Why am I so surprised???

I bought the DVD version of "The Bible" miniseries on Tuesday when it came out.  Started to watch it that night, and got through about the first 5 episodes...

I was really enjoying it, and wasn't real surprised to learn that I already knew most of what was happening, as I've been taught those particular stories for a long time.

Sat down to watch more of it last night, and ended up watching all the rest of the episodes.

I've seen the crucifixion scenes many times in many different films.................BUT.

Last night, for whatever reason (finally must have been totally ready for it) THIS time it was very different...........

I started to sob, heart-wrenching, from the depth of my soul sobs.............and just sat there, horror-struck at what was happening in front of me......

THIS time, it was REAL, very very REAL...........and very, very personal.........

I kept saying out loud, "HOW COULD THEY DO THAT TO HIM?"  And then, "He died for ME!"

It really made it very real to me how absolutely unworthy I was for Him to do that for ME.

I just can't imagine how it felt for Jesus to watch all those people who had shouted "Hosanna," reject Him, how it felt for His mother to watch that...............how it felt for GOD to watch that happen to His only Son.......I only know how it felt for ME to watch it.........

I felt like I was there...part of the shouting crowd.............and He still died for me........

I can tell you, I look at my faith very differently now, and I certainly prayed differently last night, in a way I've only prayed a few times..........on my face on the floor...

James 4:10 says, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up."

NOW I get it.......................

Today, HE has lifted me up.................