23

Why must the Redeemer be truly God?
That because of his divine nature his obedience and suffering would be perfect and effective; and also that he would be able to bear the righteous anger of God against sin and yet overcome death. (Acts 2:24) (from here)

Lord Jesus, you were a man just like us yet even more human, for you lived it perfectly. And you were also Almighty God. This is most strange - completely God, you were a man. Completely a man, you were God.

It's strange but it is very good. No mere person could suffer what you suffered - we would all die before receiving the minutest part. But you bore the punishment of all, for all time. Because of your divinity, we are saved. Thank you, Lord, for being willing to come down from your exalted place to endure this horror.

Before you came, we lived in a world where there was no longer any hope to be found in the race of man. We retained something of our ancient dignity, but ever broken and corrupted. You became our only hope; the only one who could live a perfect life and die a perfect death. Thank you, God, for giving us yourself.

Jesus, you became our perfect Mediator. You understand and sympathise with us in our weakness, and you speak to the Father on our behalf, holding up your nail-pierced hands. When Satan accuses us, we can remember this and walk confidently into your presence. Thank you, thank you, God.