Some Jesus Things: Fifty Shades of Red

Fifty Shades of Red

The time honored children’s hymn “Jesus Loves Me” Started as a three stanza Poem by Anna Bartlett Warner (1827–1915) originally published in an 1860 novel called “Say and Seal.” The novel was written by Anna’s older sister Susan Warner. In the novel the words of the poem were spoken to comfort a dying child.

The tune that I and many of you may remember from Sunday School and Vacation Bible School was added in 1862 by William Batchelder Bradbury. He also added the chorus that immortalized the tune, capable of transporting me back to my youth. A song that still fills my heart with immeasurable amounts of joy.

Jesus loves me—this I know,
For the Bible tells me so;
Little ones to him belong,—
They are weak, but he is strong.

Jesus loves me—loves me still,
Though I’m very weak and ill;
From his shining throne on high,
Comes to watch me where I lie.

Jesus loves me—he will stay,
Close beside me all the way.
Then his little child will take,
Up to heaven for his dear sake.

Hymn added by William Batchelder Bradbury in 1862.

Jesus loves me—this I know,
For the Bible tells me so;
Little ones to Him belong—
They are weak, but He is strong.

Refrain

Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
The Bible tells me so.

Jesus loves me—He who died
Heaven’s gate to open wide;
He will wash away my sin,
Let His little child come in.

Refrain

Jesus loves me—loves me still,
Though I’m very weak and ill;
From His shining throne on high
Comes to watch me where I lie.

Refrain

Jesus loves me—He will stay
Close beside me all the way,
Then His little child will take
Up to Heaven for His dear sake.

I’ll understand if you choose to blame me for getting this song stuck in your head. Actually, I’m proud that I could help! It does serve to remind you of Jesus’ immense love for YOU!

Anna spoke the truth when she penned the phrase, “For the Bible tells me so.” One such passage is found in the book of Ephesians.

that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height — to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:17-19)

Be honest with yourself; Are you really able to comprehend the width, length, depth, and height of Jesus Christ’s love for YOU? (Ephesians 3:19) states that it’s beyond our knowledge or understanding to fully grasp His love.

In simpler terms; the indwelling salvation of Jesus provides the ability for you to personally comprehend how wide, long, deep, and high His love is; to the measure your free will allows or your mortal body can tolerate.

We as humans do not possess the mental ability to fully understand how Great this kind of holy love really is. Jesus’ love is beyond analysis, or computation. Our only hope and goal is to learn and receive as much of His love that we can contain or withstand.

Enlightenment

One way in which we can traverse this wasteland of mental ability is to seek out more scriptures in which the “Bible tells us so.” One such verse in Romans shows us how He demonstrates His love.

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

Read and then re-read these verses as many time as it takes to comprehend, understand, feel, and bath in the purest love your heart and mind can possess. With a firm comprehension you can let your soul rejoice in joyous inexpressible ways.

whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, (1 Peter 1:8)

As human beings we yearn for a deep and meaningful love. We crave the attention and touch of another. We ache with an emotional earthquake of love that sends a tsunami of thoughts into our minds to connect with another and calm the raging storms.

The truth is; No other human being is capable of satiating your innermost desires. No human being is able to fill the void in your heart the way the Holy Spirit can.

Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Romans 5:5)

The closest example of pure human love is when someone sacrificially gives their own life to save another. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. (John 15:13)

Jesus Gave All

This is exactly what God did when clothed Himself in mortal flesh; who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. (Philippians 2:6-7)

Jesus became the sacrificial Lamb of God who laid down His life for YOU! The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! (John 1:29) Jesus gave His life to save YOU from your sins. (Romans 5:8)

Jesus suffered unfathomable shame, disgrace and prolonged agonizing tortures to prove and provide His love for YOU. I gave My back to those who struck Me, And My cheeks to those who plucked out the beard; I did not hide My face from shame and spitting. (Isaiah 50:6)

Do you really comprehend the grief, sorrow, pain, and torment that Jesus went through so that YOU could be saved and truly loved forever? Surely He has borne our griefs, And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. (Isaiah 53:4-5)

Jesus didn’t just peacefully lay down and die for you, He was tortured and died a Bloody Death of Crucifixion beyond 50 shades of red in crimson colored disgrace for YOU!

So then Pilate took Jesus and scourged Him. And the soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and they put on Him a purple robe. Then they said, “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they struck Him with their hands. Then he delivered Him to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus and led Him away. And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha, So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit. But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe. (John 19:1-3, 16-17, 30, 34-35)

Satan’s Perversion

Satan does not want you to comprehend and know the tremendous sacrifice that Jesus suffered for YOU. Satan wants mankind ignorant, self-centered, and suffering death condemned to Hell.

Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, (Hebrews 2:14)

Satan’s only desire is to kill, steal, and destroy your life. Jesus died to save, love, and fulfill your hearts desires.

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. (John 10:10)

Satan’s seduces with fleshly temptations and unbridled indulgences. Satan’s ample temptations can lure you into a plethora of sins beyond 50 shades of red in your crimson colored disgrace. (Isaiah 1:18)

All designed to ensnare and enslave to establish the inevitable destruction of your joy, life, and soul. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. (1 Peter 5:8)

The Saviors Way

Jesus’ pure unconditional love and desire for your salvation was proven on the cross of crucifixion death. His blood is the only thing that can cover your sin. Jesus bled and died for YOU.

Surely He has borne our griefs, And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. (Isaiah 53:4-5)

No matter how many heartaches or gut-wrenching emotional traumas you have endured; Jesus can pull you out of despair. Jesus can fill your heart and mind with a pure warm love beyond your flesh.

He sent from above, He took me; He drew me out of many waters.(Psalm 18:16) Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

The Way, the Truth, and the Life

Jesus gave up all of the Glories of Heaven as King of Kings. Your carnal mortal mind cannot fathom all of the privileges, Heavenly beauty, and Holy perfection that Jesus relinquished to become your Savior by washing your sins in His own Blood.

and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, (Revelation 1:5)

Ours sins are colorful and countless; yet diversified, bountiful in incalculable ways. Still; Jesus Christ’s Blood can cleans the plethora of sins beyond 50 shades of red that stain our souls in crimson disgrace.

“Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the Lord, “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool. (Isaiah 1:18)

Jesus accomplished phenomenal miracles, healings, and acts of love clothed in mortal flesh. Just think of what He can do for you, restored to His former Glory through His finished work on the cross.

I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was. (John 17:4-5)

Jesus can restore your joy, love, and immortal soul. Jesus is the only path to heaven, happiness, and eternal love. Jesus loves you so much that he gave everything, right down to the last drop of blood His mortal heart could pump.

Jesus died so that you could live, and live life more abundantly through him while you yet live, and then forever in the Holy Ecstasy of Pure Perfection and Contentment in Heaven. (John 10:10)

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. (John 14:1-3)

Pray this simple prayer and accept Jesus’ Perfect Love, trusting in Jesus as your Savior Today:

“Lord Jesus, I am a sinner and I need a Savior. Right now I will turn away and repent from my sin and accept you as my Lord and Savior. I trust and believe that You are the Son of God, my Lord and Savior for my salvation, I know and believe that You died on the Cross and rose again from the grave to pay for my sins. I thank you for saving me. Amen.”

If you prayed this prayer there is no longer any reason to be lonely, now you can sing along with me.

Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
The Bible tells me so.