September 8 How Could It Be?

Luke 23:48-49 When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away. 49 But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.
 
A few lessons ago, I mentioned that many in Jerusalem supported Jesus. Certainly not all cried, “Crucify him!” Surely, many called, “Stop this! He’s done so much good. He healed my daughter.” “Jesus raised my brother!” “He’s forgiven my sins and I have hope again.” “Release him!”
    But the Jews accused the Righteous King. The Romans crucified the Living Word. The faithless condemned the Forgiver. Jesus cried out from the cross. Darkness covered the city. What is left to do but to mournfully beat one’s breast, and wonder, “One week ago, the city was full of hope and promise. Now this. What has happened here?” In grief, the once-hopeful went home.
    Even darker than the sunless hours would be the hearts of Jesus’ faithful women followers. Except for John, it seems no other disciple witnessed Jesus’ execution.
    These faithful, redeemed women and his mother knew how his love had changed their lives. How exhilarating it had been to personally live into Isaiah 52:7 How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” Oh joy it is to daily know an intimate fellowship with the Lord God Almighty. Everything it seemed had changed in just a few short hours. Anguished souls suffered with their Rabbi. What now? 
    What would you say to those who beat their breast, who lost hope that day? How would you comfort the good women in their sorrow and disbelief? Is there any way to fill the growing emptiness deep inside their hearts?
    Yes, you know how to do that, don’t you? You know the full story of Jesus Christ, crucified, dead and buried. How sweet the news that “On the third day he rose from the dead and ascended into heaven.” (the Apostles Creed) How grand is it to expect, “And he shall come again to judge the living and the dead.” You fill the mournful void with the gospel truth to tell people the darkness was for only three hours. Jesus was dead for only three days. Now he reigns forever at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty!
    Knowing the Good News is knowing how real Isaiah’s words are for the Christian today, tomorrow and forever. Yes, how beautiful are your feet when you walk joyfully with your Lord to bring good news, knowing, “Our God reigns!”
    “How could it be, that you my King would die for me?” (“Amazing Love” by Chris Tomlin)
 
Prayer: Thank you, Jesus for dying for me, so I will live with you forever. How deep, Father, is your love that you would call even me, a sinner, “Child.” Gratefully, Holy Spirit, I worship you for your life in me. In Jesus’ resurrection power I rejoice! Amen.