28th March 2010 - "We love, because he loved us first"

Stephen Fielding
Palm Sunday

To that great and very long narrative, the crucifixion of Jesus - the central act that defines our faith and brings our healing - what is there that I or anyone can add? We look at the cross, we look at Jesus crucified, and we say: ‘He did it for us, he did it for me’. And perhaps our hearts break. Still, a few words must be said.

Here is the climax of the whole divine narrative, the apex of God's great dealing with humanity, the supreme act by which at last we are reconciled to God in Jesus Christ. ‘Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven!’

Here is the unique and finished work of God in Christ, here is the historic message from God to humanity. But not just a narrative and not just a message but a real redemption at the core of the world and at the heart of things. Here is a real rescue by the divine hand at the point of our greatest moral need. The whole crisis of our moral situation dealt with through the power of Jesus to redeem and to forgive.

And so all the great phrases we have half understood begin to be a bit less blurred and a bit more clear.

‘We love, because he loved us first’. (1 John 4:19)

Here in the crucifixion is the primary and supreme act of love. ‘We love, because he loved us first’. It is completely wrong to think that God only loves us if we love him. Our love is only ever a response to the love that God showed first.

‘ He is the mediator of the new covenant’

And this time the covenant, which is God's utter faithfulness to his people, will not be frustrated. This time the path to God, the way of the Lord, has been opened up decisively, comprehensively and irreversibly.

‘ By his stripes we are healed’

We don't save ourselves. The highway back to God has been opened up afresh by the saving act of Jesus - and here it is before our very eyes again this morning. And in my heart I thank him, I offer him my love. Because he did it for me, he did it for us.

Amen