“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

“Thine, O LORD is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.Have you ever wondered how great our Lord really is? I can’t measure His greatness but when I walk beside a raging river,, , take in the glories of secluded valleys, when I wake to see the sunrise through whispers of candy pink clouds or watch the setting sun slowly melt into amber horizon, I know I have only witnessed a diminutive glimpse of His infinite greatness.” 1 Chronicles 29:11

I can’t imagine this universe without being able to see God’s beauty all around me. There’s nothing more beautiful than God’s creation. It’s as much a part of me as my Saviour himself. Everything he created was to His will and glory, and nothing was made by accident.Because of His majestic sovereignty, I worship and praise His Holy name.

Lord, your greatness is all around me and yet I only see a speck of the enormity of how great you really are. I cannot comprehend your power and glory but you are the Lord of all and greatly to be praised. Amen

© Chrissy Siggee

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

John 3:18

He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

I grew up in a Christian home and witnessed many answered prayers and God-orchestrated incidents regularly so perhaps believing was easy for me. I accepted Christ as my own personal Saviour and Lord at the age of six. I’ve been told it would be impossible for me to remember, but I do. I don’t remember every word spoken by the preacher, but I remember the powerful impact they had on me. I also remember the hymn that was sung by the choir. It still echoes in my head, even as I type this memory.

In my early to mid teens, I couldn’t understand why my friends wouldn’t believe there was a God who created all things. The beauty of nature has always left me breathless and I suppose that’s why so many of my poems reflect my love for creation. I couldn’t understand why they laughed at me when I told them about Jesus.

In my late teens and early twenties, I worked with younger teens and again, I was mystified by the lack of faith I witnessed. I once invited a guest pastor to a weekly youth meeting. He was very wise for his age and I was pleased he was because a small street gang came to that meeting. They were a little disruptive but mostly they were just being who they were and behaving the only way they knew how. When the speaker gave the invitation to seek Christ as their Lord, the smirks started. The response by this young pastor has stayed with me all these years and I’ve used his words once or twice in similar situations.

He said: “Consider for just a moment where you would spend eternity if you were to leave here tonight and be hit by a car or bus, or if another gang attacked and killed you on your way home. If you’re not a believer, allow yourself to ponder for a few minutes that if it was true, then what? And if you still don’t believe, I’ll accept it.”

Three of those gang members accepted Jesus that night.

I leave you with the words of that young pastor. “If you’re not a believer, allow yourself to ponder for a few minutes that if it was true, then what? And if you still don’t believe, I’ll accept it.”

Where will you spend eternity?

Will you believe?

John 12:46

I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.

© Chrissy Siggee

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

Psalm 73:23-24Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.

When things come against me in any area of my life, I find the simple peace in knowing that God is with me makes life so much easier to bear. He is right beside me and He will guide me through the challenges that I face. Nothing is more precious to me than knowing God’s right hand is holding me in the midst of my pain, in the circumstances of life, and in all that I do.

Proverbs 3:6 tells us that we only need to acknowledge Him, and He will direct out paths.

God is just a prayer away and will answer even before we ask. We are His children and He is our Father; the Father of the heavenly lights.

James 1: 17
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. . Have you ever stopped to think where you would be if there was no God and if he hadn’t sent his only son to die a cruel death on the cross for you? To think there would be no heaven or eternal life; I don’t even want to image it. I could not survive without my Lord in my life.Father, I acknowledge that you are forever with me. I’m grateful for your presence. I will take your right hand and allow You to lead me along every path of life. Guide me in wisdom and strength that only You can provide. Amen.

© Chrissy SiggeeScripture Verses used are from the King James Version of the Bible

Matthew 18:4

Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Humility speaks to me of meekness and being humble. I often think I’m not as humble as I ought, yet humility is a requirement of our faith.

I have seen the way the Lord works in the lives of those who show humility in what they do and say and, quite often, how they demonstrate their kindness to those around them. I see the rewards of their actions and the gentleness they demonstrate in their everyday lives. In whatever they do, their actions speak the humility they possess.

I’ve also witnessed the fall of the arrogant and proud. Too many successful leaders fall because of pride. They allow success to be their ambition rather than Christ their goal. They begin to believe in their own ability rather than Christ’s through them.

So how do we keep a balance?

Without Christ we are nothing and because we have Christ in our lives, we have worth and purpose. There is nothing wrong with feeling good about what Christ has done for us but we need to realize he doesn’t make us great.

Be willing to live the success that God has given us through humble acknowledgement of the source.

Father, show us how humility can speak through us by our actions. Help us to live humbly and to your purpose and keep from being proud and haughty, but demonstrate the true source of our abilities. Amen.

© Chrissy Siggee

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

Springtime Dreams

In a sanctuary calm and truly simplistic,
My creator God is quite artistic—
His purpose soothes both body and mind,
With nature’s melody and aroma combined.

to dream
…is like a beautiful song

Gone is the coldness of a long dreary winter,
Finest décor softened each frosty splinter…
Nothing and everything seems symbolic,
Yet…I long to be free and enjoy a frolic.

to dream
…is to explore the memories

Comfort is found in this heavenly bliss,
Visions of spring like a treasured kiss…
Spirals of color emerge from a wistful maze,
Fresh new scents mingle in this gentle haze.

to dream
…is just the beginning

Nature’s chorus awaken the senses,
And kindles some odd but natural defenses…
Will today bring forth the finest occurrence?
Inside, I feel the Creator’s assurance.

to dream
…is the joy of new life to come

Earth soaking rains fade like distant thunder,
A moment in time stretched forth in wonder…
To picture the beauty of God’s great creation,
Or…enjoy the aroma of the first carnation.

to dream
…is to nurture fresh desires

Awaken me, Lord, from these springtime dreams–
Allow me to soar above nature’s extremes
On wings lifted high by the purest sunshine,
Embraced by the fragrance of sweet Mountain Pine.

to dream
…is the heart of spring

Blue skies above, soft greens below,
Images of the creator all around me aglow…
Transform me, Lord, for your intended calling,
Fill my day with new life exploring.

to dream
…is the essence of living

Baby birds and honey bees,
Instill the air with praises and jubilee—
Take me high on graceful wings, God’s finest art;
Let new life emerge from this butterfly’s heart.

to dream
…is to dream a springtime dream

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© Chrissy Siggee

John 3:18
He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

I grew up in a Christian home and witnessed many answered prayers and God-orchestrated incidents regularly so perhaps believing was easy for me. I accepted Christ as my own personal Saviour and Lord at the age of six. I’ve been told it would be impossible for me to remember, but I do. I don’t remember every word spoken by the preacher, but I remember the powerful impact they had on me. I also remember the hymn that was sung by the choir. It still echoes in my head, even as I type this memory.

In my early to mid teens, I couldn’t understand why my friends wouldn’t believe there was a God who created all things. The beauty of nature has always left me breathless and I suppose that’s why so many of my poems reflect my love for creation. I couldn’t understand why they laughed at me when I told them about Jesus.

In my late teens and early twenties, I worked with younger teens and again, I was mystified by the lack of faith I witnessed. I once invited a guest pastor to a weekly youth meeting. He was very wise for his age and I was pleased he was because a small street gang came to that meeting. They were a little disruptive but mostly they were just being who they were and behaving the only way they knew how. When the speaker gave the invitation to seek Christ as their Lord, the smirks started. The response by this young pastor has stayed with me all these years and I’ve used his words once or twice in similar situations.

He said: “Consider for just a moment where you would spend eternity if you were to leave here tonight and be hit by a car or bus, or if another gang attacked and killed you on your way home. If you’re not a believer, allow yourself to ponder for a few minutes that if it was true, then what? And if you still don’t believe, I’ll accept it.”

Three of those gang members accepted Jesus that night.

I leave you with the words of that young pastor. “If you’re not a believer, allow yourself to ponder for a few minutes that if it was true, then what? And if you still don’t believe, I’ll accept it.”

Where will you spend eternity?

Will you believe?

John 12:46
I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.

© Chrissy Siggee

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