Beyond a Doubt...He is Risen Indeed!

One of my personal traditions during Passion Week is to place various paintings on my desktop screen to visually remind myself of the myriad of scenes that make up the incredible week that spans Palm Sunday and Resurrection Sunday. One of my favorites is this painting--entitled The Incredulity of Saint Thomas--by Italian artist Caravaggio (1571 –1610). I like the look in the Apostle Thomas' eyes as he is invited to place his fingers in Christ's pierced side and confirm the historicity of the resurrection for himself. There's something very personal about this scene, especially as the Risen Savior tenderly guides Thomas' hand. This year I noticed something new: the torn sleeve of Thomas. Just a guess here, but I wonder if the artist wanted to symbolically allude to Jesus' shared humanity as the Son of Man. Perhaps it was a precursor of Thomas' own martyrdom years later in India where, as tradition would have it, he was stabbed with a spear for his witness on the subcontinent.

A few weeks ago, Sabrina and I had the opportunity to attend a Michael Card concert in Portland. A couple of his guests were from the Seattle area, and one of the musicians shared a song I have been working on the past couple of weeks. The lyrics tie into the scenes and themes of Passion Week so well, I wanted to share them. You can check out this website (http://www.byfor.org) and click on the "Sweet Sacrifice" link to download the song for free via something called the "By/For Project." Michael Card plays the banjo on it!

The Father's Love Is Deep and Wide
Artist: Brian Moss

The Father's love is deep and wide
For the Son and for His Bride
And His grace has been outpoured
Through the passion of our Lord
Down the road and up the hill,
Letting go of His own will
For the sake of all the lost,
Grace not cheap, but with a cost

The truth of God was tested, tried
Flesh was torn, they pierced his side
Through the crown his blood did flow
Going where we could not go
Savior God, the wounded King
Sings the song we cannot sing
Adam died, but Christ now lives
We have sinned still He forgives

The Savior calls our souls to bend,
Not to our will but to His end
And while His grace does satisfy,
He bids us come to come and die
The table stained with truth and grace,
The chalice poured and set in place
Hold the cup and lift it high,
Now drink with me we go to die

Not by our life, not by our death,
Not by the words we fill with breath
Not by the work our hands have done
Not through our daughters or our sons
Not by the treasure that we give,
Do we gain the right to live
The only way we will know life
Is through the One name Jesus Christ

On the home-front, my mother is doing relatively well. She had an upper body scan a couple of weeks ago, and the results were very encouraging. Basically, the cancerous spots throughout her body have either stayed the same size or have been reduced in size. Thanks to all of you who are praying, calling, writing cards, and emailing. It means a lot to all of us!

We hope all of you have a great Resurrection Sunday tomorrow, giving praise to the Father who was willing to pour out his grace through the precious gift of His Son: "Up from the grave He arose, with a mighty triumph o'er His foes..."