Chained and helpless, cries in the dungeon echoed, as though many voices joined in a chorus. “No respite, no respite!” was the soul’s cry, and the laughter of the ancient foe was likened to numerous hyenas ready to devour.
As a child, when hurt, a cry would escape my lips — “Mumma!” — and she always stood between my hurt and I.
“What shall I do in the darkness?” bawled my soul. Soon came the answer, “Soul, cry to the One who created you in your mother’s womb.”
“Lord, rescue me, I want to be out of this stagnation!” was my desperate cry.
The footsteps sounded like thunder. The mountains that surrounded me melted like wax, and the ancient foe, laughing like a hyena, was now whining like a dog in pain.
My trembling heart pounded hard and my eyes were filled with fear.
A gentle hand touched me and my eyes opened, surrounded by a dazzling light.
The light shone so brightly, and a voice so gentle with a promise said, “My child, you are mine.”
Hallelujah! I found myself out of the darkness and the light from the cross shone on me. Out of joy burst a song, “The chains are broken, all burdens rolled away, no more in that dungeon again. The cross set me free, and now my soul cuddles in His bosom.”
For every believer, the day of redemption remains unforgettable.
One can recognise the priceless value of the blood of the son of God in paying our ransom.
As we enter another season of Lent, it invites us to reaffirm our first love and to follow the One Saviour: Jesus.
St Paul says, “I have been crucified with Christ Jesus, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.”
The cross is the ultimate and absolute solution to human shame, abuse, suffering and pain. The cross overcame everything once and for all.
It is a victory over various forces and consequences that no human can doubt. Christlikeness is evidenced once the shadow of the cross influences us.
The cross came as a life-saver to rescue us from the dark, death-filled ocean.
Once Christ Jesus becomes more prominent in our lives, it is reflected through our acts of self-denial. Lent is therefore a season to revisit how we were saved, thus renewing our appreciation for the story of salvation.
Christian living embodies a selfless dedication to serving many souls crying out in darkness.
Guiding the lost towards the cross can bring about a radical transformation for those who need to find the Saviour.
Lent challenges us to participate in the ongoing application of that salvation through the finished work on the cross.
Maranatha, Jesus is coming soon!
Rev Elwyn Enos
St Andrew’s Anglican Church
22°C