A Lot Can Happen in Three Days

Bible Passage: Matthew 27:45-50 (NIV)
From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. About three in the
afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?’ (which means ‘My God, my
God, why have you forsaken me?’). When some of those standing there heard this, they said,
‘He’s calling Elijah.’ Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine
vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. The rest said, ‘Now leave him alone.
Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.’ And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he
gave up his spirit.

Meditation:
As we contemplate the events of Good Friday, we are drawn to the harrowing scene of Jesus’
crucifixion. In the darkness that enveloped the land, we witness the profound agony of the Son
of God as he hung upon the cross, bearing the weight of humanity’s sin.

The words uttered by Jesus in his anguish, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” echo
through the ages, piercing the silence of our souls. In this moment of raw vulnerability, we are
confronted with the depth of Christ’s sacrifice and the magnitude of his love for us.

It is easy to overlook the significance of those three days leading up to Resurrection Sunday, to
rush past the pain and suffering of Good Friday in anticipation of the joy of resurrection. Yet, it
is in the darkness of the crucifixion that we find the true essence of redemption.

In the span of three days, the world was forever changed. The veil of separation between God
and humanity was torn asunder, and the way to reconciliation was made clear through the
shedding of Jesus’ blood.

As we meditate on the sacrifice of Christ, let us not shy away from the darkness of Good Friday.
Let us embrace the reality of Jesus’ suffering, allowing it to penetrate our hearts and minds. For
it is in the brokenness of the cross that we find healing, and in the emptiness of the tomb that
we find hope.

Today, let us pause to dwell in the shadow of the cross, acknowledging the immense pain and
sorrow that Jesus endured on our behalf. As we journey through these three days of
remembrance, may we be continually reminded of the transformative power of God’s love,
which triumphs over even death itself. Though darkness may seem to surround us now, let us
find courage and hope, knowing that Sunday is on the horizon. Remember: in just three days, a
lot can happen. Some folks may have left you for dead, but God has not forgotten you.
Resurrection remains the priority of God. Stay encouraged, for the dawn of resurrection draws
near.

Amen