As we enter the Easter period,
let’s take a moment to read the Scriptures, to pause and to pray.
Matthew 27 45, to 54. The Death of Jesus.
At noon, Darkness fell across the whole land until 3:00.
At about 3:00. 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 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. The tombs opened, the bodies of many godly men and women
who had died were raised from the dead. They left the cemetery after Jesus Resurrection, went into the holy city of Jerusalem,
and appeared to many people. The Roman officer and the other soldiers at the crucifixion were terrified by the earthquake and
all that happened. They said This man truly was the son of God.
Lord Jesus, As I read and reflect on these scriptures, would you remind me once again of the sacrifice
you made for me, in this moment, I turn my attention towards you and towards the cross.
I think of the famous hymn, The Lord is My Shepherd, And as I read the lyrics, I consider the sacrifice you made for me.
And the pain you endured on my behalf.
How deep the father’s love for us.
How vast beyond all measure
that he should give his only son
to make a wretch his treasure.
How great the pain of searing loss.
The father turns his face away
as wounds which mar the Chosen One
bring many sons to glory.
Behold the man upon a cross
my sin upon his shoulders.
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
call out among the scoffers.
It was my sin that held him there
until it was accomplished.
His dying breath has brought me life.
I know that it is finished.
I will not boast in anything.
No gifts, no power, no wisdom.
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
his death and resurrection.
Why should I gain from his reward?
I cannot give an answer.
But this I know with all my heart
his wounds have paid my ransom.
Holy Spirit, in this moment, would you fill me afresh again?
Give me a fresh revelation of who you are and what you have done.
It was my sin that held him there until it was accomplished.
His dying breath has brought me life. I know that it is finished.
Lord,
let me not boast in anything but you.
You are the one I live for.
You are the one that I desire
Help me to understand or remind me again of the full extent of the cross
This week I turn my eyes to the cross.
I meditate on all you have done for me.
I await the joy of Easter morning when you rose again.
I pray for fresh revelation and a fresh encounter this Easter.
Show me who you are.
Thank you Jesus.
Amen.
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