LUKE 23:44-46 TREMBLE AT THE DOOR

Written by , Rector of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, Richmond, Virginia
 

⁴⁴ It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, ⁴⁵ for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. ⁴⁶ Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.

Just when it looked as if the powers of darkness had won in their battle against the True Light, “the curtain in the Temple was torn in two.” All was unnaturally dark, but in the midst of that darkness the curtain that stood for the barrier between men and God was destroyed. While the physical light was obscured, the way to true enlightenment was exposed.

The cross of Christ is the door through which men have access to the Light, the glory of God. However, although the door has been opened, it is not one we should casually traverse. By doing so, we cheapen the incredible gift of Christ and decrease the seriousness of his sacrifice. Jesus, the very eternal Son of God incarnate, died on that cross. Think on that every time you see a cross. And whenever you face the opportunity to sin know that our sins are what held Jesus on that cross. As we walk through that door of salvation, we must do so, not as entitled guests of the king, but as redeemed slaves bought at the incredible cost of the death of God. Out attitude should be that described in the words of Paul Gerhardt (1607-1676) in the hymn “O Sacred Head” (verse 3).

In thy most bitter passion
My heart to share doth cry,
With thee for my salvation
Upon the cross to die.
Ah, keep my heart thus moved
To stand thy cross beneath,
To mourn thee, well beloved,
Yet thank thee for thy death.

For me, kind Jesus, was thy incarnation, thy mortal sorrow, and thy life’s oblation; thy death of anguish and thy bitter passion, for my salvation. Therefore, kind Jesus, since I cannot pay thee, I do adore thee, and will ever pray thee, think on thy pity and thy love unswerving, not my deserving. Amen. (“Ah Holy Jesus,” vv 4 & 5)

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