Rise.

"Finally Pilate handed Him [Jesus] over to be crucified. So the soldiers took charge of Jesus." John 19:16

My eyes got stuck on these words the other day as my heart feasted on the Living Word of life. I poured over them - over and over again - eyes wide in wonder over the beauty of the Gospel found in these few words. Let's just remember Who we are talking about here...

Colossians 1 says: "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together." (vs. 15-17)

And, the soldiers took charge of Him? Are you kidding me? Jesus was the very reason those soldiers could even take their next breath. He was the reason their muscles and tendons held together. He was why they didn't turn into a puddle on the ground. For crying out loud, even in that moment, Jesus - beaten, weary, and bloody - could have turned those soldiers into said puddle without lifting a finger. All He had to do was speak a word...and the soldiers would've been broken on the spot.

But He didn't.

All of His might, all of His power - tempered into meekness as He allows the soldiers to lead Him away to a cross that was mine and yours. Doesn't it seem too good to be true?

Earlier that day, Jesus had a conversation with Pilate, it was rather one-sided, and it went like this:
"Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked Him, 'Are you the king of the Jews?' 'Yes, it is as you say.', Jesus replied. When He was accused by the chief priests and the elders, He gave no answer. Then Pilate asked Him, 'Don't you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?' But He gave no reply, not even to a single charge - to the great amazement of the governor." Matthew 27:11-14

Why on earth didn't Jesus answer for Himself? It makes no sense - even Pilate stood dumbfounded by the silence of the One called the King of the Jews. The reasoning stands the same as to why He let the soldiers take charge of Him...

Jesus didn't rise to His own defense when He was accused. For in His silence, He rose to ours.

He was willing to do everything needed to bring us redemption. We know how the story goes, right? Those soldiers took Jesus and nailed Him the the cross - leaving Him to drown in His own blood. But, the soldiers weren't expecting what would happen a few days later:

Jesus rose. He walked out of the grave, sealing our redemption forever.

Child of God, what is keeping you from resting in His love tonight? Jesus gave all for you - and He wants all of you.Won't you let Him have it? You won't regret it.

"He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all - how will He also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?" Romans 8:32