The Greatest Spectacle (#182 of 365+)

The death penalty is controversial because it’s the taking of a human life. In the U.S. we like to protect one’s human rights so, before an execution ever takes place, we’ll first make sure all
appeals have been exhausted and there’s no hope of a pardon. In his final days we’ll extend acts of kindness to the death row inmate like making sure he gets plenty of visits from loved ones, attorneys, and religious counsel. He’ll get to choose his last meal and has the option to take a sedative to calm his nerves.

The execution will be private rather than public and no recording devices will be allowed. He'll be given an opportunity to say some final words. From there we'll make the process as swift and humane as possible. A sheet will be used during a legal injection to conceal most of his body’s violent jerking motions. After he has been pronounced dead a curtain will close for the removal of his body.

We go through great lengths to protect a person’s right to privacy. We respect the fact that life is being taken from a human being.

“Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. Here they crucified him, and with him two others—one on each side and Jesus in the middle” (John 19:17-18)

My Lord was beaten and flogged before he was sentenced to death. He was paraded through the streets, stripped of his clothes, and then crucified on a hill in plain sight. His death couldn't have been more public. The crowds, the soldiers, and the two thieves who were also crucified that day had no idea he was paying for their sins before the Father.

Joni said “now it’s our turn” to be put on public display. The apostle Paul taught that as a believer “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me” and I’m called to “live by faith in the Son of God” (Galatians 2:20) in full view of the entire world.

“We have been made a spectacle to the whole universe, to angels as well as to men” (1 Corinthians 4:9)

Lord, thank you for willingly going to the cross to bear all my shame. May I never feel embarrassed or foolish when sharing this story with others. Amen.