Atonement - Luke 23:26-49

The cross is the turning point of history and philosophy. At the cross our insatiable inner questions find answers. How much does God LOVE us? What is forgiveness? What will happen when we die? Is there final justice for all wrongdoing? Was Jesus who he claimed to be?

The cross is also the cradle of grace. Here, finally, we find the extent of LOVE’s commitment to us. Jesus pushed us out of the way of the impending disaster due to us for our guilt. LOVE took the hit instead. Shame and guilt were destroyed in the collision. Jesus shoved us away from death, in to the free place where he had previously stood, perfectly known and accepted by LOVE. He swapped his place for ours. Grace exchanges the penalty due to us for our wrongdoing, giving us in return fullness of eternal life in perfect LOVE.

Let’s again resist praying for things today, and instead simply mediate on the cross, worshipping LOVE and thanking Jesus for the “beautiful exchange” he has won for us.

“You were near, Though I was distant
Disillusioned I was lost and insecure

Still mercy fought, For my attention
You were waiting at the door, Then I let You in

Trading Your life, For my offenses
For my redemption, You carried all the blame

Breaking the curse, Of our condition
Perfection took our place

When only love
Could make a way
You gave Your life
In a beautiful exchange

My burden erase, my life forgiven
There is nothing, that could take this love away

My only desire, and sole ambition
Is to love You just the same

When only love
Could make a way
You gave Your life
In a beautiful exchange

Holy are You God
Holy is Your name
With everything I've got
My heart will sing how I love You”

Beautiful Exchange, Hillsong Worship