“It is finished.” With those three words, the Savior pronounces his work done. His ministry complete. His sacrifice offered. And he dies upon the altar of the cross.
We are blessed. We know something that those at the foot of the cross could not have dreamed or imagined. We know that this is not the end, but merely the beginning. We know the “end of the story,” as Paul Harvey use to say. We know that death will not have the last word.
However, like Jesus, we must surrender just the same. As our Lenten journey comes to its finish, we much surrender to silence. The lifeless body was silent. No more words of comfort. No more forgiveness and healing. No restoration. No water to wine. No sight to the blind or bread for the hungry crowd…there is no crowd to feed. Just like the wrappings that bound Lazarus are quiet on the ground, the dead Jesus is wrapped in silence.
Surrendering to the silence, let us sit with silence with the lifeless body of Jesus in the tomb. Look at him. Keep vigil with him. Speak to him. Whisper words of gratitude or sorrow or praise or adoration. Let us once again, lament our continued pride, sin and selfishness that keep us separated from him – and each other.
Surrender to the silence.
“Tremble, and do not sin; Meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still” Psalm 4:4