As another day of thinking on Jesus’ sacrifice ends and we are told of His death and how He was taken down from the cross. There stands a bare tree now against the nights sky. But the colour shines forth as God’s love as Jesus beat death and resurrects Himself and in Him we are also raised into a calling for a new life.
The day was an energetic one and it started reasonably. Prayer and reflection. It was a sunny if a bit chilly day and the mood was buoyant everywhere. I think everyone was ready for a break. Things started to build throughout the day but at one point I watched a service for Easter. There were some wonderful performances and music and drama and readings. But they never seemed to quite hit home with the message. Then one small voice spoke out of all the clammer. A small girl spoke truth about Jesus and everyone seemed to suddenly listen. The room felt closer and seemed to focus in on that one message spoken by a small voice. No examinations or qualifications had this girl got, but I believe she spoke as the voice of God directly. It cut home.
God’s Revelation to Elijah
11 Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; 12 and after the earthquake a fire, butthe Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.
13 So it was, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. Suddenly a voice came to him, and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
Her message came from the heart and was simple but true.
Jesus was crucified on the cross for all, for all our sins. When He let out a gasp, it is finished and died the earth shook and then the veil in the temple tore in two. This tear meant that no longer was it only the priests that could go in to meet with the presence of God, but everyone could now meet with God and be accepted. No longer was the process complicated requiring sacrifices and cleansing, but a simple prayer said anywhere, anytime can now connect with God.
We are all blessed and put to shame by such a small but powerful voice. Is this partly what Jesus means when He says we should be like children.
Dear Father, I am put to shame by children’s love for you and their clear message, I pray that I hear this voice and seek to carry the message on in the same way, not seeking to gain glory for myself but seeking the glory of God.
Amen
with blessings
Graham
365 Exhortations 