darkThis post is a follow up to Jesus’ Greatest Fear post from 4/9/14. He was on the cross from about 9:00 AM till he died at around 3:00 PM. The most intense period of time was from 12:00 noon to 3:00 PM…

Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” And some of the bystanders, hearing it, said, “This man is calling Elijah.” And one of them at once ran and took a sponge, filled it with sour wine, and put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink. But the others said, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him.” And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. (Matt 27:45-50)

Sin is so egregious that it takes God’s eternal wrath to suffice as punishment to provide salvation. Read that again. Eternity is required to pay the penalty for transgressing against God. ETERNITY… I don’t think anyone can fully grasp that concept. But don’t stop there…

The eternal wrath of God YOU and I deserve was concentrated into three hours as He punished Jesus for our sin. But God didn’t only concentrate our eternal punishment into three hours, He concentrated it for every person who would ever believe into those same three hours. The darkness that descended on Jerusalem was Jesus going through the outer darkness of hell we deserve. God was very much present in the form of darkness because from noon to 3:00 PM God’s wrath was poured out on His Only Son.

Innumerable eternities of God’s wrath were compressed into three hours and poured out on Jesus. THAT was Jesus’ greatest fear! THAT is “the cup” He asked to be passed. THAT is what he prayed about in the Garden of Gethsemane. THAT is why he sweat great drops of blood. THAT was why angels came and ministered to Him. And that is what Jesus chose to go through so you would not have to endure it. “Greater love has no man than this that he lay down his life for his friends.”

Stop whatever you are doing to thank and praise God. Meditate on what Jesus did for you the best you can. Then remember the words of Paul…

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised— who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us (Ro 8:31-34).

Now… sing the Doxology: “Praise God from whom all blessings flow! Praise Him all creatures here below! Praise Him above ye heavenly host! Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost! AMEN!”