And then...the cross. All of our ideologies, politics, platforms & preferences must surrender themselves to the work that was done on the cross. We recognize that suffering is a part of Christ's sacrifice, and so we should not be surprised when life is not always easy or hard things come our way. When we think we are more, or when difficulties & pain are all we see...then the cross. We cannot truly appreciate the resurrection and the hope until we have acknowledged the cross. And we cannot comprehend a perfect love until the cross. Pause for a moment with me.
Psalms 113-118 are the Passover Psalms. The first two are sung before the Passover meal, and the last three are sung after. The Jews call them "The Hallel (Praise)". It is quite possible that Jesus sang "The Hallel" following the Passover meal he shared with his disciples before his death. The "Hallel" is named this because this grouping of Scriptures are Psalms of praise.
Before Christ suffered...Christ praised.
There are no words. I am speechless.
When I reflect on all of the pain and suffering of this world, and when I watch humanity fight and bicker and tear each other apart, I then find myself frozen at the cross.
The cross.
Praise before, or perhaps for, the sacrifice.
"And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." Romans 5:2-4
He can not hold on to anything when we encounter the cross. We can only cling to Jesus, and recognize that while this earth is something we can not always understand or control, whatever circumstance we find ourselves in, we too can glory. We can boast. We can praise.
As we enter into this Holy moment, let us enter in as Christ did. With praise.
"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; he love endures forever." Psalm 118:29