Have you noticed how few churches have crosses now? I’m not talking about the historical buildings with huge crosses on the walls. I’m talking about those built or created in recent years – those in shared community buildings or newly built.
We’re quick to do away with the cross.
We’re quick to do away with the very symbol that signifies who we are as believers.
We’re quick to do away with the blood.
We’re quick to do away with the gore.
We’re quick to do away with the suffering.
We love the But…
I know it was the blood. I know it was the blood. I know it was the blood saved me.
One day when I was lost, Jesus died on the cross. I know it was the blood saved me.
You can’t make me doubt Him. You can’t make me doubt Him. You can’t make me doubt Him in my heart. You can’t make me doubt Him. I know too much about Him. You can’t make me doubt Him in my heart.
We don’t sing the blood songs much anymore.
We’ll talk about the crucifixion minimally, but we rush to the But…
We keep our Good Friday traditions – 7 last words of Christ from the Cross – update it to poetry and dance – reduce it to rush hour – cast it with women, young preachers, lay preachers. Schedule it all hours of day and night.
But…
Can we say it together?
Jesus was beaten soundly. A crown of thorns was placed on his head. Jesus was hanged on a cross. He was denied water so he became dehydrated. He could barely breathe because of the position his body was in. And any attempt to get a decent breath was deterred by the stabbing pain the spike in his feet caused as he shifted his weight. And when time was running out – had to get the body down so as not to shame the Sabbath – they threw a sword up into his side. It pierced the sack around his heart and allowed his life’s blood to flow freely, ensuring his death.
I know no one really wants to hear this.
But it’s the foundation of our legacy.
Actually God’s love is the foundation. But the crucifixion is the act of that love that forever actualized our redemption and blotted out all our sins, past and present.
I’m not sure we can fully receive the gift of resurrection if we don’t fully embrace the suffering Jesus endured to secure it.
I think we should let the weekend play out.
Crucifixion on God’s Friday. Only.
Vigil on Saturday. Think about how the disciples must have felt. Remembering Jesus’ words. Enduring what was actually happening. Trying to make sense of it all.
Sunday morning. Resurrection.
Yes, He does get up.
And it’s only one weekend of the year.
A fitting end to our Lenten journey.
A fitting preparation for new life in our lives come Resurrection Sunday.
And on Sunday morning, let Jesus Christ live large in our lives as never before.
Let Him breathe new life in the dying places.
Let Him breathe new courage in the fearful places.
Let Him shine His light on the hidden places.
Let Him touch infirm places.
Let Him calm anxious places.
The shalom of the Lord be with you. Forevermore. Amen.
March 26, 2016
Dorothy Scott Boulware 