You stand in the midst of a sweaty crowd. They shake their fists towards heaven, as if they are angry at the God who sent his son to them. But who are they jeering at? Who is worthy of so much hate. As you push your way through the mob of men, women, even children their dirty faces and darkened hearts let you know that the person their screaming, cursing and mocking is loathed by them. You come to the front and there the scene that has unfolded in front of you is shocking. A man is nailed to a tree. Blood runs down his face from a crown of thorns that sits on his blameless head. Your eyes meet... You know this man and he knows you. Eyes widen and arms shake as you realize the Son of God hangs before you.
In his eyes there is a perfect hope enough to make a man whole. With the one look you, it’s as if he said to you, that he would do it all again. His words pierce your heart.
“It is finished.” He says as he breathes his last.
You start to tremble. No! It’s not you! The world is shaking. Lighting and thunder, clouds and wind; they surround you from every direction and it sends you into a frenzy. You shake uncontrollably and fall to your knees before the man who gave it all for you. Weeping, cursing and amazement enters your ears. In your heart, you know the earth will ever be the same.
Your surroundings change. Instead of the cross in front of you, there is a tomb, meant to conceal the savior’s body. Two men guard it. They don’t seem to notice you as your hand touches the stone. You weep for him. But as you do, two men, in the purest white appear in front of you. They push the heavy, impossible to move stone from the entrance and a light emerges from the depths of death, a man, with gracious compassion in his eyes. His gaze falls on you and you seem to melt in the warmth of his smile. He puts his hand on your shoulder.
“All this, I did for you,” He says.
“Why? Why would you endure that for me?”
His hand wipes the tear from your cheek, “Because I love you. And I love this world, these people. I desire eternity with them.”
You look around and for the first time, see beauty in the ashes of the Earth. You start to see the master plan unfold.
“What do you want me to do?”
He smiles and takes your hand, “Go spread the word. I’ve made a way where there is no way.”
Now, it’s up to you and me.
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