“At noon, darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. At about three o’clock, Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”
Some of the bystanders misunderstood and thought he was calling for the prophet Elijah. One of them ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, holding it up to him on a reed stick so he could drink. But the rest said, “Wait! Let’s see whether Elijah comes to save him.”
Then Jesus shouted out again, and he released his spirit. At that moment the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, rocks split apart, and tombs opened. The bodies of many godly men and women who had died were raised from the dead.” – Matthew 27:45-52
This Passover was unlike any other.
It was our sin that required a payment.
It was His love that took Him to the cross.
While the body of the Messiah hung life-less, and the whole land stood in darkness, God still had a plan. The Father’s love for His Son, and all of His creation wouldn’t end in death, but would end death from separating Him from all He loved.
This is the hope that our faith is built on.
A hope that saves us by grace and calls us to follow out of love.
A Love that doesn’t leave us where He found us but draws us closer into His presence.
A Presence that comforts and corrects, restores and redeems, provides and protects.
His life ransomed for ours.
The Passover Lamb sent to set us free!
A deliverance so intricately profound… all for you and for me.
What kind of love would go to such lengths?
What kind of beauty could come from such sacrifice?
What kind of God would save those who rejected Him?
A Saviour. A King. A Holy Father.
How could I possibly respond to such love?
What words bestow worth to such a gift of grace?
No sentiment or gift could ever repay for the bloodshed in payment of my sin.
So, I give my whole life… to follow… to serve… to surrender to the One who loved me first.
May my life be an offering of gratitude, and praise, as I determine to follow You all of my days.
Comments