Wednesday, March 23, 2005
Psalm 119:49-50 Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope. My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.
A WORD IN TIME OF CRISIS
When a time of crisis comes upon a nation, her citizens look to the president for words of comfort and reassurance. A leader's words in moments of distress can impart peace and hope to a troubled heart.
As that first holy week progressed, the tide was turning against Jesus and His disciples. The cross was looming nearer and the shouts of "Crucify!" were not far off. How then do we find the Lord preparing for that dreadful Friday? Is He sitting in a room alone with His thoughts? Is He withdrawing from society as many do who are on death row? No, instead we find Him doing what He always did-- preaching the good news of God's grace and mercy.
How beautiful that is! When the kingdom was going through a time of great crisis and strain, there was Jesus in the midst of her citizens saying to them, "In me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." With such words He imparted to them something far more that a few trite "last sayings." With words like these He gave them the very peace they would so desperately need in the coming hours. Their sins were forgiven. They were at peace with God. This He had surely communicated to them!
Is it not the same with us? When we are in times of crisis, whether it be an impending death or something else-- we remember the words of our God and say with uplifted head, "My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life." 