tougher than nails
Know the Reality of the Price Paid
Joe Diffie had a hit country song a few years ago called "Tougher Than Nails". It is a story of a boy that gets picked on and wants to get revenge. His father reminds him of the example of Jesus. Jesus was beaten, tortured, mocked, spit upon and nailed to a cross to die by His creations.
At any second Jesus could have vaporized His haters. Instead He exercised meekness - strength under control - and submitted to a humiliating death so that all people that ever lived could be saved to an internal life in the presence of our Creator.
The world sees the crucifix quite often. Usually a helpless and frail Jesus with a loin cloth and a pitiful, puppy dog-look on His face. His skin intact on his face, scalp and body.
The reality is that His skin, hair, and flesh from His head and face and body was riven and He was naked to humiliate Him.
The Lion of Judah, and the most powerful force in this universe, was tougher than the humiliation and tougher than the nails holding Him to that cross.
Infinite power under the control of an infinite love. Remember the beautiful, blameless lamb slaughtered for the opportunity for your salvation. The beautiful and guiltless slaughtered for us, who are the ugly and guilty.
While you remember that don't forget that the sacrificed lamb is also the Lion of Judah. A final battle is coming between the One who is tougher than nails and the one who goes about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. Jesus and Satan will have a final battle and every blow that marred the Perfect One's body, including those nails, will see eternal justice.
Through your inaction or action you are going to be on one side or the other. Receive the Lamb and be on the side of the Lion of Judah or look on in eternal regret at not choosing wisely when the choice could be made.
That eternal choice is as easy as a sincere prayer like this: "Father I know my sins were the cause of those nails in Your son's wrists. I am a sinner and I know I need Jesus as my Savior. Please save me and use my life in Your power and love. Amen."
