Psalm 31:24
Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.

Colossians 1:5
For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; which has come to you.

Do you ever feel like giving up? Do your circumstances weigh you down? Being a Christian doesn’t mean life is going to be easy, nor does it mean that nothing will go wrong. We all live in the same world as we did before our salvation, but now we have an overcomer, and a hope for better things to come.

To live in hope gives new meaning to all situations, and believing is the key to hope. Nothing is impossible with God. Nothing is too big. Even in your darkest hour, don’t give up hope. God is bigger than any of your struggles and he watches over you every moment of your lives. He will never leave you and will bring you into that place of restoration and healing. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and hang on to the hope you can have in him.

Father, teach me to trust you in every circumstance that threatens to engulf me. Help me to believe in a better tomorrow and the hope that you have to offer. Show me how to be strong in your Word and live in hope through the promises you have given to me. All of my ambitions hopes and dreams, I give to you. Amen
© Chrissy Siggee
Scripture Verses used are from the King James Version of the Bible

“And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men. But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. (NIV)

Christians worldwide celebrate the resurrection of their Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, on Easter Sunday. Christianity teaches that the author and creator of the faith is alive today. No other religion of the world makes such an amazing claim. Other religions may claim that the “spirit” of their founder lives in his religious teachings, but Christians declare that Jesus Christ lives today—bodily.” 1 Corinthians 15:14-22

True biblical Christianity teaches that Jesus really died AND really rose from the dead–physically. Jesus rose bodily as well as spiritually from the grave. He then appeared alive to a variety of people on many different times over a period of 40 days. Christianity further teaches that after these indisputable “physical” appearances, Jesus Christ “physically” left this earth and promised to return “physically” some day.

John 14:1-3 says, “Let not your heart be troubled. Ye believe in God; believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto Myself, that where I am, there ye may be also.

Acts 1:9-12 describes what the disciples saw on the Mount of Olives: “After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” Then they returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city. (NIV)

If there was no foundation for the Christian faith, if Jesus Christ did not die on the cross, if He didn’t rise from the dead, then the whole basis of the Christian faith would be—empty.

Christian faith holds that Jesus was resurrected from the dead bodily, ascended into heaven bodily, lives today in glory in a body, and will someday return to this earth bodily.

1 Corinthians 15:3-8 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.

Father, thank you for dying on the cross for us that we may be saved from eternal death. We praise you this Resurrection day for the faith of the Christian church and the hope of your return. Amen

© Chrissy Siggee

Scripture Verses used are from the King James Version of the Bible unless otherwise stated.

“And it was the third hour, and they crucified him. And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS. And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left. And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors.” Mark 15:25-28

We have covered already the cruelty of inhuman treatment of Jesus by the soldiers, servants and the people, who assembled to witness his beating. Much can be said again about the unwarranted punishment my Lord received prior to His crucifixion. We have also read and heard repeatedly of the death of Christ. Many of us have seen the “Passion of the Christ” movie. Without playing down the significance of the crucifixion itself in any way, let’s move on to the mysteries of His death.

The message of the cross is indeed a mystery. The message can be learned through the Scriptures, movies and witnessing. Prophecies and teaching was recorded throughout the Old Testament; including the Psalms.

“I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” 1 Corinthians 1:4-10

Yet…it’s not only that we see in the death of Jesus the highest demonstration of God’s love, but also of His infinite sorrow and compassion. The mystery of the depths. “But as far as the east is from the west, so shall he remove our sin”. (paraphrased) Not even an earthly father can pay the penalty of his child’s transgression, nor can any man pay the price of sin of another.

When Paul speaks of the suffering of Jesus on the cross, he deals with facts so awe-inspiring that he calls them: “the depths of God”. (1 Corinthians 2:10) These mysteries are so deep that they are unfathomable of all human thinking – even more unfathomable as the deepest, unreachable, bottomless ocean. This act of love is beyond measure. But, by His Holy Spirit, God reveals it to even the youngest of children, the most simple minded, and the educated. His love for us is infinite. Although we cannot understand these mysteries, we thank Him with absolute gratefulness and humility.

My hope, my strength, my redeemer, my God, my King and my all…they crucified my Lord.

© Chrissy Siggee

Beaten and humiliated,
They led my Lord away
To the mount of death—
He was nailed and hung
On a wooden cross—
Naked and shamed
Like a common thief.

They mocked

They cursed

They laughed

Bleeding head hung low,
Nail ripped hands and feet
A body slashed and torn—
Blood flowed down
Onto the rugged ground—
Pain and dread
Painted on His face.

Shame

Sorrow

Shunned

Blamed and disgraced,
All purity discredited
Guilt and sin He bore—
My beautiful Jesus,
You did this for me—
You bled and died
So I could live.

They seized His clothes

They pierced His side

They crucified my Lord

© Chrissy Siggee

“Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the LORD, and that he had spoken these things unto her. Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. And when he had so said, he showed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the LORD.” John 20:18-20

Jesus never hid his scars from His disciples, nor does he hide them from anyone today. He bears the marks of His passion. They prove His identity, proclaim His victory and are the emblems of His authority as Savior and King.

The cross is not only the symbol of atonement but of excellence and goodness—an exquisite example of love. It whispers peace within but calls for effort without. It has a purpose as well as a message for the sinner.

Christ died for all that they may no longer live unto themselves but unto Him who for our sake died and rose again.

It is remarkable that His scars were the only thing Jesus showed His disciples after His resurrection. By His scars they recognize Jesus in the breaking of bread at Emmaus, even when they failed to recognize him on the road in His appearance, His speech and His features. – Luke 24:13-16

By His scars, Thomas was convicted of His unbelief a week later and cried “My Lord and my God.” – John 20:28-29

His scarred hands and His side are the token and seal of our peace with God and irresistible call of service and sacrifice.

Our Lord and our Savior, we thank You for giving up your life for us on the cross of pain and shame. We thank You that You took the beatings and bore the nails for us so we may be saved. Amen.

“And we will know Him by the nail prints in His hands” – Unknown

© Chrissy Siggee

Scripture Verses used are from the King James Version of the Bible

STANDING IN THE SHADOWS

V1
Are your crosses too heavy to carry;
And burdens too heavy to bear?

Are there heartaches and tears and anguish;
And there’s no one who seems to care?

Chorus
Standing somewhere in the shadows you’ll find Jesus,
He’s the Friend who always cares and understands.

Standing somewhere in the shadows you will find Him
And you’ll know Him by the nail prints in His hands.

V2
Are there shadows of deep disappointment,
And trusts that have proven untrue?

Has the darkness of night settled round you
Has your hope and your faith wavered too?

Chorus
Standing somewhere in the shadows you’ll find Jesus,
He’s the Friend who always cares and understands.

Standing somewhere in the shadows you will find Him
And you’ll know Him by the nail prints in His hands.

V3
Has the storm over shadowed your sunshine,
And life lost attraction for you?

Have the dreams that you cherished been broken,
Is you soul filled with bitterness too?

Chorus
Standing somewhere in the shadows you’ll find Jesus,
He’s the Friend who always cares and understands.

Standing somewhere in the shadows you will find Him
And you’ll know Him by the nail prints in His hands.

- Author Unknown

Both Matthew and Mark recorded these words cried out by Jesus on the cross. These same words occur interesting enough in the opening verse of the Twenty Second Psalms. Yet neither Matthew nor Mark referred to them as a fulfilment of prophecy and after six hours of agony in body and soul on the cross, this cry escapes from our Saviours lips. There were not many words spoken by Jesus while he was on the cross. The words He spoke were recorded specifically.

His first words were “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do”—-a prayer for pardon.

His second proclamation made was a promise of peace.

“Today you shall be with me in Paradise’

His third was one of kindness to and for his mother.

“Woman behold thy son….Son behold thy mother.”

When the darkness had fallen, three last announcements where uttered. They followed in rapid succession.

“I thirst”

“It is finished”

“Father into thy hands I commend my spirit” –

Then, there was this cry of sorrow.

“My God, my God, why Hast Thou Forsaken Me?

There is something of extraordinary power and feeling in these words of Jesus on the cross. This is obvious from the fact that both Matthew and Mark have diligently given the words in the language our Lord used.

“Eli Eli, lama Sa-bach-thani”

Nowhere else in Scripture do we find this recurrence of these words except in the Twenty Second Psalm? The cry expresses suffering that was never at any other time felt in this world and I believe, never will again.

To the historian, to the poet or the theologian, the description and the language of these words in Psalms 22 might suggest it could have been either history or prophecy.

Matthew and Mark may have not recognised the connection. However, Jesus, a learned scholar of the Scriptures from a very young age, would have known the Psalms well. He said many times through out His ministry “it is written”.

To the believer, nevertheless, this cry is a revelation of the deep suffering and anguishes our Saviour bore, and a proof of His infinite love for sinners.

It challenges us, with all the saints, to be strong to understand what is: ‘..the length and breadth and height and depth of the love of God”…

If the cross is the fundamental Truth of the New Testament, this cry is the heart of this truth and its inmost expression. This is the Holy of Holies to the reverent reader of the story of the passion.

by Chrissy Siggee

Scripture Verses used are from the King James Version of the Bible

“And it was the third hour, and they crucified him. And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS. And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left. And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors.” Mark 15:25-28

We have covered already the cruelty of inhuman treatment of Jesus by the soldiers, servants and the people, who assembled to witness his beating. Much can be said again about the unwarranted punishment my Lord received prior to His crucifixion. We have also read and heard repeatedly of the death of Christ. Many of us have seen the “Passion of the Christ” movie. Without playing down the significance of the crucifixion itself in any way, let’s move on to the mysteries of His death.

The message of the cross is indeed a mystery. The message can be learned through the Scriptures, movies and witnessing. Prophecies and teaching was recorded throughout the Old Testament; including the Psalms.

“I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” 1 Corinthians 1:4-10

Yet…it’s not only that we see in the death of Jesus the highest demonstration of God’s love, but also of His infinite sorrow and compassion. The mystery of the depths. “But as far as the east is from the west, so shall he remove our sin”. (paraphrased) Not even an earthly father can pay the penalty of his child’s transgression, nor can any man pay the price of sin of another.

When Paul speaks of the suffering of Jesus on the cross, he deals with facts so awe-inspiring that he calls them: “the depths of God”. (1 Corinthians 2:10) These mysteries are so deep that they are unfathomable of all human thinking – even more unfathomable as the deepest, unreachable, bottomless ocean. This act of love is beyond measure. But, by His Holy Spirit, God reveals it to even the youngest of children, the most simple minded, and the educated. His love for us is infinite. Although we cannot understand these mysteries, we thank Him with absolute gratefulness and humility.

My hope, my strength, my redeemer, my God, my King and my all…they crucified my Lord.

© Chrissy Siggee

“And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee?” Luke 22:64

And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands. Mark 14:65

The death and resurrection of Jesus is completely in the past. It’s history. He died for sin once, and He will die no more. Death has no power over our Lord and Savior. But spiritually, the death and resurrection of Christ is ever present. Spiritually it takes place repeatedly in the very nucleus of humanity. We crucify Him again and again. Jesus Christ is betrayed, abandoned, spat at, mocked and crucified every moment of the day, every day. Every part of the passion story is characteristic. In a mystical sense, we were there when He died for our sins.

The verses related to the blindfolding of Jesus are often read as part of the story as a whole. Sometimes these verses are not even included in Easter Bible readings at all. I find that this particular incident is significant to the soldiers’ behavior toward the ministry of Jesus. There also doesn’t appear to be any recorded that Pilate directed them to carry out this specific treatment. These soldiers repeated mocked and struck Jesus while His face was covered.

I often wonder why renowned artists, past or present, have never attempted to paint this appallingly tragic scene on canvas. At least I’ve never seen one. I understand from my own research that this incident took place in the courtyard of the palace of Caiaphas, the Jewish high priest, in the very early morning before dawn. There would have been an open fire burning, perhaps a full moon and eerie shadows. But one thing I’m sure of is that Jesus would not have been the only one unable to see in that courtyard. Our blindfolded Jesus, Christ our Lord, would have been surrounded by a group filled with blind hatred: servants of the Sanhedrin, those hired by the high priests, witness of Jesus’ miracles, and all from His own Jewish race. But Jesus remained silent…

This portion of the passion adds more emphasis on the repulsive behavior Jesus endured before the cross. Is this what Peter witnessed and where he denied His Lord? The last face Jesus looked upon before he was blindfolded was Peter’s so one assume it was. No wonder Peter went out and wept bitterly.

Jesus suffered for us not only to redeem us from sin and curse, but suffered to leave us an example that we should walk in His footsteps. In every incident of the passion, Jesus cries out for us to follow Him. We need to live boldly and completely for Him, without hesitation of the consequences of those who ridicule and scoff. Accept the mudslinging and hateful rejections. Be silent before your accusers, and for His sake and the gospel, do no grow weary in doing good. (Galatians 6:9)

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10

© Chrissy Siggee

Scripture Verses used are from the King James Version of the Bible

1 Corinthians 15:2-3
By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; …

In Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, it appears that the death of Christ, for our sins, is the heart of Paul’s message and the centre of His teaching – The one and only true Gospel and “The Good News”.

In Galatians 1:15-19 we read: “But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace, To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord’s brother.

It also seems Paul believed that the death of Jesus was the fundamental truth of the faith and doctrine of Christianity. Paul would have spent up to seven years spreading this news after the death of Jesus sharing this one essential truth. Why would someone teach something as basically simple as the first and foremost foundation of the belief of Christians?

Paul, for those who know the story in Acts 9 of his conversion, was once the enemy of the Christian believers, and yet Paul was unwavering in the importance of the cross and the death of Jesus. This drastic change in Paul had to be God’s revelation to him on that road to Damascus.

First of all – the foundation stone of the temple of truth. Without the death of Jesus Christ, there is no hope. There is no escape from the penalty of sin; which is eternal death.

The Cross is not only the universal symbol of the Gospel, it’s the very heart of the Gospel.

This is the Good New!

© Chrissy Siggee

Scripture Verses used are from the King James Version of the Bible