crowds, he
gazed over his creation through tear-filled eyes. The clouds grew dark and the coming wind
filled the air with dust as the crowd quickly dispersed at the sign of the
incoming storm.

Looking down upon his body for the last time, he saw his
purpose come to pass. Loves unending
journey had brought him here. Fighting
to speak, he raised his head towards heaven and declared, “It is finished.”

As life quickly faded for one, it was becoming available for
all. Sin’s rightful penalty now hung
lifeless upon that cross. The earth
shook in acceptance, the veil of separation from God was torn, the gates of
hell were invaded, and death found itself defenseless against the power of
eternal life.

“Finished” was the penalty and bondage of sin. “Finished”
was the separation of man from his beloved creator. Even today, the beautiful fragrance of life
fills the air, as the resonating voice of Jesus can still be heard saying; “It
is finished.”

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About Dwayne Harris

Dwayne Harris is the founder of Fresh Outpouring Ministries,
Inc. and is an International Evangelist and Law Enforcement Officer. He is also
the speaker of the “Message in a Minute” wed based devotional video
series.

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