In the Storm

Early in the wee hours of the morning, I lay in bed, listening to the rain tapping against the window panes. Thunder crackles pronounce God’s glory as lightning startles the darkness. I love the rain, and even storms like this one. (I know I am weird!)

But I love it because I feel like God is showing me His glorious presence. There is something about being safe and warm inside, while all outside is dark and wet. It reminds me of God’s caring hand. I wonder if this is how Moses felt, when he was sheltered in the cleft of the rock as God’s glory passed by (Exodus 33:22).

Lying quietly, I am reminded also that this is much like it might have been that day—the day—the first Good Friday.

“At the sixth hour darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour.  And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?”—which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:33-34)

It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.

The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, “Surely this was a righteous man.” When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away.(Luke 23:44-48)

I lie here in peace, safety, comfort, and warmth. And He, the Son of the Living God, was nailed on that cross for me. For all the wrong I have done (and will do), there He is.

Separated from His Father.

Doing something that I could never do for myself.

Loving me that much.

At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. (Matthew 27:51-52)

The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died, he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!” (Mark 15:38-39)

See how even the earth recognizes His glory and power? At the moment of His death, the earth reacted, roared, and rumbled.

How about you?  How will you react to this powerful, selfless act and gift of love given to you at no cost? All you have to do is believe that He is the Son of the Living God. What will you do to show your gratefulness and love to Him?

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