There is always more going on than meets the eye. Behind the smile. Behind the frown. Behind the scowl. Behind the furrowed brow. Behind the mask. Behind the screen. Behind the scenes. Behind the walls.
There is always more going on than meets the eye. Beyond the pain. Beyond the hurt. Beyond the sadness. Beyond the disappointment. Beyond the despair. Beyond the regret. Beyond the broken promises. Beyond the shattered dreams. Beyond the fear.
There is always more going on than meets the eye. Beyond our windows. Beyond our doors. Beyond the walls. Beyond the fence. Beyond the border. Around the corner. Above the ceiling. Above the sky.
There is always more going on than meets the eye. Beyond our sight. Beyond our hearing. Beyond our touch. Beyond our smell. Beyond our thinking. Beyond our feeling. Beyond our present reality.
There is always more going on than meets the eye. Beyond our hopes. Beyond our dreams. Beyond our faith. Beyond our prayers. Beyond our imagination.
“That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him.” -1 Corinthians 2:9 NLT
When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified Him and the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left. But Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves. And the people stood by, looking on. And even the rulers were sneering at Him, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if this is the Christ of God, His Chosen One.” The soldiers also mocked Him … (Luke 23:33–36a)
Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing. (Luke 23:34)
This was a word of mercy. You’ve heard it before: “Ignorance of the law is no excuse.” While
high up on a mountain, Moses received The Law (Ten Commandments), engraved on
stone tablets by the finger of God, straight from the hand of God. He returned
to God’s people below, who were in the process of breaking every one of them.
In anger, Moses broke the stone tablets and human beings have been breaking the
Ten Commandments ever since. Intentionally or unintentionally, fully aware or
ignorant, through sins of commission or sins of omission, we have all sinned. We
are all guilty. We need mercy.
Jesus bore the weight of our sins on
the cross. Yet, He did not protest, and He did not blame or seek revenge on those
who were part of the conspiracy to kill Him by treating Him despicably.
Instead, the King of Kings offered mercy from the cross. He offered
intercession from the cross. He made an appeal for us all from the cross. Truth
and justice met mercy and forged a case for us from the cross. The sinless Son
of God purchased our acquittal through His blood from the cross.
There, the One Mediator between God
and men, our High Priest, offered a merciful appeal to the Great Judge of the
Universe: “Father, forgive them.”
The Gospel proclaims good news. The
first words Jesus spoke from the cross offered that good news. Very good news,
indeed, to those of us who have spent our lives amidst the shame and blame that
results from chipping away at those immovable stone tablets through our
thoughts, words, and deeds.
Mercy. What a beautiful word! The writer of Hebrews reminds us: “Consequently, He is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” (Hebrews 7:25 ESV)
Today you shall be with Me in Paradise. (Luke 23:43)
One of the criminals who were hanged
there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, “Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself
and us!” But the other answered, and rebuking him said, “Do you not even fear
God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed are
suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this
man has done nothing wrong.” And he was saying, “Jesus, remember me when You
come in Your kingdom!” And He said to him, “Truly I
say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:39–43)
This was a word of assurance.The first word Jesus spoke from the cross
offered mercy leading to hope for the possibility of forgiveness. This second
word offered assurance, a confident promise from Jesus, punctuated by the
declaration, “Truly I say to you. . ..”
Hung between two thieves, the sinless
Savior listened to their banter. A skeptical scoffer and a sincere sympathizer
offered their commentary on their shared predicament. All three convicted
criminals faced their executioners with an unambiguous certainty that this day
would be their last. Most of us do not know the day of our death as these three
did. Yet if you could listen in on the conversations of the seven billion
people on planet earth, you would discover elements of their conversations
taking place today. People judge their fellow human beings using their own
measuring stick. And everyone wonders about their own fate. Which day will be my
last day? What happens then?
Jesus heard their conversation, and
responded to two words spoken by the sympathizer, “Remember me.” Having
confessed his own guilt and the guilt of his cohort on the opposite side of the
Savior, he did not state his own merit or defense. He simply asked, “Remember
me when you come into Your Kingdom.” In so doing, he was both asking for mercy
and declaring his alliance with the Son of God and His kingdom.
Jesus listens to a dying person’s prayer from the heart, even if it is only two words, “Remember me.” He listens to sincere people, even those who are not knocking on death’s door. He responds, not in a condemning way, not in a condescending way, not in a complicated way. Jesus responded in an assuring way, so simple that even a child could understand: “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.”
3. Woman, behold, your son! … Behold your mother! (John 19:26, 27)
But standing by the cross of Jesus
were His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary
Magdalene. When Jesus then saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved
standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Woman,
behold, your son!” Then He said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” From that hour the disciple took her
into his own household. (John 19:25–27)
This was a word of compassionate care.As the eldest son, with at least six other
junior siblings (Matthew 13:55-56; Mark 6:3), Jesus was responsible for the
care of his mother. We assume Joseph was deceased by now, so from the cross
Jesus made provision for the care and safekeeping of His mother. John, the
beloved disciple, took Mary into his own home from that moment. Later, at least
two of Jesus’ brothers (Jude and James) would become believers. Herod would
kill John’s brother James for his faith in
Christ. No one but Jesus knew these things at the time.
So to perform the duty of a responsible son, Jesus made provision for Mary. From the cross, Jesus reminded us that God cares about our welfare. He is concerned about our families. He is concerned about caring for our needs. That caring concern prompted Peter to later write, “Cast all your anxiety on Him, for He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 NIV)
4. My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? (Matthew 27:46)
Now from the sixth hour darkness fell
upon all the land until the ninth hour. About the ninth hour Jesus cried out
with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama
sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”
(Matthew 27:46–47)
This was a word of suffering.We live in a complex world with perplexing
questions. Jesus’ fourth word from the cross cuts across the generations of
suffering humanity as life’s most ubiquitous question, “Why?”
When tragedy strikes, we want answers.
We demand answers. We want to know, who, what, where, when and how—all the
complex and perplexing details of the tragic circumstances. But even then, once
all of those compelling questions are answered, we are left with life’s most
perplexing question, “Why?”
Why the divorce, the death, the
disease, the danger, the demons, the delusion, the depression, the disaster?
And in the end, “Why me?” It may be a cliché, but how we respond determines
whether our circumstances and unanswered questions leave us better or bitter.
Bitterness leaves us without hope, without a God who cares. Faith leaves us
better, with a caring God who understands our suffering and promises to never
abandon us.
During the third hour of darkness as black as midnight at midday, Jesus, in His humanity, cried out for an answer. His question rings across the ages to validate our feelings of abandonment during life’s discouraging episodes. For if Jesus felt abandoned on the cross, He understands our own feelings of abandonment. He understands the times we question the ways of God. He listens without judgment. And in the ensuing darkness and silence He showed us that if we could endure the horror of Friday’s cross, there awaits a glorious resurrection on the dawn of Easter morning.
5. I am thirsty. (John 19:28)
Jesus, knowing that all things had
already been accomplished, to fulfill the Scripture, said, “I am thirsty.” A jar full of sour wine was
standing there; so they put a sponge full of the sour wine upon a branch of
hyssop and brought it up to His mouth. (John 19:28–29)
This was a word of obedience. Jesus knew that everything needed for Him to
fulfill His role as a suffering Messiah had been accomplished. Yet there was
one more thing. One more step. One more word that would show His complete
humanity, and His complete obedience to the will of the Father.
Jesus was thirsty. He also knew that His request would never be granted in a way that would satisfy his human thirst, accepted the bitter cup offered. In so doing, He experienced the disappointment we feel as we seek after the things of life to satisfy the inner thirst of our souls. Only Jesus can satisfy your thirsty soul. Only obedience to Jesus can keep our cup full.
6. It is finished! (John 19:30)
Therefore when Jesus had received the
sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And
He bowed His head and gave up His spirit. (John 19:30)
This was a word of finality.We sometimes like to have the last word. But
God always has the last word. We do well to listen. We are not finished until
God says we are finished.
The first recorded words of Jesus in
the Bible came from his twelve-year-old tongue. He spoke them in response to
His earthly parents’ inquiries after searching desperately for their lost son.
Interestingly enough, it involved another “Why?” question: “Why did you
seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” (Luke
12:49 NKJV)
In the ensuing twenty-one years or so, Jesus accomplished His mission, His Father’s business. The Father’s business is the most important business in the world. Once we understand that, we find meaning in life because we can measure it in light of eternity. We discover our own destiny, and accept difficulties along the way because we understand, we accept, and we embrace the concept that we have given God permission to have the final word in our lives.
7. Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit. (Luke 23:46)
It was now about the sixth hour, and
darkness fell over the whole land until the ninth hour, because the sun was
obscured; and the veil of the temple was torn in two. And Jesus, crying out
with a loud voice, said, “Father, into Your hands I
commit My spirit.” Having said this, He breathed His last. Now when the
centurion saw what had happened, he began praising God, saying, “Certainly this
man was innocent.” (Luke 23:44–47)
This was a word of surrender. Surrender to God’s will defined the life of
Christ. He left the splendor of heaven to endure this world of sin so that we
could leave this world of sin and enjoy the splendor of heaven. If we have
committed our life and our ways to the Lord, then we have assurance.
We have assurance of God’s mercy and forgiveness. We have
assurance of eternal life; that we will be with Him in paradise. We have
assurance of God’s care and concern. We have assurance that He will never leave
us or forsake us, no matter how alone we may feel. We have assurance that even
a bitter cup will be made sweet as we trust and obey. We have assurance of our
divine destiny. And we have assurance that in the end, God will have the final
word as we surrender all to Him.
Clear vision, 20/20 vision, is often the difference between being lost in a blurry fog and knowing precisely how to stay on the path toward your destination.
Vision is
all about next steps toward a preferred future. 20/20 vision provides the big
picture, wide angle view, taking in 180 degrees in all directions to offer perspective
and observe the lay of the land before you. At the same time, it helps you
focus on the smallest detail at hand to safely and securely take the next step
in the right direction.
Born in
India, Rudyard Kipling lived a life of adventure, and wrote about them in works
that live on in his Jungle Book and
countless poems and short stories. In 1907 he won the Nobel Prize for Literature,
the youngest such recipient at the time. Yet he was plagued with poor vision that kept
him from entering the military at the age of 16. What he lacked in sight, he
made up for through insight and careful observation. More than a century ago,
he penned these words about the invention of the airplane:
“We are at the opening verse of the opening page of the chapter of endless possibilities.”
Kipling had a great imagination and told compelling stories. Still, he could not have imagined the details of how air and space travel would bring significant change in terms of speed, distance and power for good and evil. Those changes would impact the everyday lives of people by making what seemed impossible to all prior generations not only possible but ordinary to their successors. Kipling could clearly see infinite possibilities, the details of which were beyond his own imagination. Our stories are being lived in the daily details and reality of that vision.
2020 opens
the door to not only a new year, but a new decade full of endless
possibilities. Like a road covered in pristine snow, unmarked by the tracks of
time, you will leave your footprints for others to follow. Where they lead? What
are your hopes, dreams, and vision for 2020 and beyond?
Whatever you
imagine, may I suggest one other possibility? As you contemplate 2020, enlist
the assistance of the God of endless possibilities. Travel with Jesus, who said
“Anything is possible if a person believes” and “Humanly speaking it is
impossible. But not with God. Anything is possible with God.” (Mark 9:23; 10:27)
You may not
have been blessed with the clarity of 20/20 vision. But faith in Jesus can
bring clarity to your path and joy to your journey. There was a time after
Jesus’ crucifixion when his disciples lacked a clear understanding of the
resurrection. They were fearful, discouraged and confused. Then Jesus appeared and
spoke peace to their troubled hearts, while showing them his pierced hands and
feet. The apostle John reports, “Then were the disciples glad, when they saw
the Lord!” (John 20:20) That is the essence of 20/20 vision!
How do we maintain that joyful sunshine perspective when times are dark? That is our challenge. Eighty years ago, in December 1939, the world was at the brink of what would become World War II, and King George of England delivered a speech to his nation that had already entered into that war, and found itself reeling from the German attacks. Uncertainty and fear held the nation in its grip. Thirteen-year-old Princess Elizabeth (now Queen Elizabeth), brought an obscure poem to her father’s attention as he prepared his speech. It was written by British author Minnie Louise Haskins, published in 1908, and titled, “God Knows.”
And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year:
“Give me a light that
I may tread safely into the unknown.”
And he replied:
“Go out into the
darkness and put your hand in the Hand of God. That shall be to you
better than light and safer than a known way.”
So I went forth, and finding the Hand of God, trod gladly into the night.
And He led me towards the hills and the breaking of day in the lone East.
Whatever the new year and decade bring, you can enter it with hope and joy. Remember, “You are at the opening verse of the opening page of the chapter of endless possibilities!”
Back in the 1980’s and 90’s I published a number of articles in a publication known as “The Pentecostal Evangel.” I may re-post some or all of these over the next months, if only to give a new generation an opportunity to find them online if they wish. This is an article from the September 1991 international edition of The Evangel about my love of old hymns and songs. Although I grew up in the era of rock and roll, and loved contemporary Christian music and Christian rock from its genesis in the Jesus Movement of the early 1970’s, I still find a connection with older songs. Maybe I have always been an old man at heart, respecting and valuing traditions, history, and icons and antiquities from the past. I used to think I would fit nicely in the 1890’s. . ..
Here is the text of the article, and interestingly enough, I received more feedback (in the form of snail mail letters, as there was no internet or email in 1991) from this article, from all over the country thanking me for writing this, than any of the dozens of other articles I published. I was serving as pastor of Bethel Church in Chehalis, Washington at the time. My reference to “overhead projectors” makes me chuckle as I think about the technology and practices of the time:
I’m not an old-timer, regardless of what my kids might say! At the age of 36 (at the time this was published), I belong to the baby boom generation. I grew up in the turbulent 1960’s and 70’s. The musical tastes of most of my peers were far different from those of our parents. But I also grew up with a church background. Singing the old hymns and gospel songs was as much a part of my life as watching Wally and Beaver on TV. And I still like those old songs today.
I do enjoy signing the new praise choruses to the Lord. In fact, my wife and I have written some that at least our congregation enjoys singing. But “sing unto the Lord a new song” doesn’t mean we can’t be blessed, comforted, and encouraged by the old songs as well.
I am saddened that many churches have replaced their hymnals with an overhead projector. There is nothing wrong with overhead projectors, as long as there is a balance between the old and the new, ministering to a wide spectrum of people and their needs.
Here are three reasons why I like the old songs:
First, the old songs often reflect significant doctrinal truths.The strains of “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” remind us of God’s faithfulness as penned by the great reformer, Martin Luther.
“Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus” or “Trust and Obey” convey a message far deeper than some of the disconnected phrases in many new choruses.
“Amazing Grace” touches hearts as the personal testimony of John Newton, who witnessed that life-changing grace as God transformed him from a slave trader to a caring pastor.
“Blessed Assurance and “The Solid Rock” illustrate assurance of our salvation through faith in Christ alone.
Certainly not every older hymn or gospel song is filled with doctrinal truth, but the vast majority provide the “meat of the Word” in their message.
Second, the old songs provide a link with past and present generations of Christians.“Does Jesus Care?” written by Frank E. Graeff around the turn of this century, encourages believers facing the 21st century with the words, “O yes, He cares; I know He cares. His heart is touched with my grief. When the days are weary, the long nights dreary, I know my Savior cares.”
As a youngster on the farm I would often walk into the kitchen and hear my mother singing, “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms,” or some other gospel song. Sometimes I’d ride along with my dad in his pickup when he went for supplies. Over the drone of the engine, his rich baritone voice would break out singing, “In times like these, you need a Savior.”
At other times he would sing, “O I want to see Him, look upon His face.” I was reminded of this some years ago when my youngest daughter, who had recently visited my parents, started singing, “O I want to see Him.”
“Jana, where did you learn that song?” I asked, knowing that it wasn’t a song we had sung in church together.
“Grandpa taught it to me,” she answered.
Third, the old songs can present the gospel to people who might not otherwise listen.At more than one funeral I’ve seen adults, hardened by sin, break down and cry as they heard, “On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross, the emblem of suffering and shame.” Such response to this or other old gospel songs is a testimony to their ministry. “I’ve had people remark to me, “Pastor, that was my mother’s favorite song.” This provides an opportunity to discuss their own spiritual condition.
During a brief period of rebellion in my teen years, I could never avoid songs like, “Softly and Tenderly,” “Just as I Am,” or “Pass Me Not.” They seemed to play over and over on the turntable of my conscience, and they held a significant role in my return to the fold. I am convinced the Holy Spirit can use the songs of faith learned in childhood to bring a prodigal back home.
I realize many folks don’t come from a church background, and for them the old hymns and gospel songs may not have significance. But I believe learning some of our hymns would deepen their understanding of the Christian faith and its background.
And for the ever-increasing number of senior citizens in our churches and for youngsters like me who have fond memories of the old songs, let’s continue signing the old along with the new. I hope a new generation of young believers can grow up with a real appreciation for them as well.
My friend Angela Craig is a community organizer, among other things. Angela noticed people in our community that were making a difference. People that were giving sacrificially to help others. People who were doing good. And she noticed that not everybody noticed these people who were doing good things because they were the right things to do, whether anybody noticed or not.
So Angela started an awards program that has grown into one of our biggest annual community events, filling our local theater with people eager to honor local heroes and hear their stories. The Give Good Awards recognizes people who are making a difference in the lives of others and in so doing making our community a better place for all. Angela should probably win the award for making the biggest difference. But she is too busy making a difference by taking steps to help others, which is a reward in itself.
Angela possesses core values and convictions that compel her to serve others and make a difference. And she has learned that big projects can be broken down into small increments, making them doable. You just have to be willing to take that first step. And she’s written a book about taking steps to accomplish our dreams and become the leaders we wish to be. I’ve read it, and I like what I read. It made me feel encouraged to keep moving ahead. In simple terms, this is what the book is about, in Angela’s own words:
The principles of Pivot Leadership are simple. Small steps = Big change. Taking one small step can significantly change your direction. Vincent Van Gogh said: “Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” When you take many small steps, it can drastically impact and change your leadership and your future.
I encourage you to read the book for yourself. It is filled with practical steps and application ideas that you can actually accomplish. It’s not just another self-help book filled with high ideals that are unachievable for the average Clark Kent. Nor does it preach you into a state of guilt for being a slacker or failing to measure up. Instead it leverages what you do have with insight and coaching that will encourage you to move forward.
Benjamin Franklin said “Small strokes fell big oaks.” In her book Angela teaches us how to pivot, how to take the small steps and make the small strokes that will effect great change.
In business this is sometimes known as the “Kaizen Effect.” Kaizen is the Japanese word for continuous improvement. Even though Angela doesn’t call it that, she helps us understand how little changes, small steps, can help us improve our mileage on the journey of life, and arrive at our dreams and destinations.
She shares what she has learned from others and her own experience to make a difference in your life, in your community, and in your future.
I like Angela and I like her book. I think you will, too.
You find out more about Angela and read a sample chapter here: www.angelalcraig.com
Jesus is the master teacher. He often taught by asking questions, and sometimes answered a question with a question. So what was Jesus teaching us when he asked the ultimate question of suffering?
Jesus’ final words on the cross reflect the over-arching question of the human race, “My God, My God, Why hast thou forsaken me?” If Jesus could ask God such a persistent question, I think we can honestly do so as well.
The answer may not be what we expect—but silence is an answer. Silence does not mean God is hard of hearing. It often does mean that we are not prepared to listen, or hear the real answer. Or it means that we will understand later.
Someone said, “Life must be understood backwards; but it must be lived forward.” So we search for answers and keep moving forward. Often, the understanding does come later as we gain more clarity to the sequence of events. As the picture becomes clearer, the meaning of our pain, suffering, or questions becomes evident. Or not–either way we must learn to wait and trust and learn.
In the 13th chapter of John, Jesus is in the process of washing the disciples feet. Peter does not understand why Jesus would do such an undignified and servile task. He asks, “Lord are you going to wash my feet?”
We can be sure Jesus was not just doing this because he didn’t like the disciples’ dirty, stinky feet and wanted them cleaned up. There was a deeper reason, and the Bible tells us the sequence of events, even details like the timing of the last supper, a basin of water, and a towel.
Peter’s question was a plea for understanding mixed with a bit of embarrassment and indignity that Jesus would do such a thing. This scenario remains a good reminder for us when we question God’s dealings in our lives, wonder if He cares, and ponder the big “Why?”
Jesus responded to Peter’s question with this very important principle – one that we would all do well to remember: Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” (John 13:7 NIV)
Now. Do not understand. Later. Will understand. This sequence applies to learning about almost everything. Foreign concepts at first seem incomprehensible to us. Later they make perfect sense once we understand. Good teachers know there are no “dumb” questions, especially at first. And Jesus is the best teacher.
Jesus did not scold Peter, and he did not embarrass him. He also did not fully explain or answer all of Peter’s persistent questions. But Jesus did establish this principle that applies in so many situations of our lives: Life can be understood backwards, but must be lived forward.” In other words, our perplexing questions about today may well give way to understanding later when more of the picture is revealed to us.
Until later becomes now, we have to keep believing and exercise our faith when we do not see or understand, and wonder, “why?” After all, that is what faith consists of, “The substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)
Easter is all about hope. Hope when things seem hopeless. Hope when life’s challenges hit you like an avalanche of trouble that freezes your ability to move forward by its icy grip. Hope when your dreams are shattered. Hope when your confidence is shaken. Hope when your faith is hanging on by an invisible thread to the only life preserver keeping you from drowning in a sea of despair. Hope that does not deny reality, but sees beyond the current circumstances to a time when your shattered dreams and shaken confidence will be resurrected with fresh vision and vitality.
Hope will sustain you during moments of crisis and seasons of suffering. It will provide you with determination to overcome disappointment. It will instill courage to keep you talking that next step on your detoured pathway. And it will inspire perseverance to keep believing in your destiny despite the persistent questions that troubling circumstances throw your way.
Above all, hope in the resurrection of Christ provides a narrative and context for every situation of life. It provides an over-arching and eternal perspective on every puzzling picture we view and try to interpret this side of heaven. Faith in a risen Savior makes all the difference. “Because I live, you shall live also” Jesus said (John 14:19).
Paul put it this way: “And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world. But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died” (1 Corinthians 15:18-19 NLT).
Maybe you have watched the television series, Resurrection. In it, people in a small Missouri town are amazed to discover people walking around who had died years ago, looking just like they did before they died. One of the main characters was a pastor, but there isn’t much theological or biblical truth in the show. In typical Hollywood fashion, the resurrected people will probably turn out to be aliens.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is a fable about aliens, and it is not just a story that history forgot. It is as relevant today as it was 2,000 years ago because Jesus rose from the dead and lives today. Peter was an eyewitness to those events, and his testimony provides encouragement and hope to us, despite our circumstances, to keep believing:
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:3-9 NKJV)
Saturday of Holy Week was a Sabbath of silence. And silence can be deafening. Grief is best articulated in sobs. Peter wept bitterly and suffered in silence because what he said secretly by cursing and denying Christ was the exact opposite of his stated public intention. His friends having silently scattered, few were left to witness Jesus’ death on the cross. The astonishment of incredulous circumstances left them mute to ponder their own silent questions in secret.
Silence provides time for reflection. The din of constant twenty first century noise creates a chronic state of auditory anxiety that many people accept as normal—so much so that some cannot sleep without ambient noise from a television or radio. Finding a place of silence may require intentionality, and no place is as silent as a graveyard. The death of Jesus had created silence and left Jesus followers alone to reflect on the events of the past days and their own actions. Silence, solitude, and Sabbath are necessary components of spiritual formation. If we don’t create these opportunities on our own, God may allow interruptions to our plans and schedules in the form of disappointments and detours which require cessation and silence for a season. Thus, we often suffer in silence and in secret during these opportunities for grace and growth.
But silence and secrets are sometimes interrupted by the urgent need for speaking and action. Jesus’ body was hurriedly prepared for the tomb because of the approaching Sabbath. The disciples having fled, Joseph of Arimathaea went to Pilate and begged for the body of Jesus. Each of the Gospel writers record this fact and more:
Matthew (27:57) tells us that Joseph was wealthy and a disciple of Jesus who wrapped Jesus in a clean new cloth and placed him in his own newly prepared tomb for burial while two women (Mary Magdalene and the other Mary) watched.
Mark (15:43-45) records that Joseph was a member of the Jewish high council, and that he courageously went to Pilate and requested the body of Jesus.
Luke (23:50-54) states Joseph was a good and just man, and he had not agreed with the decision of the high council to turn Jesus over to the Romans for judgment.
John (19:38-42) provides even more detail, calling Joseph a “secret disciple” and revealing his partner Nicodemus (another secret disciple who came to Jesus by night -John 3) helped him retrieve and prepare Jesus’ body for burial.
Silence gives way to song. The silent suffering of incredulity was interrupted by the dawn of a new day and with it the resurrection of Jesus. Seeing Jesus alive and well turned on the light of revelation and dispelled the doubts of incredulity and grief. Followers of Christ have been singing about it ever since, not in secret silent solitude, but in open jubilant communal praise and worship.
During the Easter season of 1874, while having his devotions one evening, Pastor Robert Lowry reflected on the events associated with Christ’s resurrection, especially with these words recorded in Luke 24:6, “He is not here, but is risen.”
Being a musician, Pastor Lowry sat down with the pump organ so common in homes of that era, and wrote the inspired words and music of “Christ Arose.” The silence of Saturday’s Holy Sabbath gave way to the lyrics congregations have joyfully sung on Easter ever since:
Low in the grave He lay, Jesus, my Savior, waiting the coming day, Jesus, my Lord!
Vainly they watch His bed, Jesus, my Savior; vainly they seal the dead, Jesus, my Lord!
Death cannot keep his prey, Jesus, my Savior; He tore the bars away, Jesus, my Lord!
Refrain:
Up from the grave He arose, With a mighty triumph o’er His foes, He arose a Victor from the dark domain, And He lives forever, with His saints to reign. He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!
