Today’s scripture: Luke 23:44-49 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Sue Robinson):
I have always been in awe of these passages of the Easter story. The mightiness of the scene in which the earth trembled, the sky darkened, and the veil in the Temple that separated man from God was ripped in two, paints a powerful picture. What must the onlookers have been thinking?
Some of the Roman soldiers who had so recently mocked Jesus might have had second thoughts about crucifying him. One of them, the centurion, openly says, “Surely this was a righteous man!” The other Gospels of Mark and Matthew record that he called Jesus the Son of God. And the spectators, who had earlier in the day been among those who called for his execution, beat their chests and seemed to understand the severity of the situation.
But, where are Jesus’ followers? This account says they stood at a distance, watching these things. I never noticed this fact before. I always thought they were right at the base of the cross, weeping and begging for Jesus’ life to be spared. But they weren’t. The Bible says they were off at a distance observing.
As followers of Jesus, you would think they would be at the forefront. But their lives were probably in danger just by being associated with Jesus. They had bravely followed the procession to Calvary’s hill in order to be there for the last moments of Jesus’ life. No matter what the cost, they were there even though they were bitterly disappointed that this man who was to be their Messiah, was being crucified. All hope was gone.
How many times do I stand in the distance thinking Jesus has forgotten me? I stand on the periphery, thinking all hope is beyond my reach. But you, God, are just a prayer away.
Prayer for the day: Lord, help me to know that you are always close beside me. When I feel you are far away, it’s me who has moved! Amen
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.