Death Row

Kirk NormanIt is Maundy Thursday as I write this blog. Maundy Thursday is a day when we celebrate the Last Supper. Have you ever been to a supper that you thought might be your last? I am always amazed at the fortitude of our Savior. What must it have been like to know what was about to happen and yet have no one to share it with who understood what you were saying.

Have you ever felt that way? I have. There have been many times in my life when I have struggled with things that I felt I had no one to turn to who would understand. Jesus must have felt much this same way as he prayed in the garden of Gethsemane that fateful night. Maybe that is why He felt frustrated when he found the disciples asleep at the post. Maybe that is why He sweat great drops of blood as he turmoiled with his earthly nature what was about to happen to Him.

I am drawn to think of those who have sat awaiting death on death row in prisons around the world. Many of those people know the feeling of having a last supper. Many of those people know what it feels like to realize their life is coming to an end. Many people reading this blog will be outraged that I would compare Jesus to a person who has committed a crime which is deserving of death. But isn’t that who we are? Aren’t we people who have committed crimes deserving of death. “For the wages of sin is DEATH!” And yet, God sent his Son to bind up our sin. A spotless pure lamb, that takes on the sin of the world, and willingly goes to cross in order for us to escape the agony of our deserved death. Therefore we always find a Jesus a person who knows our every feeling; who has endured our struggling and much more; who hears us when we cry out thinking that no one would know our hurt and pain.

It would be easy to end this blog with the triumph of Sunday morning, but Sunday morning will get here soon enough. It does me good to reflect and remember what Christ suffered that I can live. Let Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Black Saturday resonate in your spirit so that Easter can be a moment of unspeakable joy.

Together on the journey,
Kirk

Posted on Thu, April 1, 2010 by Kirk Norman

2 comments (Add your own)

1. Susan wrote:
Kirk,
Thank you for this article. For about 6 months I have been sending birthday cards to inmates on death row! I now have some very interesting correspondence with a number of death row inmates. I'm telling you, God is doing some amazing things!

We are all one choice away from being where they are. We all have great propensity for good and great propensity for evil. Given the circumstances most death row inmates grew up with, we might all be where they are. There are many, many there who now know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Had they not found themselves incarcerated, they may have died a violent death without ever knowing Jesus.

The Scripture that gripped me and led me to this ministry is Hebrews 13:3 -- Remember those in prison as if you were in prison with them. They truly are society's forgotten. I would never condone what they have done (and in many cases have been accused falsely) and I grieve for the families that have had to endure the consequences of their poor choices.

I would ask you to pray, with me, for revival in the prisons of our country. In most cases, they are so receptive to the Gospel -- when it is presented in love -- how we all need to know His love, mercy, and grace -- even those on Death Row!!

Thanks for letting me share something so near and dear to my heart. This is something I never imagined I would be doing, but I can tell you, nothing has been more meaningful!!

Blessings,
Susan

Thu, April 15, 2010 @ 5:19 PM

2. Timothy Wright wrote:
Dear: Brother,
I just want to take the time to set down and thank you for what you said about the death row inmates. Like I said before if it wasn't for all of my friends at the church and the church accepting me with open arms I would be in the grave or back in prison. I know that it seems that I don't appreacte but I really do. As soon as I can I will start back attending again because I miss you all.
Your Brother in Christ
Timothy!

Fri, April 23, 2010 @ 11:30 AM

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