"What's the best way to share the Gospel?" many people wonder, and many people offer to teach us. Answers range from 3 easy steps to 5, from tracts and pamphlets to CDs and DVDs of sermons, songs, and even hip-hop raps. Some people quote Jesus' words, analyzing His methods of speech and usage of parables.

"How can I save them?" I wondered, prayed, studied, read countless books on the topic. I underestimated the people. And I underestimated God. I should have known that their response is always the same. I should have known that His is, as well.

In the end, after valiant speeches and tear-stained pleadings, I just stretched my arms wide, closed my eyes, and prayed. In the end, I could do no better than Him. In the end, I, too, felt the nails tear through my flesh. In the end, my heart, like His, was broken, and then pierced through by the people. Just as He promised those whom He would send, all truly sent by Him, I was hated, mocked, spit on, raised up in shame and with great pain for all to see, and crucified.

In the end, I found no better way, no easier or swifter or tidier means to save a person. In the end, every word He said to His disciples was true for me. In the end, only by the cross would men be saved, only by that kind of Love would truth prevail. So I spread my arms wide, and let them crucify me, like He let them crucify Him.

Just like God's chosen people of old, mere priests and pastors and human mediators cannot atone for you nor pronounce you saved nor cover your shame come judgement day. Just like God's chosen people of old, you hear the prophets, who speak God's perfect words, and believe yourselves to be right before Him, then you go your own way. Just like God's chosen people of old, you speak truth and talk of God, but you know Him not — no, not truly.

But He offers you one more chance, just as He offered Israel of old — one more chance to know Him, to obey Him, to believe on Him, to love Him, to be saved by Him.

"One more chance?" you ask. "But I already know Him!"

Friend, if you knew Him, you would not have crucified me.

Touch the scars. God is Love.

Copyrighted material, used with permission.