But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.
Isaiah 53:4
The financial cost of Covid-19 on Wales and the UK is eye watering. A £350 billion bailout by the UK government and a massive increase in spending on the NHS – it is difficult to imagine what this amount of money looks like. The seriousness of the situation has meant that governments and those in power have had to respond, and we’re thankful that we have leaders who are willing to take those massive decisions. But those costs, as big and as staggering as they are, are nothing compared to what God paid for our salvation.
On this day it is good for us to remember what it cost our Lord and Saviour to purchase our salvation.
Look at him in the manger, having humbled himself and found in appearance as a man – The Son of God became a human being, in one small body.
Look at him as a human, beginning life in a manger, fleeing Herod to Egypt and having to face all the human experiences of life which involved hunger, thirst, weariness, homelessness and sorrow.
Look at him facing constant opposition and persecution by the religious leaders of the nation he had so graciously blessed over centuries.
Look at him facing the attacks of the devil: the temptation, the evil Spirits and even through his own disciples.
Look at him living his life in full knowledge that he was walking towards his own death. The author of life dying – what pain this would have caused him. It is no wonder that beads of blood poured from him like sweat.
Look at him losing his friends – those he had given life to and had spent years caring, teaching and loving. Look at his face as they all run away.
Look at him suffering as he was taken, mocked, falsely accused and spat upon. A crown of thorns on his head carrying his own cross.
Look at him hanging there, thirsty and naked, suffering the mocking of the onlookers. Pain etched on his face as blood flows from his body.
Look at him crying “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” This is the climax of the cost and suffering. The perfect relationship between Father, Son and Spirit that had been from eternity broken as he was struck by his Father’s sword.
All of this for us? To save hopeless sinners and rebels who deserve nothing. On this day it is good for us to remember. What else can we do but join with the centurion in proclaiming ‘Truly, this was the Son of God!’
Steffan Job, Capel y Ffynnon