Series Introduction

For something so world-transforming, something as central to our faith, how can the cross still hold so much mystery? Sarah Raiter invites us to sit, ponder, pray, sing, wonder again with her at the cross.

Reflection: Perfect Timing

The stage is set for an annual one-week pantomime. Backdrop unfurled, lights dimmed, spotlight focusses on…the slave camps in Egypt. It’s Passover in Jerusalem. Lights pan to the foreground where the stage is milling with temple visitors.

“Do you hear the people sing? Singing the song of angry men?
It is the music of the people, Who will not be slaves again!”*

This…is ‘the hour’. Jesus has been waiting a clock-ticking lifetime, and this is his hour. Passover will be the setting of his finished life assignment. He’s one in a million here in Jerusalem. One among twelve sharing a meal. One in a garden praying. And he knows he’s the only one; the only one who can bring ultimate victory to an enslaved world.

When the beating of your heart, Echoes the beating of the drums
There is a life about to start, When tomorrow comes!*

While the Jewish masses are all too conscious of being under Roman rule, this week they’re celebrating God’s long-ago rescue from oppression. They’re symbolically reminding each other how he crushed the Egyptians but passed his judgement over Israel. They’re singing of their freedom to worship God and live in covenant love. Passover.

“Sin, freedom, sacrifice, victory, membership, hope, covenant—all the strands of Old Testament hope and longing come through the Passover.”** 

So, this is perfect timing for the decisive blow. Passover. Christ will crush the powers of evil with his own lifeblood. He will lay a blood-red carpet to usher in God’s New Creation welcoming his world—you and me, to forever-worship in covenant love.

Prayer:

Remind me of your rescue, Lord. Me, a slave to sin, not just passed over and escorted to freedom, but laundered pure and holy. Lord Jesus, reveal yourself to those who are enslaved and don’t know it. And for those who do know it, have mercy. Blood-bathe us bedraggled lot so we’re fit to be in your family and feast with you.

*‘Do You Hear the People Sing?’, Les Misérables. (Warner Chappell Music, Inc.). An iconic song that expresses the themes of revolution and hope.

**Rory Shiner, Sin and Salvation: A Theology of the Whole Bible