“It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, 45 because the sun’s light failed. The temple curtain was torn in two. 46 Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And after he said this he breathed his last. 47 Now when the centurion saw what had happened, he praised God and said, “Certainly this man was innocent!” 48 And all the crowds that had assembled for this spectacle, when they saw what had taken place, returned home beating their breasts. 49 And all those who knew Jesus stood at a distance, and the women who had followed him from Galilee saw these things.” Luke 23:44-49 NET
Father,
We read these scriptures every year in the Easter season and many other times too. Yet Your Word always comes with fresh inspiration and awe. Noon till 3 pm – darkness. I remember dark stormy days. But this one was different, supernatural dark. All sunlight failed . . . It was not a solar eclipse. Not ten minutes not even an hour. Three hours. And it ended the moment You died on the cross.
The curtain of the temple was torn in two. A massive curtain, 60 feet high, 30 feet wide, woven and extremely thick. Bigger than any theatre curtain and bigger than any I can imagine. This curtain kept the holy place in the Temple, holy, private. One priest entered once a year and only after many, many animal sacrifices for sin. The Temple curtain was not a symbolic veil, it could not be torn by human hand, it did not fall by accident. The curtain was rent in two.
Three hours while Jesus went through agony. Yet He listening with compassion to the other two men crucified with him. Hearing ones confession and granting Him forgiveness. Jesus went through every human emotion and pain. And being separated even from You, God. He understands our humanity, trauma and pain.
Even the crowd went home beating their breasts in the dark. Those who knew him stayed at a distance. Waiting, grief stricken. Help us to worship and realise that because of what Jesus went through we will never have to go through that darkness.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
Father,
For our family, friends and neighbours. For Your light to dawn upon them.
For our nation, to retain the foundation of Your law of justice and mercy.
For there to be a respect for life in this nation and the world.
For Your light to show up darkness and bring healing and rescue to those imprisoned by addiction, evil thoughts and actions and depression.
For Ukraine, Gaze, Sudan, Myanmar places of conflict. Your light to lead to a way of peace.
For us to consider the darkness You went through to better understand the cost of our light of life.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Friday 29th March 2024
When I survey the wondrous cross
on which the prince of glory died,
my richest gain I count as loss,
and pour contempt on all my pride.
Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
save in the death of Christ my God:
the very things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to his blood.
See from his head, his hands, his feet,
sorrow and love flow mingled down:
when did such love and sorrow meet,
or thorns compose so rich a crown?
Were the whole realm of nature mine,
that were an offering far too small;
love so amazing, so divine,
demands my soul, my life, my all!
Lyrics: Isaac Watts