What This World Needs

The singing group Casting Crowns sings a song by the name of “What this world needs.” In that song they bring out some very interesting thoughts.  This world doesn’t need another one hit wonder with an axe to grind or another two bit politician peddling lies. This world doesn’t need another sign waving Super Saint who’s better than you or an ear pleasing candy man afraid of the truth. Then they nail it down; what this world needs is a Savior who will rescue, a spirit who will lead, a father who will love them in their time of need. What this world needs is for us to care more about the inside than the outside. What challenging words that tell us the bottom line is Jesus. This Sunday we will celebrate Easter once again; how long ago when on that Sunday Morning early the tomb where Jesus had been placed was empty. Today that tomb is still empty; but before the tomb Jesus went through much and I would like to look at that day on Calvary. Get the picture Jesus is hanging on a Roman cross they have already beat Him, spit on Him, slapped Him, said cruel words to Him. It was a bad day to say the least; did I say bad day? Oh no, it was a good day for this was the day the Lord had made.  Jesus begins to pray and the first words Jesus spoke should cause each one of us to stop and think. 

Luke 23:33  And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.

Luke 23:34  Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. The very first words from His mouth are words of pardon for His murderers. Man’s greatest need is not health, food, clothing, housing, or a job. The greatest need of man is forgiveness from God. Without it we will be condemned by God to hell for all eternity. Do you see what we are being taught here? It would be easy to understand Christ forgiving good people that  had not slapped Him, talked to Him in a cruel way but that’s not what He did, He said “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”  Jesus looks out at the men who had just drove nail in His hands and feet and He asked His Father to forgive them. If Jesus is willing to forgive men like that don’t you think that He would forgive you? He forgave the thief next to Him; that’s what Jesus does He forgives and you and I should never forget that. He’s on the cross; He’s coming off and a surprise is coming for those who guard His tomb.