'Maker of the Universe'

The Maker of the universe
As Man for man was made a curse
The claims of Law which He had made
Unto the uttermost He paid.

His holy fingers made the bough
Which grew the thorns that crowned His brow
The nails that pierced His hands were mined
In secret places He designed.

He made the forest whence there sprung
The tree on which His body hung
He died upon a cross of wood
Yet made the hill on which it stood.

The sky that darkened o'er His head
By Him above the earth was spread
The sun that hid from Him it's face
By His decree was poised in space.

The spear which spilled His precious blood
Was tempered in the fires of God
The grave in which His form was laid
Was hewn in rocks His hands had made.

The throne on which He now appears
Was His for everlasting years
But a new glory crowns His brow
And every knee to Him shall bow.

The Maker of the universe.

Praise be to the Maker of the universe!

Radical: Thoughts

I've read The 'new legalism' by Anthony Bradley here and here, along with a graceful response here.

The following words are mere thoughts from an imperfect heart and mind in response to the not-so-easily-ignored 'radical Christianity' buzz and Charlie's thoughtfully balanced post here with some emphasis on Mark 12:41-44...

Sometimes I look at those verses and what comes to mind (without invite) are the exploits of the present prosperity preachers. She gave all she had to live on! And I have to ask myself is this what's required - is this how one becomes radical? Jesus saw the widow's true motive, no doubt, but the moment we become radical to be like the widow, we've become prideful or perhaps irresponsible thoughtless copycats. Okay, so... with that off my chest... It seems we're supposed to notice the exploits, pride, or self-serving motives of the pharisees as compared to the widow's selfless act, and we do.

However, we really do not know the true motives of either example, do we? Only Christ does. Perhaps we're supposed to notice not only the two extremes but also what's lacking. I shy from the word 'radical' in general because it tends to emphasize what we do rather than the genuine results/actions flowing from what God's has us to be - more Christlike - which is so much more than trying to fit some radical mold or fad. Yes, Christianity is inherently radical - it is - but not because we try to 'be' that way. We are christian or Christlike "From one degree to the next as the Spirit sanctifies us." We can't do this! (Now here's a radical pride-deflating realization.) But, by God's grace, we can be obedient to His Word and not make such a big buzz about it.

Now, go read Charlie's post please, you won't regret it.

Thanks for being graceful as I think out loud,
Petra

Photo Credit

More Than Pardoned

Once blind
but now I see

that I was lost already

dead

His law did kill

me
before His Word
Called
before His Truth

Roused
my low slow slumber
 ere His Grace
Pierced
this cold cold heart

Yes

Life conquered Death
by crying bleeding dying

Love smote

Death

Died

even

my death
my sin
and shame also
died
Because He Lives

Now

More
than Pardoned

Justified

Therefore
there is now
No condemnation - Only Grace
 in Christ Jesus
Set free
to be

Free

not to walk lusting
after the flesh
but after the Spirit

Rejoicing
!

Petra O. Hefner

"Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died--more than that, who was raised to life--is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us." Romans 8:34