“And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.” Luke 23:44-45.

Today, Christians all over the world are worshipping and giving thanks to God for the day our Lord was crucified. Let us examine the scene at the cross for a moment. Many in the crowd jeered and mocked our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ, as He hung on Calvary’s cross that afternoon. “And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.” Luke 23:44-45.

A theologian wrote: “The darkest hour is just before dawn.” A cataclysmic event occurred across the earth for three hours. I can imagine the fear that gripped the minds and hearts of the by standers… something was happening that defied all reason… listen to the account of the centurion; “And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.” Mark 15:39.

Yes, there was extreme darkness as God poured His wrath for sin out on our Savior. But don’t you know that light always dispels darkness? The Light was shining on the cross. Jesus is the light of the world. All those who come to Him will never live in darkness! “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12. He came so that we may live!

My friends, God’s unconditional love and miraculous power were on display…His only begotten Son became the propitiation for the sins of the whole world on that old rugged cross. Let us never forget that hope is often closest when things seem at their worst. The Bible states: “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” 1 John 4:10.

I am not sure about you this morning, but in my heart, every day is a day to remember the passion of our Christ, when He took our sins away. I am so glad about it. My Lord and my Savior, the Lord God Almighty, cleared the way from Earth to Heaven not just for me, but for all who believe in His redemptive work on the cross and the proof of the empty grave. My friends, He is the way, the truth, and the life! “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16.

So today, go out and tell somebody the Good News. Yes, He died on Calvary, but He rose early on the third day. He is the Bright and Morning Star, the spotless Lamb of God, worthy to be praised! “And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.” Revelation 5:11-12. The greatest work often begins in moments of absolute despair. 

Thank you, Lord, for the cross!

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