What If? A Question to Ponder.

We live in a busy, hustle-bustle, hurry-up kind of world.  Because of that, we don't do a lot of pondering.  We don't do a lot of just sitting and thinking.....pondering.
We sometimes spend time pondering as we make resolutions and set goals at the beginning of a new year.  The beginning of a new year is a good time to ponder, but it isn't the only time.  In fact, we probably should do a lot more pondering than we do.

What does it mean to ponder anyway?  It means "to consider something deeply and thoroughly; to meditate; to weigh carefully in the mind; to consider thoughtfully."  (definitions from dictionary.com)

Just what is it we need to be pondering?  For starters, as the writer of the hymn Praise to the Lord, the Almighty wrote, we should ponder what the Almighty can do.  We should think deeply and thoughtfully about Who He is and all that He can do, all that He is able to accomplish in and through us.

But at this season of the year, there is something else to be pondered - what He has already done.  Here in the days leading up to our celebration of the Resurrection, it's time to ponder what He has done for us.  To ponder the price paid for our salvation.

How many times have you gone to the grocery store with shopping list in hand, only to leave the store without purchasing some of the items on that list?  You didn't make the purchase because the item cost too much.

You went to the mall and found a dress or pair of shoes you loved.  But you didn't make the purchase.  It cost too much.

Have you ever stopped to think about - to ponder - how different things would be if that's what Jesus had said?  What if, when confronted with the price He would have to pay for our salvation, He had said "no, that costs too much.  I won't pay that." 

Have you ever stopped to think about - to ponder - exactly what it cost Him to purchase your salvation?

In these days leading up to our celebration of the resurrection, it's a good time for some pondering.  Think about - really think about - ponder - the price that He paid.  As you're making you preparations, and shopping for new clothes, and doing your grocery shopping and cooking and baking, and planning your table setting, don't miss the most important part of Easter.  Don't forget the price He paid.  And why He was willing to pay it.

Where would we be?  What if He had said no?  What if He had said it cost too much.  What if?

"He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; he was despised and we esteemed him not.  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 crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed."  (Isaiah 53:3-5 ESV)

"Then Jesus said to them, 'My soul is very sorrowful, even to death.......' and going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, 'My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.'"  (Matthew 26:38-39 ESV)