Lenten devotionals from our DS's wife Robbie Craker

Day #15

Last night I was sitting in Brandt Auditorium on the campus of Northwest Nazarene University for the inauguration of the 12^th president in our University’s 95+ year history, David Alexander. It was a privilege to be there and of course my husband had a major role in the evening as Chairman of the Board of Trustees. It was an evening full of pomp and circumstance- robes and banners - processionals and trumpet heralds – charges and covenants – a wonderful evening. But the highlight for me came at the close of the evening when a choir composed of students and alumni took the stage and sang a beautiful rendition of “When I Survey.”

This is the Body of Christ – young and old, long hair and bald, bleached blond and gray, smooth skin and wrinkled – One in Christ. Tears coursed down my face as I watched and listened. They were all moved by the beauty of the music. They were all touched by the truth of the lyrics.

When I survey the wondrous cross

On which the Prince of Glory died,

My richest gain I count but loss

and pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,

Save in the death of Christ, my God;

All the vain things that charm me most,

I sacrifice them to His blood.

See, from His head, His hands, His feet,

Sorrow and love flow mingled down;

Did e'er such love and sorrow meet,

Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Were the whole realm of nature mine,

That were a present far too small;

Love so amazing, so divine,

Demands my soul, my life, my all.

Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant. --Colossians 1:21-23 (NIV)

The message about the cross doesn't make any sense to lost people. But for those of us who are being saved, it is God's power at work. – 1 Corinthians 1:18 (CEV)

Let’s not forget this great sacrifice. Let’s live our lives as a total offering to God. Does He need us for Himself? No, but we have been invited into this great mystery of community with Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Step into that embrace. Hold your head high – He loves you!

“Father, Your gift is so precious. We don’t want to waste it we want to receive it and share it. Amen”