Lifted high on the cross

Albert Bogle September 18, 2023 2 5

Playlists

Add to Favourites

Save for later

Listen to this daily worship

Mark 10: 45 (NRSVA)

45 For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.’

In the film Schindler’s List Liam Neeson, who portrays Oskar Schindler, weeps profoundly, when he reflects on what he could have achieved. He is consoled by Itzhak Stern, Schindler’s accountant played by Ben Kingsley, one of the many hundreds he had saved from the Nazi gas chambers.  Itzhak tells him he saved so many, who would have died. Oskar replies through tears, “But I could have got more… I threw away so much money, you have no idea…I could have done so much more.”

I can’t help fill up with tears each time I see this clip. For it speaks to me of the regret I carry for the things that I have left undone. Yet I am overwhelmed by the amazing generosity of God that outstrips the kindness of the most generous of human souls.

In today’s short verse from the Gospel, we have the essence of the heart of God ‘lifted high’ that we might see his glory. Unlike Schindler, the heart of God gives his all. He has come in Christ to serve and to spend himself in the service of others.

When My Time Comes

Lord,

When our time comes

To stand before you

And give an account

Of our time, talent and money

Grant that there may be

Some gold and silver and even precious stones

Among the hay, wood and stubble of our lives

Grant to each of us

O Lord

The time to mend

The things that can be mended

And to replenish that which has been emptied

And to spend our lives gladly serving

Rather than expecting to be served.