The Darkest of Hours is Good Friday 4/10/20
Good Morning and Blessings to you in the name of Jesus Christ!
Have you ever noticed how much we value being right? Consider children arguing during a game. I can remember being in those situations, playing basketball or football, and arguing about a foul or who was out of bounds. Both parties knew they were the one who was right. Even into adulthood, that desire to be right, and proving the other person wrong is a deeply rooted desire. You may concede a point once in a while, but how often is it because you are tired of arguing, and know your right anyway? There is something deep inside humanity that desires to be right, or maybe it is better to say justified. We are willing to let friendships die and marriages fall apart simply because we can not acknowledge, let alone admit, that we might be wrong in some way. The overwhelming urge to not be seen as weak or incorrect can drive us to actions that destroy relationships.
While reading the Gospel of Mark's account of Jesus arrest and crucifixion, I was struck by the Gospel writers account of Jesus encounter with the chief priests, scribes and elders. They came at night to arrest him with swords and clubs. They sought testimony against Jesus, but could find none. As some stood against Jesus, they brought false claims against him. Even these lies contradict themselves with others. The fear, pride and arrogance of those accusing Jesus led them to harden themselves to their position. It was impossible for them to admit that they were wrong! After all, these were the religious leaders and learned men. How could they get it wrong? This was the darkest hour and the power of darkness.
Jesus, by contrast, showed us grace, humility, forgiveness and love. He knew that truth came from God. It was Jesus himself that came to reveal that truth to the world. Jesus did not argue for his release or put up an eloquent, passionate defense. Certainly Jesus knew the will of the father and the cup that he had to bear. Jesus had nothing to apologize for, since everything he did was good and came from love. Despite all that Jesus had done in his ministry the people missed the truth, or were unable to acknowledge it. Jesus is the Son of God!
Today is the one day that a Christian should feel terrible. Jesus, in humble obedience, died for our sins and the sins of the world. It is through his death and resurrection that your sins are forgiven. Therefore, let us humble ourselves before God and pray for his mercy. It is right to repent of our sins, and ask God to reveal where your pride, jealousy, fear or self-righteousness has damaged your relationship with Jesus and with others.
Take Hope! For while we remember the darkest hour, today, it is the Light of Jesus that casts out all darkness. Our Lord is alive!
Have you ever noticed how much we value being right? Consider children arguing during a game. I can remember being in those situations, playing basketball or football, and arguing about a foul or who was out of bounds. Both parties knew they were the one who was right. Even into adulthood, that desire to be right, and proving the other person wrong is a deeply rooted desire. You may concede a point once in a while, but how often is it because you are tired of arguing, and know your right anyway? There is something deep inside humanity that desires to be right, or maybe it is better to say justified. We are willing to let friendships die and marriages fall apart simply because we can not acknowledge, let alone admit, that we might be wrong in some way. The overwhelming urge to not be seen as weak or incorrect can drive us to actions that destroy relationships.
While reading the Gospel of Mark's account of Jesus arrest and crucifixion, I was struck by the Gospel writers account of Jesus encounter with the chief priests, scribes and elders. They came at night to arrest him with swords and clubs. They sought testimony against Jesus, but could find none. As some stood against Jesus, they brought false claims against him. Even these lies contradict themselves with others. The fear, pride and arrogance of those accusing Jesus led them to harden themselves to their position. It was impossible for them to admit that they were wrong! After all, these were the religious leaders and learned men. How could they get it wrong? This was the darkest hour and the power of darkness.
Jesus, by contrast, showed us grace, humility, forgiveness and love. He knew that truth came from God. It was Jesus himself that came to reveal that truth to the world. Jesus did not argue for his release or put up an eloquent, passionate defense. Certainly Jesus knew the will of the father and the cup that he had to bear. Jesus had nothing to apologize for, since everything he did was good and came from love. Despite all that Jesus had done in his ministry the people missed the truth, or were unable to acknowledge it. Jesus is the Son of God!
Today is the one day that a Christian should feel terrible. Jesus, in humble obedience, died for our sins and the sins of the world. It is through his death and resurrection that your sins are forgiven. Therefore, let us humble ourselves before God and pray for his mercy. It is right to repent of our sins, and ask God to reveal where your pride, jealousy, fear or self-righteousness has damaged your relationship with Jesus and with others.
Take Hope! For while we remember the darkest hour, today, it is the Light of Jesus that casts out all darkness. Our Lord is alive!
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