04-10-20

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
April 10, 2020
Scripture: Matthew 27:45-50
From noon until three in the afternoon the whole earth was dark. At about three Jesus cried out with a loud shout, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani,” which means, “My God, my God, why have you left me?” After hearing him, some standing there said, “He’s calling Elijah.” One of them ran over, took a sponge full of vinegar, and put it on a pole. He offered it to Jesus to drink. But the rest of them said, “Let’s see if Elijah will come and save him.” Again Jesus cried out with a loud shout. Then he died.

Thought for the Day: This is a dramatic moment in the story of Jesus. In fact, it would make for an excellent movie. Oh wait! It has been depicted in numerous movies, but in almost all of them, I believe they miss what makes this moment so dramatic. Directors and writers try to overplay certain aspects of this moment, using gripping music, make-up and special effects. That’s all well and good, but we need to remember that Rome was executing what they believed to be a criminal, an insurrectionist. They did this as a tool of intimidation. What makes this so dramatic is that it appears as if Rome has won. There will be a lengthy pause, from Friday night to Sunday morning, when it sure looks as if the way of Rome has defeated the way of Jesus. Spend a few moments reflecting upon that.

Prayer: Love embodied in the face of hate and violence is often overlooked by everyone except you, my gracious King. Amen.

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