Tuesday, February 7, 2012
John 12:27 "Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save Me from this hour'? But for this purpose I came to this hour."
TOWERING O'ER THE WRECKS OF TIME!
The Japan earthquake of last year made us realize anew that we live in a dangerous world. The wreckage it left paints a vivid picture of what a wreck Satan and man's sin have made of God's once perfect world.
With our verse from John 12, Jesus sees ahead to the personal devastation He must face at the cross. He envisions the tsunami of God's just anger toward all sin sweeping over him in wave after hellish wave. How dreadful it would be -- the sinless Son of God deluged with our sins so that He became a cursed thing in the eyes of His heavenly Father. It's no wonder he says, "Now My soul is troubled."
But what a *wonder* that He also says, "And what shall I say? 'Father save Me from this hour'? But for this purpose I came to this hour.'" Yes, our loving Jesus would not turn away from His life's purpose. He would march head on in order to deal with sin and all its ugly wreckage.
In 1825 a British dignitary by the name of Sir John Bowring paid a visit to a place called Macao, located on the coast of South China. Centuries before, a splendid cathedral had been built on the crest of a hill overlooking the sea, but a violent storm had swept in destroying it. Strange to say, although the cathedral fell, the front wall remained intact. Atop the wall remained a beautiful bronze cross standing clear cut against the sky, defying wind and storm. So moved was Bowring, that he penned these cherished words: "In the Cross of Christ I glory, Tow'ring o'er the wrecks of time."
Life may hit against you like a terrible earthquake, crumbling away all that you hold most dear. Death may cut you down when you least expect it. Yet, come what may, nothing can take away the promise of sins forgiven, the certainty of God's abiding presence, or your future glory in heaven. For the cross remains "tow'ring o'er the wrecks of time" as well as over the tumult of your own personal life. Dear reader, through God's Word grab hold in faith to that towering monument of God's everlasting love! Sing with certain hope:
In the Cross of Christ I glory, Tow'ring o'er the wrecks of time.
All the light of sacred story Gathers round its head sublime.
When the woes of life o'er take me, Hopes deceive, and fears annoy,
Never shall the Cross forsake me; Lo, it glows with peace and joy.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 354:1-2)
