Tintoretto, "Crucifixion"Passion Sunday (April 1, 2007)
Luke 42 - 43
Luke 42 - 43
"The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, "Surely this was a righteous man" (v. 47). Not only did the centurion recognize Jesus as a righteous man, but he praised God. He himself believed! What a joy to know that in an age of cynical deconstruction, the righteousness of Jesus can not only pass muster but also transform the life of someone in a position to see anything inconsistent, unseemly, or mis-reported. Jesus passed the Centurion Test.
Our 21st century praise ought to strengthen this centurion's voice. Yes, there are great conflicts in the world. No, the church is not having the redemptive influence it ought to within many cultures, including here in the U.S. But surely, Jesus was a righteous man, and in his death for us, he secured our righteousness. What reason to hope, to rejoice, and to live for our Father's glory.
Our 21st century praise ought to strengthen this centurion's voice. Yes, there are great conflicts in the world. No, the church is not having the redemptive influence it ought to within many cultures, including here in the U.S. But surely, Jesus was a righteous man, and in his death for us, he secured our righteousness. What reason to hope, to rejoice, and to live for our Father's glory.
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