On this glorious Good Friday morning death is far from our minds. We don't think of death in the spring, we think of life. We hear the birds, see the flowers and enjoy the sunshine.
Yet that wasn't the case three years ago. Three years ago we were just beginning what we were told would be a few weeks of lockdown to prevent widespread death. Death by Covid was the lead story of the news that we were glued to.
It also wasn't the case 25 years ago, when we watched the news to hear of the progress on the Belfast agreement. A peace agreement to stop the deaths that had plagued Northern Ireland for years.
These initiative to prevent death were largely welcome but they didn't destroy death. The destruction of death itself happened much further back and wasn't a news item.
Yet the death of Jesus has been the subject of painting, books, rallied troops, built cathedrals, hospitals, schools. It has changed the way we see suffering, serving and sacrifice. One of the most horrific instrument of torture has become one of the most recognisable symbol of healing (all because Jesus died on it).
Reflecting on Jesus death on a cross, one of his earliest disciples wrote:
The high priest carries the blood of animals into the Most Holy Place as a sin offering, but the bodies are burned outside the camp. And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood. (Hebrews 13:11-12)
His death was one of shame, it didn't happen in the centre of the city but near the rubbish dump outside the city. Yet it is remembered as the sacrifice that made us right with God. He was cast out to bring us in. Matthew, Mark and Luke record that at his death the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. This was the curtain that separated God from sinful people. Through his death, God can now welcome us in to his presence.
So...
"Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore. For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come." (Hebrews 13:13)
and...
"Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." (Hebrews 13:14-15)
Death in spring bring life to the world.
Lord Jesus thank you for your death on the cross.
Thank you that you took the punishment I deserved so that I could be right with God.
Forgive me that I think so little about your sacrifice for me.
Please help me see again (or maybe for the first time) the wonder of your death.
Fill my heart with praise as I profess your name.
In Jesus Name
Amen