out of the ordinary | the landscape

God frequently works through the ordinary. Through them he shares something of his love for us and reveals elements of his redemption plan. In this devotional series we look at some of the ordinary things Jesus would have encountered as he journeyed towards the cross. Today we're thinking abut a rubbish tip. Holy Spirit, will you reveal something extraordinary. Amen.

And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha, where they crucified Him. John 19: 17-18, NKJV

Have you ever stood close to a rubbish tip? It stinks. There are so many flies and everywhere you look, pile after pile of rotting trash. In Jesus’ day there would also have been rats, wild dogs, excrement, blood, soiled rags, and rotting bodies. (Often there would be nobody who would want to claim the bodies of crucified criminals so the soldiers would peel the bodies off the cross beams, and toss the corpses onto the rubbish pile. Leaving them baking - stinking - in the sun.)

Although no-one can confirm the exact location of Golgotha, historians suggest that the little section of land where Jesus was crucified, was on or next to a rubbish tip.

I wrote earlier about the importance of remembering we are in a relationship with the God of the mountain. It is equally vital we understand we are also in a relationship with the God of the rubbish tip. Sometimes we need to stand at the foot of the cross and witness the extraordinary nature of God. We need to be reminded of his love and sacrifice. To remember that by his death Jesus has dealt with every bit of stinking trash that has accumulated in our lives.

Let's pray
How did you do it, Lord? How did you, the Holy One, stand the stench of my sin and rebellion? How did you hold yourself to the cross, in such agony, for so long, just so your death would give me life? I am so grateful and so humbled by your mercy and love, Lord. Thank you for everything. In Jesus' name. Amen.