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By Steve Rowley

By now the candles, down to the nub, provided little opposition to the gathering dark. The Passover meal ended, Jesus looked to those around him, aware that the darkness he would endure he would endure alone. Darker than the ebony of the black keys Beth plays so wonderfully for us Sunday by Sunday. The darkness of the very pit of Hell, whether a real place or a place birthed of the emotions stemming from aloneness, alienation, denial and betrayal by those he so deeply loved.  

It’s familiar territory, this story, we know the outcome, we know that it may be Friday but as the preacher says, “Sunday’s comin’.” In those moments, at the end of the meal, on the way to Gethsemane I cannot imagine the darkness Jesus, in his humanity experienced. And so he prayed. For the betrayers, the deceivers, the deniers and all of us to come along later who would claim relationship with him. For all of us who struggle mightily not to deny, not to deceive, not to betray. He prays that we would be unified and be in love. In love with him and in love with each other and in love with all of humanity.  

Two amazing thoughts came for me from Alan’s talk. First, a concept lost on me until Alan mentioned it, Jesus prayed with a full confidence, that in this, the darkest hour ever experienced the deniers, the betrayers and the deceivers would ultimately; miraculously change the course of human history by loving each other and forming the church. Second, I was moved again by the notion that the women did not abandon him. In the world we live in, how can it still be possible that the life and example of Jesus can be ignored in the area of gender equality? I don’t know why this hit me so hard as an afterthought, it just did. Anyhow, thems my afterthoughts for now, at least. And oh yeah, when we experience the darkness, as we all do, remember, as tough as it may be that our ultimate outcome is ensured. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, there is light, there can be no shadow without light. Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on us!

 

 
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3 Comments

san nolte over 8 years ago

Steve, thank you so, so, so much, for reminding us of the fact that darkness is 'not gonna win' and not forever.

Mary Ann Blaksley over 8 years ago

Steve, thank you for your amazing reflection on Pastor Alan's sermon. May all believers find God's grace to overcome the darkness through confident prayer and selfless love for the betrayers, deceivers, deniers, and other people in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Ron Morrow over 8 years ago

Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us, Steve. Your words are a reminder that, “The light still shines in the darkness and the darkness has never put it out” (John 1:5, Phillips). One thing that really caught my attention was Jesus’ use of the phrase “Righteous Father” – a phrase that Pastor Alan mentioned occurs nowhere else in Scripture. We are naturally more drawn to the image of a loving Father than to that of a just Judge. However, Jesus reveals to us a God who is never forced to set aside His love in order to be just, nor set aside justice in order to demonstrate His love.

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