This spring I picked up a copy of Christopher J.H. Wright’s To the Cross: Proclaiming the Gospel from the Upper Room to Calvary. If you’re not familiar with this Scottish Old Testament scholar, I highly recommend his works (his work on the Mission of God is simply some of the best thinking I’ve found on this immensely important reality). It’s been a part of my Lenten readings this spring.
Wright asks the question; what did the darkness mean? He offers four possible aspects of the darkness that fell across the land on Good Friday:
Into the cover of darkness – that God took Jesus into the cover of darkness. As the darkness fell, the mockery and insults of the crowd most likely fell silent as fear fell over the crowd because of the darkness. It’s as if God said “enough, you’re not going to continue to stare at him with jeering laughs and insults.” God turned out the light. Into the darkness of creation – the creator of creation was dying and so creation responded in cosmic grief and mourning. Into the darkness of judgement – darkness is a sign and symbol of God’s judgement. The three hours of darkness are reminiscent of the three days of darkness that fell over Egypt as a result of the ninth plague (Exodus 10:21-23). Not only is the darkness of God’s judgement falling on the people of Israel for what they’re doing to God’s Son, but His own Son is being engulfed by the darkness of judgement as He takes on the sins of the world. Into the darkness of separation – Jesus cries out “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Jesus experiences the darkness of the agony of being separated from God his Father. |
Today is a day when we remember the darkness. We remember what Jesus was willing to endure on our behalf, on the whole world’s behalf, on behalf of all of creation. The darkness of this world is all too real. We see evidence of the overwhelming darkness everyday: in our news reports, in our interactions with others, and sadly, even within our own hearts and minds. Sin is alive and well and wreaking havoc on all of creation. But, Jesus came and experienced a darkness that is unimaginable so that we might never have to experience that same darkness of total separation from God the Father. Jesus has broken the power of sin, death and darkness through His death on the cross and His resurrection and victory over the grave.
As we walk through this dark day, let’s remember the words of Hebrews 12:2-3, “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
Christ’s Peace,
Lance
Eastern Regional Conference Searches for Executive Director
The initial discussions have been completed, and they are ready to receive resumes and applications for the position of Executive Director. Those who sense a leading from the Lord to apply for this position are asked to respond with an application and the requested supporting documents.
An application and job description may be found by click on the links. As noted on the application, priority will be given to applications received on or before April 15, 2018. Applications may be submitted to Interim Executive Director Pastor Jim Moss, Jr. at [email protected]. If there any questions about the position, please call 717-547-9470.