Maestro of the Easter presentation
The account of the events surrounding the passion of Christ paints a sombre portrait of love without limitation, obedience without defiance, and innocence consumed by judgement. Centuries before Calvary, God gave us a glimpse of what was to come. In one of the most tender and poignant accounts in the Old Testament, we see a father, Abraham, leading his only son, Isaac, up a lonely desolate hill. Out of obedience to the Lord, this most precious life, the sole heir to Abraham's kingdom, will be sacrificed on an altar of wood. Through unfathomable heartache, Abraham climbs the mountain, with Isaac close behind, neither understanding what has brought them to this place and time, but both choosing to trust, and with unfaltering faith... they obey. At the last moment God stays Abraham's hand and provides a ram in the thicket to sacrifice in Isaac's place.
Centuries later, it is now another father, the Heavenly Father, who leads His only Son, the Heir to His Kingdom, up a lonely desolate hill to be sacrificed on an altar of wood. Only this time, there will be no last-minute reprieve, no ram in the thicket. What God did for Abraham, He does not do for Himself. It is for the love of each of us that He gives His Child to be offered in our place. God removes His hand of protection and Jesus, the Prince of Glory, obedient unto death, allows the very ones He will die to save, to brutally place Him on the cross. Forsaken and broken, hangs the Lamb of God, alone on the altar.
It is the isolation of Christ that brings to an end our estrangement from the Father. "That God is on one side and all the people on the other side, and Christ Jesus, Himself a man, is between them to bring them together, by giving His life for all mankind." (1 Tim. 2: 5-6).
Through His brokenness we gain wholeness. Through His death we gain life.
Happy Easter, everyone.
