Darkness fell across the entire earth, although this was midday. The sun, the moon and the stars blackened as Christ hung upon the cross. God’s full wrath and judgement fell upon Christ for our sin. The utter darkness that covered the earth was not only recorded in Scripture; but also, was recorded by two first century historians. They were Thallus and Phlegon who recorded that an unexplainable darkness fell upon the land during the reign of Tiberius Caesar during a time of a full moon. These historians reported that the darkness lasted from the 6th to the 9th hour, which is what we call 12 noon to 3 pm now. Furthermore, they wrote of earthquakes that occurred around the same time which were also unexplained.
Prior to this, Jesus had shown forth such grace and mercy, despite His agony. He had prayed for His accusers and those who nailed Him to the cross (Luke 23:34). Then, He offered salvation to the thief who professed belief in Him (Luke 23:43). Finally, with great compassionate love He asked John to care for His mother (John 19:25-27). When one considers the beatings His body had endured, the nails driven into His hands and feet, the thorns piercing His brow with blood pouring down, the severe dehydration, the difficulty breathing on a cross, the pain throughout His muscles, and most likely a pericardial effusion reducing the outflow of blood-the fact that He even spoke is miraculous. Much less with such love, compassion, and grace.
A Gracious Glimpse
During the many surgeries that I have had, one stands out. They went in to repair my hernias by placing pig fascia. No longer were my abdominal muscles present to attach to due to previous surgeries. Therefore, with great meticulous skill the surgeon had attached the pig fascia via thousands of tiny stitches to the muscles far to the lateral sides and across the ribcage. Any one who has ever injured their ribcage knows the nerves surrounding it are unforgiving. Well, as I awoke from surgery and transferred to my room, my IV access was lost. Having no IV access meant no access to pain medications. As I lay very still in the bed awaiting a PICC line for nearly 4 hours, the pain was so excruciating that I could barely whisper. My entire body lightly shivered with the pain, drenched in a light sweat.
While lying there, I prayed. At first, I prayed for relief. Then, suddenly I remembered Jesus on the cross. I began to thank God for allowing me this glimpse into my Lord’s agony, for mine was so minute compared to what He had endured. Mine would be for a limited time. His endured for hour upon hour. Then it was I realized the depth of strength it took for Him to speak at all. Yet, He did with such grace and love for those around Him. What an amazing Savior we have. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. (2 Corinthians 1:5). Mine was but a tiny glimpse of what He endured for me. Knowing that allowed me to wait with patience, keeping my eyes on Him who loved me.
Darkness of Judgement
Some, even I, believed the darkness came because God could not look upon sin. But now, when considering it all, I wonder if that is the case or whether indeed this was much more. Darkness throughout scripture meant judgement. A symbol of God’s fury and wrath against sin. “Behold, the day of the Lord cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it” (Isaiah 13:9). Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision. The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining. The Lord also shall roar out of Zion and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the Lord will be the hope of his people (Joel 3:14-16).
Christ did not cry out those agonizing words, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me” until 3 hours of darkness neared their end. Therefore, God the Father nor the Holy Spirit, withdrew from Christ. Rather, Father and Holy Spirit were present pouring forth every ounce of fury against sin upon Him, the Son. Through the wrath of the Lord of hosts is the land darkened (Isaiah 9:19). Never underestimate God’s wrath against sin nor diminish its fury poured out upon Jesus for our sin. Sin intensified with Mankind’s desire to rule supreme over life destroys all that is righteous, just and good. Even though at times sin dons the apparel of pseudo-righteousness. God has with great patience, mercy, and love endured the horrors of hearts so filled with pride. He has watched as His Creation rebelled against all He represents.
God’s One Desire
His one desire to shower love upon a people who could truly receive that love. For them to know what that love really is or to understand the truth of righteousness, He had to allow choice. They could not know the sweetness of His Grace or the brilliance of His light, were they to have never known the truth of justice nor the depth of darkness. Yet, knowing the creature’s heart was bent on foolish desires of self, He made the ultimate sacrifice. He poured forth all His wrath upon His Only Begotten Son, so that He could cover our sins with His Righteous Robes. He who knew no sin bore our sins upon His body on the cross. No, God had not yet turned His head when darkness fell. Instead He poured forth His full fury against sin upon His Son because of our sin.
For three hours, Jesus endured the full extent of wrath and then at the third hour cried out, “My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34). Sin leads to the final phase of judgement: complete separation from God’s presence. A place where all goodness, righteousness, and love are removed. It was the final part of Christ’s full payment for our sin. Something so utterly unbearable for Him, although with great agony He had endured all that came before. For Him, this was the worst of all.
When Darkness Rose
After enduring this final phase of judgement could He say, “It is finished” (John 19:28). This was not a cry of desperation, rather of victory. He, still with full determination, after having endured all God’s wrath and judgement did say, “I thirst” so that they would bring Him the sponge dipped in vinegar in order that scripture could be fulfilled. This was at this moment in time, so we knew He never lost focus of His goal. No matter what, He came to save all who would believe in Him.
It was then He breathed forth His last breath and commanded His Spirit into the Father’s arms. “Father, ‘into Your hands I commit My spirit’ (Luke 23:45). The temple veil had ripped from top to bottom. No longer was there the separation between humans and God. Jesus had paid the price for our sins. There would be one more act necessary. He would rise again from the grave victorious forever to sit at the right hand of God making intercession for us.
Now it is in our hands to either accept or reject Him. Oh, even that we need His Spirit to draw us and help us for we who are dead in trespasses and sin cannot come to life without His wooing us. He takes the responsibility for that wooing. But for how long will He strive with your spirit, if you go on rejecting His call?
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because, He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
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Books Available
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Series: Finding Faith on the Road to Emmaus
One Detailed Portrait of Christ’s Death Foretold
The Greatest Question: Who Do You Say Jesus Is?
Why is it Important that Jesus be a Priestly King?
Why Did They Reject Jesus as King?
Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem. Why Really?
Did Jesus Come to Offer Salvation to All?
How to Certainly Know Jesus As the Lion of Judah
God Works All Things According to His Will
How Can I Be Certain Jesus is the Christ?
Was Jesus the Savior they Waited For?
How was Christ’s Suffering a Part of His Glory?
Why is it so Important to Know All the Truth?
How Faith is Found on the Road to Emmaus
Disclosures
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2018
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
CREDITS
Photo by Mohamed Nohassi on Unsplash