Lent JourneySample

DAY 24
Faith, hope, love

When I read the gospels, not much emphasis is placed on the physical suffering Jesus endured – very different from the way that Mel Gibson portrays it in his film, The Passion Of The Christ.

Mark’s words are few: ‘They took Him away and crucified Him.’ Nothing of the lashings, floggings, nails driven through his hands and other grief and pain that went along with it. The bitter cup that Mark focuses on is more moral in nature. Jesus was right, but misunderstood; Jesus wanted to help, but is rejected; He wants to share His life with others, but is deserted; He is almighty but now is powerless. Jesus is isolated and as a good person He dies the death of a criminal.

At this stage in his life, He continues to surrender:
• in trusting – He continues to talk to his God even though He feels alone,
• in love – He doesn’t act against his disciples who deserted Him or the malefactors who crucified Him,
• in hope – He prays, He does not give up.

Hebrews 12:2 say that He endured it, because He concentrated on what would be brought about through his suffering. Jesus knew that He was going to die – He never doubted his calling and task. He surely prepared himself for this?

I see Him on the cross – He continues to pray and believe.
He still loves and hopes! He dies as He had lived!
It is easier for me to love when I feel loved, to believe when I am surrounded by proof, to keep hoping when I experience some of the potential.
However, when human support and godly encouragement are absent and I am surrounded by misunderstanding, rejection, abandonment and doubt, it literally becomes dark inside and around me. My reaction to the crumbling of my emotional, social, physical and spiritual pillars that support me is very different from Jesus’ reaction.

I follow Him. When a trial such as this comes my way I want to believe, hope and love.

EXERCISE
• During your time of prayer, become aware of where you are in your life right now.
• What does it mean to you to continue believing, hoping and loving?
• Talk to God about it.