In Fidelity
 |
| Jeff Jacobs via Pixabay |
In fidelity, Jesus mounted a donkey and turned His face toward Jerusalem. He knew the cross’ agony was before him --- betrayal and abandonment, mocking and bruising, beating and hanging. And yet, He went. “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing.” His faithfulness for our unfaithfulness.
In fidelity, Jesus entered the temple, cleansing it of those who turned the house of prayer into a den of thieves. The chief priests, scribes and principal men of the people sought to destroy Him, but He continued to teach. His faithfulness for our unfaithfulness.
In fidelity, Jesus went to the Upper Room for Passover, already aware of Judas’ betrayal, Peter’s denial, the disciples’ flight. He reclined at the table with the twelve, instituting the Lord’s Supper --- Take, Eat, this is my Body broken for you; Take, Drink, this is my Blood poured out for you. His faithfulness for our unfaithfulness.
In fidelity, Jesus went to Gethsemane to pray. “‘My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.’ And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, ‘My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me, nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.’ And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping.” His faithfulness for our unfaithfulness.
In fidelity, Jesus faced the power of darkness, telling the one who betrayed him with a kiss for 30 pieces of silver to do what he came to do. Prophecies fulfilled, the disciples fled. His faithfulness for our unfaithfulness.
In fidelity, Jesus, though mocked, scorned, spit on, beaten, cursed, stood before the governor answering “You have said so” to Pilate’s question: “Are you the king of the Jews?” But to accusations from the chief priests and elders, Jesus gave no answer, amazing the governor. Yet the religious leaders persisted, persuading the crowds against Jesus, so when they were asked which prisoner should be released, they requested Barabbas. As for Jesus, their shouts rose above the din, “CRUCIFY HIM!” His faithfulness for our unfaithfulness.
In fidelity, Jesus was scourged and delivered up for crucifixion at a place called Golgotha. Hung by nails to His cross, He was derided and mocked by soldiers, rulers, criminals. “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” His faithfulness for our unfaithfulness.
In fidelity, Jesus called out with a loud voice into the darkness covering the land, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” His faithfulness for our unfaithfulness.
In fidelity, Jesus remained in His tomb until the third day, when as promised the stone was rolled away --- Jesus RISEN, triumphing over death, over the curse. The women who brought to the tomb spices were told: “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.” His faithfulness for our unfaithfulness.
In fidelity, again as He told us, He will return. He, the one called Faithful and True. He, the one called The Word of God. He the one called King of kings and Lord of lords. He the one Worthy to receive glory and honor and power will open the scroll and break its seals. He is coming back, His faithfulness for our unfaithfulness, “for he cannot deny Himself.” Amen and Amen.
This piece is a conglomeration of the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, and Revelation. Direct quotations are listed in order of appearance:
Matt 26:38-40a
Matt 27:11-14
Luke 23:34
Luke 23:46
John 19:30
Matt 27:51-54
Mark 16:6-7
Rev 19:11-16
2 Tim 2:13
Comments
Post a Comment