From the garden to the grave to resurrection
Let this Cup
Let this Cup by John Woodbery. A retired lawyer, John writes novels, short stories, poetry, commentaries on legal subjects, even a song (!). Find his suspense novels on Amazon: Hidden, Earl’s Retreat, Two Tombs Covers.
Peter’s Redemption
As we celebrate this Easter of 2023, we thank Jesus for the restoration he brought between Father God and Man as the final blood sacrifice to cover all of mankind’s sins from the past, present, and future. I often think of Peter and how Jesus restored him after Jesus’s resurrection.
Peter had betrayed Jesus by denying him 3 times and then the rooster crowed as Jesus had prophesied to Peter after Peter had proclaimed that he would fight and was willing to die for Jesus. Peter was shown to be a coward in his flesh suit when challenged by a young maid who asked him if he was with Jesus and then by others as he warmed himself by the bonfire, waiting to find out what would happen to Jesus.
Peter Denied knowing Jesus and after realizing that he had betrayed Jesus he ran away in sorrow. Later Jesus met Peter and some of the other disciples at the seashore and asked Peter if he loved him. Jesus asked three times removing the sin of denial three times.
Jesus is so loving and gracious. No matter what we have done he will always forgive us, but we must humble ourselves and bow our knees to him. This story is the inspiration behind this rooster painting titled Peters redemption. Earlier in Mathew Jesus asked his disciples,” Who do people say that I am?” It was Peter who said, ’you are the Christ!” Jesus replied, ”And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” (Matthew 16:18 NIV). The rooster is crowing on the rock, but this rooster is proclaiming Jesus.
This was painted at Sonrise the Easter of 2021. Art and prose by Amy J. Heath, Art Director, Sonrise Magazine
The Great Exchange
Jesus you were made sin,
that I today receive your righteousness.
Jesus you were punished,
that I today receive your complete forgiveness.
Jesus you were wounded,
that I today receive your healing.
Jesus you were put to death,
that I today receive your abundant eternal life.
Jesus you were cursed,
that I today receive your many blessings.
Jesus you were impoverished,
that I today receive your great abundance.
Jesus you experienced shame,
that I today share in and reflect your glory.
Jesus you were rejected
that I today receive your complete acceptance.
Jesus you were cut off
that I today am joined to my heavenly Abba Father.
The Great Exchange by Dennis Morrison. Dennis has been a member of Sonrise since 2001, serving in a number of capacities. His booklet, “God’s 373 Names” has been a blessing to many. Find it at the Sonrise Bookstore.
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