Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: DRIZZLE (03/05/20)
-
TITLE: Sprinkled With Redemption | Previous Challenge Entry
By Barbara Culler
03/12/20 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
The journey began while reading from the book of Revelation where God takes John in the spirit to see Heaven. Pondering the concept of visiting places in the spirit, I wondered if God did that anymore. I doubted so, but then it happened to me. One moment, I was in my recliner reading, and the next, I was on scene of Jesus’ crucifixion.
*******
Standing on the hill facing three wooden crosses, I trembled with emotion while watching the action unfold. My attention drew to Mary gazing at the bloodied body of her first-born son. She cringed with each snap of the whip, and every jab to his body. I saw two soldiers viciously shove a thorny vine wreath upon his head, laughing as blood streamed across his face. I actually understood Mary’s language when she cried out.
“My son! My son! Oh, I know this must come to pass, but my heart is breaking.”
Angry red gashes and welts crisscrossed his body, and blood was everywhere. Mary ran to the splintery cross where her son hung. Using the hem of her garment, I watched the attempt to wipe his feet, but the effort was futile. Weeping in grief, she dropped to the ground, embracing the pole to her heart as she curled around it.
Suddenly, the day turned dark. Thunder rumbled before an eerie stillness settled across the land. Goosebumps prickled my skin as I watched Jesus peer up at the sky declaring:
“It is finished. Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.” I cried as he died, despite knowing the outcome of the story.
All at once, a hot wind blew as the sky sizzled with lightening. Thunder reverberated, and the earth roared, violently shaking in anger and grief. Screaming and wailing, people stampeded down the hill, trampling anyone in their way. I wanted to run, but felt cemented to the spot.
Mary remained with her son’s body — still curled up at the base of the cross; her heart-wrenching sobs echoing throughout the area. Suddenly no longer an observer, I was set free to join her. Reaching out to touch Mary, I was shocked when my hands went through her like a ghost. Abruptly, she sat up staring at her hands and clothing. I thought she was splattered in mud, but following her gaze up to the dead Savior’s body, I saw what was happening.
Drip …Drip … Drip… Streams of blood running down Jesus’s body now drizzled over his mother.
Through her tears, Mary whispered “His job as the final sacrifice for our sins has been completed. Yes, it is finished.”
Upon her last words, a gentle rain fell about us, but instead of water, I was sprinkled with Jesus’ blood.
*********
Unexpectedly, it was over. I was back in my chair, feeling great disappointment that it ended so abruptly.“It was a dream, wasn’t it?” Looking down at my trembling hands, I noticed the red smears.
Tears streaming, I dropped to the floor in awe; internal goosebumps ran throughout my body. Like Mary curled under Jesus’ body, I pictured myself beneath the now-empty cross. The shed blood of Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice had covered me. By his blood I am saved.
My mindset has changed. No longer will I take for granted consuming the symbols for Christ’s body; especially the cup for his blood.
“In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.’” Luke 22:20 NIV
“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5 NIV
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
Accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior Right Now - CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
