Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: EERIE (07/28/16)
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TITLE: The Easter Extravaganza | Previous Challenge Entry
By Christine Hammock
08/01/16 -
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“Some of the cast said they’re glad these three days are over; that they’re bushed, exhausted,” Ruth sighed with a muted yawn.
“I too am exhausted, but the reality of what Christ did for me through our program has changed my life. I’ll never be the same,” Grace admitted.
Ruth’s tone disclosed her suspicions; “Some of them will probably skip church tomorrow. Not me, I can’t miss communion.”
“Yes, I agree. When pastor offers communion to remember Christ’s death, he makes you feel like you are right there on Golgotha. He always illustrates the nails driven into Jesus’ feet and hands to show how terribly Christ suffered for us. The atmosphere disturbs and frightens me a little when he hammers those nails,” Grace explained and shuttered.
Ruth added, “That’s the way I felt throughout the extravaganza, especially when the darkness fell over Golgotha. The atmosphere was so quite; it was eerie. Did you notice how the hush fell on the crowd? They felt the uncomfortable eerie silence also.”
“I felt the same uneasy response,” Grace hesitated, “Actually, the day Christ died the prolonged darkness lasted three hours. Don’t you think that’s when Jesus knew His Father had left Him alone? The experience of death on the cross plus total separation from His Father must have been extreme agony for Jesus. That scene touched my heart; to turn my back on one of my children just isn’t possible. The Father and the Son gave up so much for us.”
Ruth agreed and said excitedly, “I got that eerie sensation again at our earthquake scene; it frightened the crowd. The technicians made the sounds so real. The earthquake, as Jesus drew His last breath, caused rocks to fall and split; and the tombs of the Jerusalem saints opened (Matthew 27:50-53). The supernatural miracles that happened at Jesus’ death, like the resurrection of Jesus with all those saints, were one of many. Our scene was ghostly in appearance. I don’t mean haunted house ghostly; the scene was supernatural – there was such an eerie, spiritual atmosphere. I’ve seen many programs like we’ve had, but never have I seen one where all the saints walked around near the tomb at Jesus resurrection. Have you ever seen anything like that before?”
“No. Our director arranged all those scenes together perfectly. When the temple curtain ripped was also dramatic. It signified the end of the Old Covenant and it established the New Covenant. Before this pageant, I didn’t realize when the temple curtain tore; the moment of Jesus death, it gave believers direct access to the Father. People were distanced from direct communication with God, (Hebrews 9, 10). The burial and resurrection, though, were probably the most poignant and spectacular scenes,” Grace eagerly mentioned.
“I agree,” Ruth offered, “I liked that scene where Joseph of Arimathea boldly asked for the body of Jesus; that took great courage. That request identified him with Jesus. He surely lost reputation with the Temple officials. The next scenes were sad where the faithful women, Joseph of Arimathea, and Nicodemus prepared Jesus for burial.”
“But then, Jesus appeared at the tomb victorious. As I performed the part of Mary Magdalene, I felt I was there with Jesus. When Jesus spoke tenderly, “Dear Woman, why are you crying? Who are you looking for?”(John 20:15), “Don’t be afraid (Matthew 28:10), Go and find my brothers and tell them, I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God” (John 20:17), real tears streamed from my eyes. Look at these goose bumps on my arm. I’m still reacting to that scene,” said Grace.
“The miracles that accompanied Jesus’ death and resurrection affirm our great salvation. The message of John 3:16 was displayed throughout our program – God gave His one and only Son as a sacrifice for our sins,” Ruth emphasized.
“The extravaganza presented me with an extraordinary touch from the Lord. It was so eerily mysterious; my spirit was crushed as I saw myself as one of those that rejected and mocked Jesus as He was dying on the cross. I stood at the cross, guilty, as I viewed His innocence and righteousness. He didn’t die for His sins -- He died for mine. That thought reverberates in my mind; I won’t ever forget it. I’ve been radically changed!
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