“In the beginning…the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep…” – Genesis 1:1-2 (KJV)
The weekend began in darkness. Some frighteningly strange things were happening. They had put to death an innocent man. They had Him crucified because they said He blasphemed; He called himself “the Son of God.” He forgave men their sins. They ignored or pretended to forget that He walked the streets, healing the sick and teaching forgiveness and repentance. He ate with ‘tax collectors and sinners,’ unacceptable to them. ‘Who was this impostor?’ they asked. They rejected Him, even His own (John. 1:11).
Who were they? They were the Pharisees, the Scribes who saw themselves as the guardians of the letter of the law passed down from the time of Moses and the prophets. They accused Him of breaking the law. They hated Him because He showed mercy over the law. They wanted the woman who was caught in adultery put to death. The law said that. He said to them, “…He that is without sin…let him first cast a stone at her” (John 8:7 – KJV). They were convicted and ashamed, so they slinked away. They concocted a way to kill Him (all foreplanned by Him).
So now He was hanging after a sham trial. He had cried out, with a loud voice, from His place on the cross between the two thieves. Then, just as He gave up His spirit, the veil of the temple suddenly ripped open – top to bottom. Darkness settled on the land. An earthquake struck, shaking the earth and splitting the rocks. Tombs in the cemetery split open, and people saw long-dead saints walking about the holy city. Fear gripped those who watched, and they said, “Truly this was the Son of God” – Matthew 27:54 (KJV).
Yes, friends, it is finished! Sin’s debt has been paid in full. To those who receive Him, He gave the right, the authority, and the privilege to be called sons of God (John 1:12).
God began His work in darkness but spoke light into the world (Genesis 1:3). In John 8:12 (NKJV), Jesus declares, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” Let’s follow Jesus!
Prayer
Thank You Jesus, for the finished work on the cross. Thank You for taking my sins, all our sins, and freely giving us Your righteousness. Thank You that we are a new creation in You. Amen.
Read: John 1:5; Romans 12:2
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 46; Luke 17:11-37; Deuteronomy 26; Deuteronomy 27; Deuteronomy 28:1-14
