Waiting rooms are no fun. They are places of anxiety, uncertainty, sometimes sorrow and despair. But waiting rooms have a purpose. They are for containment, one’s own safety; sometimes they shield the person from too much trauma, such as when a loved one has been in a terrible car accident and the hospital E.R. staff is working to save a life.
Today is Good Friday. It served as a waiting room for all of Heaven, as Jesus the Son of God hung on the cross, dying for humanity’s sins. It was a heavy price to pay, especially for one who was completely innocent. He stood in our stead so that we could have eternal life and have a relationship with God forever, through faith in Christ’s redemptive work on the cross.
Angels watched intently as the Father looked away for just a moment from his beloved Son, so that He could judge all of mankind’s sin. He was the perfect, acceptable sacrifice to a Holy and Righteous Judge. And that is when Jesus cried out, “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?” Even in our feelings of worst betrayal and abandonment, Jesus identifies with us. He suffered with us. He has been there.
Then heaven and hell listened in astonishment as Jesus stated with indisputable authority, “IT IS FINISHED.” Mission accomplished. The waiting was over. The waiting which had begun when Adam and Eve sinned in the garden, and God promised a Messiah who would bruise the serpent’s head. Jesus, king of the Jews, had accomplished the work He was born and sent to do here on earth.
This coming Sunday is Easter, the day we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior. He is no longer bound in graveclothes, but is risen. He ascended to heaven as his disciples watched, and He now sits at the right hand of God. And we His followers, His bride, are waiting for His soon return. No more tears, no more sorrow. Just spending eternity in the presence of God, who is Love.
Are you waiting for Him? Are you ready?
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