THE EXECUTIONER

Note from Steve Shultz, Moderator: One of the greatest prophets that ever lived, Daniel, identified with the sins of his nation, that is, of his own people. So when he repented, he DIDN'T say, "Lord for THEM." Rather, he said, "WE have sinned and done wrong." Yet of Daniel, virtually nothing was EVER RECORDED regarding any sins he committed. In no less of a way, should we identify with the Crucifixion of our Lord. Because it was not "they" who crucified Him ---it was US.
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October 23, 1997

Today I saw a vision in my spirit of Jesus being crucified on the cross. Only I was playing the part of the Roman soldier who was nailing him there, stabbing him with the spear, watching him die. He breathed an agonized prayer for me, his executioner, "Father, forgive Bryan. He doesn't know what he is doing," as I was torturing and killing him.

I knew Jesus had died for my sin. It had not occurred to me that it was I who murdered him.

Sin pays its wages in death. We justly deserve the death penalty for our crimes against Almighty God. Only instead of us going to a cross the pay for those crimes, Jesus went in our place as an innocent volunteer. He willingly died in my place allowing me to murder him all the while knowing that I would ultimately reap the benefit of his sacrifice.

My sin put him there and my hand killed him. And he submitted to it all willingly to finally win my broken heart back to the God who created me.

When a criminal is executed, the crimes are considered paid in full. By faith, it was me who died on that cross and in Christ, I was raised to life again.

I did not know what I was doing that day but now I understand what He did. It was for me, his judge, jury, and executioner. It was all for love.