darkness

Read > Luke 23:44-56

By this time it was noon, and darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock (v. 44).

On July 22, 2009, a total eclipse of the sun was witnessed across India, China, and some Pacific Islands. It lasted just 6 minutes and 39 seconds. But that made it the longest eclipse for this century. The darkness that occurred during Christ’s crucifixion was no natural phenomenon – it lasted 3 hours that afternoon!

Luke described two other events that occurred during the crucifixion – events that resulted in dramatic changes. The first event involved the curtain in the sanctuary of the temple. It was torn down the middle (v. 45). God had decreed that a thick curtain separate His symbolic dwelling place from the rest of the temple. Access beyond the curtain was limited only to the high priest once a year on the Day of Atonement. After offering the requisite sacrifices and bearing the blood of a lamb, he went behind the curtain to pray for the forgiveness of the sins of Israel (Leviticus 16; Hebrews 9:7).

During those hours on the cross, God transferred the sins of the whole world onto Jesus. His blood shed on the cross once and for all took away our sins, something no earthly high priest could do (Hebrews 7:27, 9:12, 24-26). The curtain was torn in two to show that the way to God had been permanently opened to all.

The second event of that dark day was the belief in Jesus displayed by different people. Both the Roman centurion (v. 47) and Joseph (v. 50) could not continue to be silent.

They affirmed Jesus’ innocence by their actions. The former worshipped Him. The latter asked Pilate for Jesus’ body so that he could be given a dignified burial.

Have you been a “secret believer” – scared to tell someone about Jesus? Step out from the darkness in faith and proclaim what Jesus did on the cross. We can “come boldly to the throne of our gracious God” because there we will “find grace to help us when we need it most” (Hebrews 4:16). – C. P. Hia

More >

·         Leviticus 16:20-22

·         Romans 10:13-15

·         Hebrews 10:19-25

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How are you letting others know that you’re a worshipper of God? To whom will you share the good news of Jesus today?