Whom would we suppose to be the objects of His wrath and vengeance?

(Charles Simeon)  LISTEN to audio!  Download Audio

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Zechariah 13:7, "Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, against the Man who is My Companion . . . Strike the Shepherd . . ."

When God called to His sword to "awake and smite"--whom would we suppose to be the objects of His wrath and vengeance?

Would we not conclude of course, that we ourselves were to be the monuments of His wrath? We, towards whom He had so long exercised forbearance, and who had so obstinately persisted in our rebellion and sins?

Yes, I think God would say:
"Sword, go and smite My incorrigible enemies!
 Sword, go and smite these rebels to Hell for their sins!"

But, behold, the Father directs His sword to execute vengeance upon His beloved Son Jesus, the Good Shepherd--as the substitutionary sacrifice for our sins!

In John 18:39, Pilate asked: "Do you want me to release the King of the Jews?"
They shouted back, "No, not Him! Give us Barabbas!"

We do not so much wonder that the Jews should cry out, "Spare not this Man, but Barabbas!"

But that Jehovah Himself should give direction to His sword of vengeance, "Spare not My dear Son--but guilty sinners!" is truly astonishing! Yet this, in effect, He did say:
"Spare the vilest sinners of the human race--but smite my Son!
 Do not spare Him--in order that I may spare them!"

O wondrous love!

   Who can estimate it?

      What tongue can utter it?

         What imagination can conceive it?

Yes, God so loved wicked sinners, as to give His beloved Son to die in their place, so that they might have eternal life! The heights and depths of His love are unsearchable, either by men or angels.

Romans 5:6, 8, 10
"When we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly."

"While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

"When we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son."
   
"The Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins!" Galatians 1:3-4

"I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me!" Galatians 2:20
 
"Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God!" Ephesians 5:2

"Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her!" Ephesians 5:25

"Jesus Christ gave Himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness, and to purify for Himself a people that are His very own!" Titus 2:13-14

What astonishing love is this!