Demands my soul, my life, my all.

I woke up today and in the stillness of the early morning I wondered what the world must have felt like the morning after Christ was crucified. I wonder if the disciples could even sleep that night or if they spent the whole night weeping, overwhelmed by emotion, with the promises of Jesus still ringing in their ears. . . .

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in Me." John 14:1

"I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see Me anymore, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will also live. On that day you will realize that I am in My Father, and you are in Me, and I am in you." John 14:18-20

"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27

"Now remain in my love." John 14:9

"I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that you joy may be complete." John 14:11

"I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy." John 16:20

"I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

It must have been heart wrenching and confusing. To hear all those promises and to not believe the horror theirs eyes beheld, but instead to have faith, to trust, and believe in the promises on the darkest of all nights. I am in awe and humbled by our Saviors beauty. IN the midst of His greatest trial and turmoil and glory, He offered comfort to His people. He was honest with them- that they would mourn, but promised He would turn it to Joy. He wanted them to Rest In Peace, Rest in Hope; because He has overcome.

That day between His death and resurrection must have felt like eternity. One day for their faith to grow. One day for them to trust in His word and believe He would be back. What a loving Savior to make it only one day to wait for His resurrection.

I watched the Passion of the Christ last night since I could not make it to a Good Friday service. I have made it a tradition to watch this once a year (and usually at Easter). It is so hard to watch, but I think that we should be faced with the horror Christ endured to save our souls. We should be reminded of it every single day- to live in that humility and gratitude. How we owe Him our everything.

When I survey the wonderous cross, on which the Prince of Glory died. My richest gain I count but loss, and pour contempt on all my pride...

Were the whole relm of nature mine, that were a present far too small, Love so amazing so divine- Demands my soul, my life, my All.