Jesus.
My friend.
My rock.
My fortress.
It hurts for me to think about this day.
The day my friend was beaten and scorned.
I can hear them yelling, “Crucify Him!”
I can see the pain and hurt in His eyes.
His body weak and fragile.
The smell of blood and dust filling the air.
The day he took up his cross.
He carried it upon His back, until he could no longer.
Sweat and blood dripping down his body.
My Savior, being ridiculed and spat upon.
Can your hear the cries amongst the laughter?
The day he was nailed upon a cross for all to see.
I can see Him hanging there.
The weight of every sin and shame heavy upon his shoulders.
When the time comes, he asks for a drink.
I can taste the sour wine they pressed to his lips.
As he pushes up, with one last breath,
he yells with everything he has left, “tetelestai”!
Jesus proclaims, “It is finished”!
The story of our redemption brings me to my knees every
time. How can a story filled with so much pain and sorrow have so much redemption
and joy? Jesus died a painful and gruesome death because he loves us so
incredibly much. My human mind cannot begin to comprehend a love so deep and
vast. Today I hurt as I think about the trials Jesus went through on this day.
Today I also rejoice because I am truly free from the bondage of sin. Through his pain and suffering I am
free. We are so longer slaves to our sin. The chains have been broken. It is
finished! Oh, beautiful lamb! Hallelujah.
So what are we waiting for? Lets run. Actually, lets sprint.
I want us to sprint after Jesus. In Luke 9 Jesus says, “Whoever wants to be my
disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” It is
time for us to take up our crosses and run towards eternity. Can you see it? It
is so close. We are so close. Jesus is coming! Lets go together. Lets join
hands and run towards a day where denominations will no longer divide us. A day
when race will no longer separate us. A day when politics in all its corruption
will be no more. A day when we, every denomination and race, will be joined
together at the feet of our beautiful Jesus. Are you ready? Lets go!
