Laugh

"Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross," Mark 15:32.

That's somewhat a cruel taunt when nails fasten your hands and feet securely onto wooden slabs. That's the chief priests (and law experts) mocking Jesus. What has happened in men's hearts when they look at such obscenity, and laugh? What has happened in men's hearts that such perversion is too good a death for anybody? What's happening in God's heart as he leaves his beloved to die such inhumane indignities? God's heart's responses: Grace and forgiveness for those who trust in the gospel - Outrage, fiery vengeance, punishment, eternal annihilation for those who do not obey it. Our hearts get to choose which.

Hearts drawn with a brother or sister today to his outstretched arms, we look up from his nailed feet to him. And we give thanks together that Christ allowed the nails to lift up his body from the earth to the end.