The Cross—A Meditation on Jesus' Atoning Death (Na Session Four)

Tonight's main session started with two standing ovations. The first was when Josh introduced C.J. Mahaney. As C.J. came up to the platform, the audience began to rise to their feet--a recognition of all C.J. has already invested in this group through various aspects of his ministry. C.J. initiated the second standing ovation, when he asked Eric and his wife, Lisa, and Josh to stand so that we could express our appreciation to them for reviving New Attitude and the hard work they've poured into it this year. As C.J. is always faithful to say, Josh is his favorite senior pastor. "Thank you, Josh, for bringing me so much joy as I play the back nine of life," he cracked, as waves of laughter broke over the audience.

C.J. started by reading part of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, where Aslan was resurrected from the dead and Susan asks what is all means. Then he segued into an exploration of Isaiah 53, which he says is the gospel in miniature. It was Isaiah 53 that the Ethiopian eunuch was reading when Philip overheard him on the road to Gaza. From this passage, C.J. extrapolated three points:

1. The Appearance

One of the first things we learn from this passage is that we would not recognize the Savior as He would not be attractive to us. "The One sent to save us was not particularly impressive to us," C.J. said. His birth and background were not promising, and neither was His appearance.

2. The Reality

God's gracious self-disclosure begins in verse four. Here we encounter divine reality and the promise of the Messiah, C.J. said. We find here that He suffered for us and because of our sins, and He suffered as our substitute. Ten times in three verses (four to six), we encounter the personal pronouns of I, we, or us. He suffered for us. Note also the numerous references to our sins. "This is the part that we play in this drama," he said, referring to our sins. "And did you notice this passage is written as though we were present? That's because morally, we were present." Then he quoted Luther: "We all walk around with His nails in our pocket."

C.J. spent the most amount of time on this section, preaching passionately. "We are gazing upon the just punishment for our sin and we are gazing upon the One who said, 'I will die for them. I will endure righteous wrath for them so that they might know forgiveness of sin, freedom of fear of future wrath, reconciliation with the Father through my sacrifice, and eternal relationship with the Father through My sacrifice.'"

As he expounded upon this point, those assembled responded in spontaneous applause of gratitude.

3. The Significance

C.J.'s final point was delivered with the most passion. You could hear the air-conditioning blowing through the room as the riveted listeners sat in rapt silence. No one was fidgeting, no one was whispering. "In this passage we find the Father's love displayed in a most unexpected way and in an unexpected place," he said.

Verse ten reveals that it was the will of the Father to crush the suffering servant. "So when you are tempted to doubt God's love for you, I would appeal to you to consider God's love for you in Isaiah 53. He crushed His son. He crushed him!" he said, through tears. "He bruised Him. He punished Him. He disfigured Him. He crushed Him with all of the righteous wrath that we deserved. That's what the Father did, so great was His love for sinners like you and me!"

Then he quoted Charles Spurgeon, who said that if we are not convinced of God's love for us, we need to "dwell where the cries of Calvary can be heard." Then he invited everyone to close their eyes and listen to the cries of Calvary.

• "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do."
• "I tell you the truth. This day, you will be with me in paradise."
• "Dear woman, here is your son."
• "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
• "I am thirsty."
• "It is finished."
• "Father, into your hands, I commit my spirit."

In conclusion, worship is the only appropriate response, C.J. said. After a prayer of adoration, the band joined him on stage to sing the chorus of "The Wonderful Cross," which was immediately followed by "Jesus, Thank You."

What a day. So much truth imparted to us. So much to consider and meditate upon. So much to study. And there is still another full day ahead of us. Praise God!

(This photo of C.J. came from the Na blog. Check it out. They have much better shots than what I get with my tiny digital camera!)

Comments

[Julie Moon]

Carolyn, Thank you so much for taking time from the busy agenda of this conference to keep those of us at home updated! Your blogs after each message have powerfully affected me and I feel as if I've gotten to experience about 10% of NA... not as much as I'd like, but at least it's a taste! I just wanted to express my gratefulness to you for taking the time to do this... I'm sure there are more people you could be talking to or sleep you could be getting, but you are serving those of us that could not go to the conference very well by your reviews! I can't wait to talk to my friends and siblings there and ask them specifically about each message and how it has affected them. I'm praying for the conference and for all who are there... keep up the blog updates, they're very appreciated! Julie Moon

[Sheree]

Carolyn, I can't thank you enough for doing this. In the past I've longingly anticipated hearing about things from my children and now I'm hearing your heart and perspective on this prior to talking with them. I know this will make our dialogues more meaningful, and each day I can pray specifically for work of the Spirit in their hearts as they interact with these truths. Thank you so much...this is some hard work. I've always talked of wishing I was a "fly on the wall" and now I am!!!!

[elde]

Second that. Thanks for taking the time and the effort to update.

[Linda]

Carolyn,

Isaiah 53 has always been one of my most favorite chapters in the Bible. I've read and loved it so much that I can quote much of it from memory, so I'm quite familiar with it. However, when I read what C.J. said about the Father crushing and bruising the Lord---about HOW he said it, I was moved to trembling and tears.

May we ever be shaken by the stark reality of the Father's great mercy, grace and love, demonstrated by His bruising our Lord...for us.

Thank you so much, Carolyn, for sharing these wonderful gems with your readers.