Scenes of carnage replay across the screen. Footage shows people running, crying, bleeding, images of devastation and grief. Brussels, Paris, even Hesston Kansas, fifteen miles from where I grew up take turn on center stage, like a parade of tragedies.
Violence spills through society’s veins, a soul disease. Cain killed Abel, Noah’s earth was filled with violence, and Jeremiah wept for the devastation of nations.
Throughout Biblical history, wars and bloodshed crescendoed like a drum beat, intensifying and diminishing. Slaughter of bulls and lambs foretold of the sacrifice of One, complete and final.
“… His appearance was so marred, beyond human semblance…”
Was it so different in Jesus’ world when the culmination of violence fell on a sinless Savior? His own rejected him. The religious leaders sold him out to Roman rule. His day was poisoned with inhumane treatment, ethnic cleansing and class discrimination.
“…and His form beyond that of the children of mankind…” (Is. 52:14 ESV).
How strange that day must have felt when the universe darkened, and blood ran from His hands, His feet, His side. How confusing to dance with palm branches, to fill the air with Hosannas one moment only to be swept away with shouts of “Crucify Him, Crucify Him” the next. How fickle, how cruel to proclaim Him King riding on a donkey as a prelude to a piercing crown of thorns.
We watch world events today with bewilderment, we try to make sense, we shake our heads and look for a solution or a Messiah.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ cannot be reinvented or redefined. If we take the time to peel back the layers of complexity, we recognize again the purity of Redemption offered.
He came. He died. He rose. Clarity returns to simplicity in faith. We kneel again at the foot of the cross and look inside an empty tomb.
The truth of the Gospel remains unchanged. Indispensable at salvation, imperative for life.
Events around us enforce what we know.
People need Jesus.
I need Jesus.
Easter’s message radiates in our darkness.
“This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.” (1 Timothy 1:15 NKJV).
Hope shouts through despair.
Christ won the victory.
Kelly S
Sylvia, this is sobering and inspiring all at once. “Violence spills through society’s veins, a soul disease.” Today is a day to remember the violence that brings us all hope–the cross. Blessings on this Good Friday, Compel sister!
Sylvia Schroeder
Thanks Kelly. Have a wonderful Easter.
Kathy Ginestra
Amen! Hallelujah! Holy, Holy, Holy is our God!!
Sylvia Schroeder
Amen. He is risen.
Marilyn Krehbiel
Syl, as usual you said this WELL!!!! How grateful I am to have had the opportunity to come to Jesus as a child because others loved our LORD enough to teach me. Many have been used by God to lead me in His ways, you are one of these precious souls. Praising the Lord for you! May your Easter celebrations bring you even closer to HIM!!
Sylvia Schroeder
Happy Easter Marilyn. He is risen!
Chelsey Coffey
Amen! I am so thankful for Jesus and what He did for us. I’ll shout it from the rooftop!!
Sylvia Schroeder
Yes! Have a wonderful Easter. He is risen indeed.
Jill
Sylvia- I appreciate the tie-in to today’s world & the clarity and simplicity we all need. Great reminders!