resilience | lent devotions

Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”… And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many.  When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!” Matthew 27:45-54, ESV

Jews started their day at 6am and so the ninth hour for them would fall at 3pm. Even since I said ‘yes’ to Jesus I take a few moments at 3pm on Good Friday to reflect on the astonishing love shown to us at the cross. And to think about the noise! Jesus’ last cries, the chatter of the onlookers, the weeping of the women at the foot of the cross, the curtain of the temple rendering in two, the earth shaking, tombs breaking open, dead people resurrected, soldiers calling out in amazement… There was nothing quiet about the crucifixion. God announced it in the heavens and on the earth. No-one could miss it.

We cannot stay quiet about the saving sacrifice of Jesus. Commit to telling someone about him soon. Ensure no-one misses it.

Let’s pray
Make me bold, Lord. Make me noisy. Help me shout about you. Help me fill the space in front of me with praise and thanks. Help me tell others the good news. I love you, Jesus. I am so grateful. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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