This past week, as Andy and I met with a corporation in Santo Domingo interested in partnering with Empowering Action, we explained that our motivation as an individuals and an organization is found in the Apostle Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 5:15,
“And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.”
In short, the sacrifice and sufferings of Christ’s life, must determine the pattern and priorities of His follower’s lives. The conversation was all the more meaningful and relevant having occurred during Holy Week leading to the celebration of Easter, for it is at Easter that we called to a “right apprehension of the vicarious sufferings of Christ.”
In the 19th century Pastor J.C. Ryle captured how Christians are the beneficiaries of Christ’s suffering.
“Was he flogged? It was done so that “by his wounds we are healed” (Isa. 53:5). Was he condemned, though innocent? It was done so that we might be acquitted, though guilty. Did he wear a crown of thorns? It was done so that we might wear the crown of glory. Was he stripped of his clothes? It was done so that we might be clothed in everlasting righteousness. Was he mocked and reviled? It was done so that we might be honored and blessed. Was he reckoned a criminal, and counted among those who had done wrong? It was done so that we might be reckoned innocent, and declared free from all sin. Was he declared unable to save himself? It was so that we might be able to save others to the uttermost. Did he die at last, and that the most painful and disgraceful death? It was done so that we might live forevermore, and be exalted to the highest glory. Let us ponder these things well: they are worth remembering. The very key to peace is a right apprehension of the vicarious sufferings of Christ.”
