AUDIO PODCAST

THE POEM

I wonder…
Is our understanding of Jesus bound only to His blood—
as if He were a vessel, a sacred reservoir we draw from just to survive?
Have we reduced the Infinite to a lifeline for spiritual junkies,
a crimson stream we cling to like drowning souls gasping for breath?

Or… is there more?

Do we see Him only as the Lamb who bleeds,
or also as the Logos who speaks worlds into being,
the Flame in the thornbush,
the Gardener at dawn,
the King in obscurity,
the Beloved on the road to Emmaus?

Is He not also the Breath that hovered,
the Light that pierced the beginning,
the Silence between the stars?

Yes, His blood redeems.
But do we know Him beyond the altar—
in the garden,
on the road,
in the whisper,
in the dance of atoms,
in the breaking of bread?

Do we desire the One who gave the blood…
or only the blood He gave?
I wonder…

— Peter Hasert

5 REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1. Have I reduced Jesus to what He can do for me, instead of Who He is to me?
   Do I seek His hand more than His face?
2. When was the last time I marvelled at Jesus beyond the cross—
   —in creation, in the quiet, in communion, in the ordinary?
3. Do I relate to Christ primarily as Saviour… or also as Friend, Lord, King, and Lover of my soul?
4. Am I guilty of spiritual consumerism—feeding on the benefits of His blood without stepping into relationship, obedience, or awe the blood makes possible?
5. If Jesus took nothing away, offered no miracle, gave no sign—
   would I still follow Him, sit with Him, and call Him beautiful?

5 SUGGESTIONS FOR TRANSFORMATION

1. Practise Presence, not just petitions.
   Spend time with Jesus not to get something, but to be with Him. Sit in silence. Let Him speak.
2. Explore His identity through Scripture beyond Calvary.
   Meditate on Him as Creator (John 1), Wisdom (Proverbs 8), Friend (John 15), and Lover (Song of Songs).
3. Reframe prayer as communion, not transaction.
   Shift from asking to adoring. From lists to listening.
4. Find Jesus in beauty and ordinary moments.
   Look for Him in nature, art, children’s laughter, breaking bread. He is not confined to the sanctuary.
5. Take communion with full awareness—not just of His death, but His risen life.
   Break the bread with reverence, but also with joy. He is not only the Lamb slain—He is the Risen Gardener, King, and Companion.

PRAYER OF REPENTANCE

Jesus, Word made flesh,

Forgive me for using You like a vending machine for grace, mercy, and miracles.
Forgive me for loving what You offer more than Who You are.
I’ve kept You at the altar—where You bleed for me—
but I’ve missed You in the garden, where You wait for me.
I’ve sung of the cross, but stayed deaf to Your whisper.
I’ve desired salvation without surrender.

Take me deeper.
Break the idol of comfort I’ve crafted in Your name.
Reveal Yourself to me—not as a symbol, but as a Living Person.
Let me see You in the silence, in the Scriptures, in the stars.
I repent of shallow love and loveless hands.
Give me eyes to behold, and a heart to burn with holy longing for you

Amen.