“And when they had crucified Him, they divided up His garments among themselves by casting lots. And sitting down, they began to keep watch over Him there” (Matthew 27:35).
The Lord told us in Scripture that this would happen. The Lord, who knows all things, tells us these things ahead of time so that we may trust that His word is true. In a world filled with deceit, trust that the Lord will accomplish all that He promised. Like those soldiers, we watch unaware of who is present. But we are always before the Lord. Are we looking the other way while He dies on the cross?
Everything was created by our Lord, yet we appropriate what is His as if it were our own. We are stewards and He is the owner. The world put Him on the cross to be rid of Him, but those who hear His word know that by this very cross, we are forever reconciled by and to Him. The question that divides is the one that asks, “Will you live for yourself, or for the One who made you?” Will you look to the cross or away from it?
Lord Jesus, I do not want to think about the horror of what has been done to you. I know that I have had my part, for You needed to go to the cross for me. Guide me on the way I need to go so that I see things as they are. Lead me now and always to humbly come into Your presence and live the way You know I need to live. Through this death on the cross comes the hope and promise You give. Keep me in the hope You give. Amen.
