As we entered our little church on Good Friday, the lights were dim and the sanctuary was silent. The sign on the door read, “Enter humbly, worship deeply.”
We approached the communion table and then made our way down the center aisle to our seat. Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus was softly playing through the speakers and as I listened, I thought about that fateful day.
“What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called Christ?” Pilate asked. They all answered, “Crucify him!” Matthew 27:22
It was Good Friday and our church was having our annual Tenebrae Service.
The word ‘tenebrae’ is Latin for shadows, or darkness. The purpose of the Tenebrae service is to recreate the emotional aspects of the crucifixion. For that reason, this is a solemn service. The purpose of the service is to recreate the betrayal, abandonment, and agony of the events.
In the end, it is left unfinished, because the story isn’t over until Easter Day.
There are seven purple candles burning and one white candle.
As each reader made his way to the microphone to narrate their part of the crucifixion story, weeping can be heard throughout the sanctuary. After each reading, the reader snuffed out their candle until eventually only the white candle (which represented Jesus) was shining.
And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him. Mark 15:20
The readers, many of who were emotional and crying recounted scripture leading up to Jesus being brutally beaten and ultimately dying on the cross. The last reader, (McDaddy) began reading Psalm 22 which Jesus quoted on the cross. When he finished, he snuffed out the white candle. A single drummer pounded on a snare drum and then a final crash of the cymbal.
When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:30
The sanctuary was left in total darkness—and near total devastation.
There was no benediction.
There was no talking.
Our church family departed in silence with heavy hearts.
But, the story is far from over…..
And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the Scriptures. I Corinthians 15:4
He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Matthew 28:6
Without Easter, we would not have victory in the Christian life. A popular Easter hymn – “Because He lives” – reminds us that we can face tomorrow. Because He live, we have victory. Because He lives, we have eternal life through Jesus.
I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand upon the earth. Job 19:25
Because He lives, we have a hope and future.
Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Jude 1:21
And most of all, eternal life.
Because He lives.
{ 2 comments }
That sign, “Enter humbly, worship deeply”…LOVE that.
Great post! I hope more read it than commented. Jesus is Lord!
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