Tag: the cross

Betrayal and forgiveness!

The cross.

Betrayal feels like a very relevant theme just now. In the Easter story, there is a big debate about Judas Iscariot betraying Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. Some think Judas was greedy- that he was in charge of the group’s finances, and wanted more. Others say he was impatient for Jesus to be more political, and thought he would force his hand by getting him arrested. Others note the language- that Jesus was handed over, and that Judas was just playing his part in something much bigger than he knew. Whatever his motivation, to identify Jesus with a kiss, seemed like the ultimate insult.

It has been said that betrayal is so difficult to deal with, because it implies that at some stage in the past there was trust. The theme of betrayal is therefore prominent in books and movies- which depict the pain of realising that some one has let you down. It could happen in a relationship, at work, or in society in general.

Listening to people’s stories, betrayal seems to be a common theme just now. People had hoped for more, amongst their families, their employment, or the government. Things are changing so quickly, that the things that felt familiar in the past are no longer valued. Cut backs, fewer resources, greater stress levels, poor behaviours all contribute to a sense of accelerated change and unfulfilled expectations all around us.

For Jesus, even though he knew Judas would betray him to the authorities, he still included him at the last supper. Jesus said ‘ the hand of him who is going to betray me is either mine at the table.’ Luke 22:21. He knew that Judas would betray him- in Matthew 26: 25 Jesus speaks directly to Judas about it. Yet he still loves him, and serves him along with everyone else. He even washes his feet. And in the agony of the cross, Jesus says ‘ Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing’ Luke 23:34. Forgiveness is offered to all.

We are called to follow Jesus’ example. When some one lets us down or hurts us, we are called to forgive. That does not necessarily  mean a restoration of relationship, but that we do not hold a grudge and become bitter. This Easter, as we look to the cross, may we find grace as to how to forgive and also the humility to be forgiven.

Lord Jesus Christ, your heart must have been sore to know that the one you loved would betray you into the hands of the authorities. Even though you knew the worst about Judas, it didn’t stop you loving him. And by your grace You love us, though we let You down so often. Give us hearts to love those who hurt us, and to forgive. We might still need good boundaries. We might need to go our separate ways. But may your Holy Spirit set us free from bitterness and resentments, and enable us to pray for your blessing for that person, and to leave them in your hands. Teach us your ways, for the sake of our Precious Saviour, Amen.

A convergence of sorrow and love.

Light and shade

In life sometimes there can be the juxtaposition of too many sorrows. The loss of a loved one, of a job, of a dream, all coming at the same time. There are so many things that can cause people to mourn, not just our personal circumstances, but the loss of certainty, a wailing over injustice, a deep sorrow at the state of the world. In this time of pandemic, turbulent international politics and horrendous poverty and injustice, we have so many reasons for sorrow.

Walking in the valley of the shadow can be scary and lonely. There are so many dark places on the path, which are unexpected and unnerving. Yet it is when we are under pressure, that we call out to our Saviour, when we find out what it means to have him walk beside us on that path.

One of my favourite verses is from Isaiah chapter 43: ‘ I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places’. I often ponder what this means, but it seems to be that it is only when everything goes wrong, and you feel overwhelmed, that the beauty of Jesus’s presence can be truly felt and appreciated. Somehow it is only through being in the darkness, that we find out who we really are, and the discover the blessing of God’s grace to us. For He never turns His back on us, and when we are weak, He holds us up, and encourages us each step of the way.

And do there is a convergence of sorrow and love, for it us only in the deepest despair, that we experience the tender and transformative love of God, His Holy spirit refining our characters, so the dross is burned away, and only the gold comes forth. We are changed forever, with such an overwhelming waterfall of love flowing over us, that we are cleansed and strengthened and inspired.

The cross points to this deep truth, because in this place of human cruelty and barbarism and pain, Jesus lived out the love of God, revealing concern for his followers, forgiveness for the sinner, and a trust that he could commit his spirit to His heavenly Father. The cross is the most powerful and moving expression of love, because it is when Jesus is desolate and separated from his heavenly father, we see the extent of his self giving love for all.

This encourages our hearts, for when we are burdened looking after a loved one who is chronically unwell, or when we are struggling with pain and ill health, and life seems colourless and drab, that is when Christ’s presence gives us new strength, when we feel appreciation of a random act of kindness, when we are gently drawn into an experience of love that defies all description. In the darkest moment, God can bring a revelation of His grace, which whispers to our souls a word of peace.

I feel really thankful, that even in my worst days, God was there. Even when it seemed no- one understood, God listened. Even when all seemed lost, God was faithful. We are so blessed.

I remember the words of that great hymn ‘ when I survey the wondrous cross’ and the third verse says this: ‘ see from his head, his hands, his feet, sorrow and love flow mingled down; did e’er such love and sorrow meet, or thorns compose so rich a crown?’

May we pray, Gracious God, we give thanks that even on the most drab and empty days, in the midst of our unmittigating sorrow, You reveal to us the depth of Your love in Christ, that convergence of sorrow and love on the cross, and you meet with us, and through your holy spirit breathe new strength and life into our souls. Your amazing love demands all we have, gladly given in love and service,and so we declare our love and devotion for You anew, Amen.