The following conversation occurred following a final goodbye prayer with a Nepali friend before leaving the country:
“I just had a vision. There was darkness in the sky and thunder and lightning and a cross was there. Always I am seeing a cross. Can you tell me what it means?”
Yes! The cross is how Jesus was killed and on that day it was dark, stormy and there was an earthquake. He was innocent but he died for us so that those who believe in him don’t have to. His death covers over all my disobedience and shame, and he stands as the bridge between my spirit and God on the day of judgement.
I read Luke 23:44-45 to him.
“It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun’s light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two.” – Luke 23:44-45
“And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split.” – Matthew 27:51
“Okay. Also as I joined your friends in worship today I felt a bad feeling… maybe you can tell me what it was. I felt a pain in my side toward my heart. Can you tell me what it means?”
Yes! The Jewish people had to rush to take Jesus down from the cross, so to make sure he was dead they pierced his side.
I read John 19:31-37 to him.
“Since it was the day of Preparation, and so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken and that they might be taken away. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was ready dead, they did not break his legs. But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. He who saw it has borne witness- his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth- that you also may believe. For these things took place that the scripture might be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken.” And again another scripture says, “They will look on him whom they have pierced.” – John 19:31-37
Praise the Lord! God is cool! He reveals himself to whomever he reveals himself!
