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10 Minutes Peace
by Susan McGrath
The Gospels tell us that in the hours before Jesus' death, as he hung on the cross in agony, darkness came over the whole land -- the sun stopped shining -- for about three hours in the middle of the day!
Isn't that spooky? I've read several explanations from scientists: It was a total solar eclipse. It was a cloud of volcanic ash which traveled from an eruption thousands of miles away. (This, by the way, also explained the earthquakes at the time of Jesus' death.)
Now, if God wanted to make it dark by using his natural resources, he certainly could. But I don't personally believe that's how it happened. It think however he did it, it represented what his son was suffering. It was the black stain of all the sins of everyone from the beginning of time, pouring down onto one man hanging on a cross.
We have seen the physical suffering of Christ portrayed graphically on the big screen. But I think that was nothing compared with the emotional and mental anguish he suffered as he was crushed down by all the horrible things his creation had done and would do.
Christ did that for me. God allowed his son to shed his precious lifeblood for someone completely undeserving. I guess that makes me someone special.
As you reflect on the cross this week, think of what Jesus did for you personally.Thank him and remember that what he went through paid everyone's admission to heaven. We just have to tell them which flight to catch!
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a recovering journalist trying to encourage others and glorify God through writing;
living the small-town life with husband Tim and sons Lincoln, 12, and Sawyer, 6;
completing a few put-off writing projects while using chocolate for therapy.
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