It's Dark Outside

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“It’s Dark Outside”          Good Friday - Tenebrae If you read the newspapers, watch TV news, or follow world events in any fashion you know we live in a dark world.  Nations are at war, the economy still struggles, political and religious figures are rocked by scandal, companies the world over make billions at the expense of human labor, tribal groups in Third World countries engage in ethnic cleansing, and the war against terrorism continues.  Truthfully, the forces of darkness seem to be in control of much of the world around us.  Friends, it’s dark outside. Jesus knew a time was coming when the power of darkness would threaten to unravel all that he’s been working toward.  Just when the disciples thought the kingdom they had long anticipated was about to become a reality, everything turned black.  Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane.  His disciples were confused, frightened, and scattered.  Jesus himself spoke about this time and described it as an hour in which darkness reigned.  During this troubled time in the life and ministry of our King, there is a message for us and for all who live in a time when it’s dark outside. When it’s dark outside:  1.      Integrity May be Sacrificed: “Then Jesus spoke to the leading priests, the captains of the Temple guard, and the elders who had come for him. “Am I some dangerous revolutionary,” he asked, “that you come with swords and clubs to arrest me?” (Lk 22:52) The enemies of Jesus, highly respected spiritual leaders, chose to have him arrested under the cover of darkness in secluded place.  The reason this probably happened this way is this: If the common people had heard this was happening they may’ve come to his aid. Listen.  When it’s dark outside shameful things can happen.  If we aren’t careful we may let our circumstances influence us into making decisions, which we would not make otherwise. [REPEAT]  Just ask the former governor of New York.  The only difference between us and him is we haven’t given in to the darkness and sacrificed our integrity.  But make no mistake…we can. When it’s dark outside… 2.      Jesus May be Betrayed: “But even as Jesus said this, a crowd approached, led by Judas, one of the twelve disciples. Judas walked over to Jesus to greet him with a kiss” (Lk 22:47). Scholars debate, speculate, and pontificate on why Judas agreed to betray Jesus and the truth is we’ll never fully know in this lifetime.  What we do know is that Judas was chosen, he was one of the Twelve, and he was trusted.  In fact, he was trusted so much that he was the treasurer.  He may have even appeared to some as one of the brightest and best in the group.  He’s a lot like us.  Judas had promise, but eventually became the betrayer. Judas, however, wasn’t the last one to turn on Jesus.  We do it too.  We’re tempted to turn aside from following God when we don’t understand the ways of God, when the answers to the “why questions” are slow to come or don’t show up at all, and when we simply don’t like the way things are going and we’re inclined to call it quits.  In these moments we’re a lot like Judas.  We may feel inclined to force the issue, to make things happen rather than waiting on the Lord and letting Him direct our course of events.   When it’s dark outside… 3.      We May Act Like the World: “But one of the men with Jesus pulled out his sword and struck the high priest’s slave, slashing off his ear” (Mk 14:47). A few hours earlier Peter had made the bold declaration that he was willing to follow Jesus anywhere even if it led to his own death.  When the mob shows up in the garden and it’s evident Jesus is about to be arrested, Peter turned back to his old way of life.  Enough with this “turn the other check” nonsense he reasoned.  The time is now!  The Kingdom is on the horizon and it’s time to fight! We all have times in our lives when we’re desperately tempted to go back to the old way.  We’re tempted to return to the sin patterns of yesterday, we’re tempted to close our bibles, draw our swords and do battle.  Our reasoning goes like this: I’ll act like a decent follower of Jesus (whatever that is) later, but right now I’m more interested in drawing blood, I’m interested in gaining revenge, I’m interested in doing what I want, I’m interested in pressing my case, I’m interested in getting my way and ultimately when we do those things we end up acting like the world. When it’s dark outside… 4.      There is a Chance for Healing: “But Jesus said, “No more of this.” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him” (Lk 22:51). When the forces of evil and darkness are in control it is crucial that God’s people follow Christ’s example. Jesus was the intended target yet, he’s the one on the ground picking up the high priests servant’s severed ear and wiping off the dirt and reattaching it to the bloody side of his head.  Even in the face of evil…even in the darkest moments of life…there is always the chance for healing and Jesus took and displayed the power of Almighty God. ConclusionWhen it’s dark outside that’s our opportunity for God’s people to be at our best so that a watching world can see the Light of the World shining brightly through us in the midst of the darkness and suffering. 
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