The Christian Online Magazine - 
Publisher's Note: Joyce is kicking off her new column this month with a touching testimony of how she felt after watching the movie, 'The Passion of The Christ'. Each month she will be filling this column with inspiration and the love of Jesus. Joyce is an accomplished author and she has a new book in the making scheduled for release sometime in the near future.
joyce54aa@swoidup.net
I had put it off for almost six weeks; going to see The Passion of The Christ. I had listened to all the moving stories. I watched as they spoke to the cast of the movie. I had watched each of the film clips, but I still wasn't sure what to expect. Now, I know.
The theater was dark and the coming attractions were already playing, as we found a seat. There were only a few people in the theater, as this was the last night for the showing in our area. The movie began, and immediately I felt as if I were standing in the garden with Jesus; listening to His prayers; knowing what He was going to have to face. Hearing the words of our Lord and Savior in his native tongue, brought each word home, and sent it straight to my heart.
Watching as Judas betrayed Jesus, I felt the hurt and betrayal. As He was arrested and taken away, like a common criminal, I was stunned, dreading what was coming next. Knowing that His life was on a course, that He would choose to follow.
There are no words to describe the agony and torture that He went through. I won't even try. I was frozen to the seat, watching each terrible scene unfold. Tears streamed down my face and neck. Finally, I no longer tried to wipe them away. Watching Him, had opened a river of tears, and they weren't going to be denied. My heart was tight in my chest and it was hard to breathe. I was sick to my stomach, but all I could think was, He did this for me. He did this for me.
Each degradation He went through, was almost unbearable. I prayed, Dear Jesus, I am so sorry, I am so very sorry. As He fell to the gound, I wanted to hold Him; I wanted to help Him, and tell Him how much I love Him. I felt His strength and power, even in His weakest moments. How could a love like this possibly exist? As He was being tortured, I closed my eyes and prayed Dear Jesus, by Your stripes, we are healed, by Your stipes, we are healed. I prayed it over and over. My prayers were the only thing that kept me in that theater.
I was saved at an early age. I have walked with Jesus, for almost fifty years, but my walk will never be the same. Sitting in the almost barren theater, watching the events unfold, I wanted to go back in time and be with Him. I wanted to hold His hand and put my arms around Him. As I watched, my life changed. The sugar-coated version of His death and the last hours leading up to it, were washed away. Now, I was faced with the brutal and harsh realities. I wanted to run away. I didn't want to watch as His body was abused and He was humiliated; but He didn't run away. He could have, but He didn't. He could have called legions of angels to His side, but He didn't. So I sat silently and watched, as my Savior suffered and died.
I have sang the songs about Calvary, and I have read the scriptures, but tonight, I saw the inhumanities he suffered. Now, I know the real price He paid for our salvation, and it was a great price. Did I enjoy the move? No. How could anyone enjoy seeing someone they love go through such agony? This movie is an experience, and it changed me forever. Although, death could not hold Him, the reality of His death, is etched into my heart and soul.
Jesus is alive today, and we are able to tell Him how much we love Him. We can thank Him for His sacrificial love. As horrible as His death was, He is alive now; we serve a risen Savior. Never forget that He endured the cross for us. I came away from the theater with a new understanding of His last hours and the love He has for us; it was love that held Him to the cross . . . it was love.
It Was His Love
by Joyce Balentine
Jesus prayed in Gethsemane, in the darkness all alone. His heart
was heavy and burdened, as He prayed to His Father's throne.
"Father, let this cup pass from Me; if not, let Thy will be done."
But, there was no other way, for He was the Chosen One.
The sins of this lost world, would be the burden He would bare;
He was filled with sadness, and grief beyond compare.
This perfect, sinless Man, was God's willing sacrifice. Through
His precious blood, He gave us the gift, of eternal life.
In His last moments, He prayed for those who didn't understand;
Jesus, gave His life so freely, on the cross called Calvary. It was
joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame,
