Accomplished

“Love came down and rescued me.” *

The Friday that is called Good has arrived. On this day, over 2,000 years ago, the darkened skies shrouded the land as Jesus cried from the wooden cross, “It is finished.” Did the observers hear Him or even notice He had spoken? Were they more interested in the spectacle than who stood in their midst?

I am sitting at the desert’s edge, alone. It is still and hauntingly silent. The air is heavy, and the heat of the noonday sun radiates down on me. All I can hear is the beat of my racing heart. I think about Jesus’ heart; it no longer beats. I am unsure whether I should leave the desert and head to Calvary or stay put. I wait for time to make it clear. 

The nudge to get up and head to the hill where Jesus lies motionless compels me to move, and I walk toward the cross. There are countless people gathered—many more than I anticipated. As I make my way through the crowds, the cross rises into sight. I stop and struggle to keep going. I can see Jesus in the distance. He is unrecognizable. My heart aches with pain, my hands cup my face, and the tears fall. 

With a broken heart, all I can think about is God the Father, on the throne in heaven, watching His beloved Son sacrificed, and Mary, the Mother of God, at the foot of the cross, her child hanging above, enduring the unspeakable anguish of an unjust death. There is no greater love than that of a parent for their child.

‘How could they have done this?’ It is a rhetorical question. I know the answer. “They” are us, and we are sinful people, and sinful people need a Savior, a Savior who loves – a love that never fails, a love that never abandons, a love that sacrifices and forgives, a love that heals and restores, and a love that never ceases to pursue me and call me home to the heart of the Father.

The cross is the reconciliatory act of forgiveness, healing, and restoring a wayward people, of which I am one. I kneel on the rugged, rocky road Jesus walked hours before; I look up at the Savior of the world, hanging on the cross, His head bowed down, who has breathed His last for you and me. I close my eyes and pray.

Scripture:

“When Jesus had taken the wine, he said, “It is finished.” And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit.” (John 19:30)

Reflection:

1. Place yourself at the desert’s edge. Jesus is no longer with you. What are you feeling or experiencing? 
2. As you head towards Calvary, what would you like to say to Jesus? 
3. Close your eyes and allow Jesus to speak to your spirit. Record what transpires.

*Song… Brian Johnson, Ian McIntosh, Jenn Johnson, Jeremy Edwardson, Jeremy Riddle – Bethel Music, Label: Kingsway Music Year: 2010