On a Simple Hill

An innocent Man had just been put to death in a gruesome way by a rabid mob. A Wednesday noonday sky turned as black as night for three hours straight. An earthquake shook the ground, so much so that graves opened up and the dead arose!

The hearts of Jesus’ followers were broken. With Jesus dead, what were they supposed to do now? Would He live again as He had said? How could this be? Their thoughts may have been that, when all of this happened in the span of a few short hours, the end of the world was upon them. There must have been confusion and pandemonium. Fear certainly burned in the hearts of humankind. No one knew if they would see tomorrow, and rightly so.

However, it was only the beginning of a prophecy fulfillment that would change the world forever. The Saviour had paid for the sins of mankind as His blood was shed on the cross. He was now on His way to place the blood on the Mercy Seat in the presence of His Heavenly Father. There would be no more need for animal sacrifice. There would be no more ritual or replacement for achieving salvation. No! In three days, Jesus Christ would rise from the tomb. Forgiveness would be available for everyone. No one would need to wonder if they could achieve eternal life, guess that they might see God after death, or think that maybe they would get to Heaven one day. Mankind would be given the greatest gift that ever was and that ever will be: certain eternal hope!

In January 2020, when I stood in the shadow of a simple hill called “Calvary,” I thought of the blood staining the ground beneath the cross. I thought of the tears of the disciples and His other followers mingling there in the dirt only a short walk outside of the Old City walls of Jerusalem. Emotions flooded in as I considered that dark afternoon of unbelievable fear, devastation, and loss for those who loved Jesus.

Then, my thoughts went to an early Sunday morning just three days later, when the earth shook again and the stone rolled away from the tomb. I thought of the wonder in the eyes of Peter and John upon finding the empty tomb. I imagined the joy in Mary Magdalene’s soul when a risen Jesus spoke her name. Death could not keep Him! The grave could not hold Him! Sin could not conquer Him! He arose as He had said to save the world from their sins.

Today, that unimposing, rocky slope still attracts believers from around the world as a reminder of that unassuming Wednesday when the death-burial-resurrection that forever changed the history of mankind began!

“There is a fountain filled with blood

Drawn from Immanuel’s veins,

And sinners plunged beneath that flood

Lose all their guilty stains:

Lose all their guilty stains,

Lose all their guilty stains;

And sinners plunged beneath that flood

Lose all their guilty stains.”

– William Cowper

by Tracie S. Burns

Previous article
Next article

Related Stories

spot_img

Discover

The Greatest Gift

In the summer of 1999, my parents celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. At the...

Hide and Seek

Lamentations 3:25, The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul...

She Worketh Willingly with Her Hands

Christian women wear many hats. These could include that of wife, mother, caretaker, cook,...

God Sees

This morning, I read in Luke 21:1-4, And he looked up, and saw the...

Abundantly Satisfied

Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep: O...

How to Have a Perfect Day

Unfortunately, we cannot control the circumstances of each day. Things often happen in a...

Fighting For Innocence

America has always been a worldwide symbol of endless opportunities. For hundreds of years,...

Building Our Houses

Proverbs 14:1 – Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it...

Instead, Let God Choose!

This morning, I was talking to God about the future spouses that He is...

The Anchor of Hope

Happy Monday. How is your anchor? Many today feel that their lives are shaking...

What Time I Am Afraid

One summer when I was a little girl, I was playing inside with three...

He’s Not Finished

It was not the best of days. My son had come home with yet...

An Opportunity for Fellowship

Hey there, Christian Ladies Fellowship ladies! We are taking a brief moment in this...

Follow, Seek, and Please

Over the years, I have heard many parents give their children advice before they...

Does Jesus Care?

Have you ever been in a place in your life in which you wondered,...

Popular Categories

Comments

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Get a daily devotion in your inbox here.

X