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| Chagall's White Crucifixion |
In Chagall's White Crucifixion, Jesus is seen suffering on the Cross in the very midst of overwhelming suffering by all the people around him.
Jesus says to God, "father forgive them for they know not what they do." He then promises his two fellow unfortunates that, "today, they will be with him in paradise."
How do we endure the suffering of life until we reach the goal? How did Jesus' defense of those about him, when he said to forgive them, teach us how to endure our suffering until...?
Luke 23:33-43
23:33 When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left.
23:34 Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." And they cast lots to divide his clothing.
23:35 And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!"
23:36 The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine,
23:37 and saying, "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!"
23:38 There was also an inscription over him, "This is the King of the Jews."
23:39 One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, "Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!"
23:40 But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?
23:41 And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong."
23:42 Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."
23:43 He replied, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise."
Mmmmk....is this thing letting me post yet?
ReplyDeleteIt takes time to see ourselves on the other side of tragedy and despair. Alone we succumb to the results of hopelessness. The truth is, alone, we are NOT strong enough to handle the lows in our lives. However, God will share some of His strength if we ask. Our own eternal salvation was purchased through the suffering of Jesus as He experienced every possible loss, sorrow, pain and abandonment anyone ever could. Jesus, hung dying, broken, shattered and forsaken. Still, through His sacrifice and willingness to submit to overwhelming, indescribable horror, our eternal redemption was secured. God turned the most evil, darkest and deepest pain into the most incredible gift of grace and forgiveness. In John 16:33, Jesus doesn‘t sugar coat the inevitable-- There is evil….disappointments, loss, sorrow and suffering in this world. Yet He encourages and comforts us …through Him there IS hope. He reminds us He has overcome the world and offers us peace, love, hope and forgiveness. He promises us He will not ever forsake us. Without falter, without fail, He is with us through all of the good and every single second of the bad.
ReplyDeleteUltimately, simple consistencies remain throughout life even through the hard times; God is there for us. He loves and comforts us, He created chocolate , chick flicks and Heavenly Hash Ice Cream. With God even bouts of extreme ickyness are fixable and God ALWAYS restores balance. And that’s all I’ve got to say about that, Jennie (In my best Forrest Gump voice)! P.S. This is a FANTASTIC blog…lot’s of heavy weighty thoughts and seeds ….deep stuff. I keep visiting, reading and finding new ideas, thoughts and concepts sprouting every time I click….it is indeed a blessing! Thanks for posting it.