MARK 14:46. “And they laid their hands on Him, and took Him.” TAKEN BY LOVE. A woman came, captured by love for her Savior; Heart and hands full - to give without reservation; Soul warm, mind filled with His truth, mouth closed. No talk from her – deeper communication; Actions so loud all are affected. No mistaking what she gave; what she meant; Worship without reservation. All poured out, Nothing for self or others.
His burying – she knew What He said was coming!
Judas, with covetous eyes and mind bent. The bag not full enough; Never satisfied. Fair game for darker powers; Words smooth, deceiving, snakey. Hands with fingers bend to grasp. Furtive actions, quiet steps, captured by self. Critical words, clammy greed capturing his soul. Steps now bold because of others. Puckered lips; darkness descending deeper than night. Lips that burn still; silent forever – in hell! He said, he was a devil!
The lamb’s leg and herbs and flat bread and wine. Reminders of the horrible and blessed past. A furnished room, deep and full of memories. Firstborn deaths; night travel; freedom! Water ahead, fear inside, rushing sounds of battle behind: All move through the mind. The innocent victim, the bitterness of slavery: Cleansing from sin – joy! Quiet songs of redemption in the room. The story is told. Our Passover is in this very place!
Something new, and simple and profound: The same room, but new thoughts. No looking back; around now and ahead. Faith moves forward in great leaps. A new nation, new people, new kingdom! A new Body and we are a part of it. Can it be such unity and lasting forever? Joy? Yes, but sorrow deep and mixed emotions. Dark crimson in a cup reminder of death and life. Both given, and blessed and mine to have – forever! “Remember Me!”
Old witnesses from His creative hand; Branches bent low, leaves quiet in night stillness; Sounds of sleep, of weariness, of culture shock. Footsteps coming nearer, stopping, quiet murmurs; Slowing words, gathering sleep. Solitary steps, going further in the darkness. Stopping, knees bending, face lowering. Sounds of sorrow deep; strong crying, tears. Crimson sweat, repeated words, heavy heart. The Savior bows, to the Father’s will; to need; To History, to prophecy, to love’s demands: The Son of Man is betrayed!
The feet flee, the fear is deep, the hearts are lost In confusion. The night of the soul drops hard. The “lostness” overwhelms the souls of men. “We thought it was this time He would redeem…” A sword, an ear; feeble attempts at manliness. A miracle, all but overlooked. Men lying all around on the darkened ground. But still – no power, no courage, no strength, no Spirit! All at a far-seeing distance. There, but not there. The distance is dark from light. He’s alone!
Arrogance and haughty eyes with down-turned mouths. Lips that lie and shifty eyes with faces red and dark. And beards long and perfect, overtopped with little boxes.
Eyes that will not focus on The Object. Moving hands without the stillness of peace. Shuffling feet in agitation looking for a place of rest. Embarrassment covering the movements Of souls dark and disturbed. Self-righteous tones that cannot overcome the night. And sounds of tearing, never heard before. Mouths filled with water looking for release. And the covered Face of The Great “I AM!”
The first sound of morning speaks loudly. Hands rubbing to get warm by a cold fire. Others having fun at the expense of others. No way to warm the deep darkness of hasty words. A creeping coldness down the throat goes deeper; To the place where heart, and nerves, and emotions Cross their paths to form a knot. It grows, and grows till words again spoken fast; Makes the knot become stone in the soul. And the morning sound comes again. The bitter tears roll hot and heavy down the World-cold face: the heart is broken! The Lord looks!
“I am shaken in my soul by how quickly things can happen, Father. It seems unreal that all this happened within hours. Can love that was inherent in Him, ever capture me? He kept on track without deviation. In spite of all that happens and no matter how quickly; give me the faith to keep on love’s track. In His glorious name, Amen.”