ODJ: a friend in dark places
May 17, 2011
At noon, darkness fell across the whole land (v.45).
READ: Matthew 27:45-55
The Gap, a towering, jagged cliff near Australia’s Sydney Harbor, has the notorious distinction of being the spot where many people have gone to commit suicide. A simple invitation from a kindly stranger (“Why don’t you come and have a cup of tea?”), however, has thwarted numerous attempts. For 50 years, Don Ritchie has lived across the street from The Gap, watching for people, and to talk them off the ledge. Ritchie doesn’t do anything special. He simply flashes his warm smile, engages them in conversation, and invites them to join him for tea at his home. Sometimes, in our darkest places, we merely need the presence of a friend.
In Matthew’s account of Jesus’ crucifixion, the apostle takes care to describe the deep darkness that spread across the sky, shrouding the cross in eerie gloom (Matthew 27:45). As Jesus suffered during His final grueling hours, the sun was obscured by the blackness. It was as if the horrific event was draining every bit of light from the world. But the darkness would get worse.
As Jesus gasped for air, He cried out words carrying more pain than all the beatings and all the nails and all the mockery combined. Jesus exclaimed, “My God, My God, why have You abandoned Me?” (v.46). The Apostles’ Creed says that after Jesus’ death, He descended into hell’s darkness. However, Jesus experienced the darkest place imaginable long before that. Jesus encountered utter aloneness, complete abandonment, when the Father left Him.
We’re all broken people trapped in dark places of fear, distrust, and loneliness. In order for Jesus to bring God to us, He had to embrace brokenness and endure darkness. Now, we’re never alone. Jesus is the friend who rescues us today and for all time. —Winn Collier
What is the darkest place in your life right now? How does Jesus change your perspective?
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