Jesus’ Word and Work
"Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save Me from this hour'? But for this purpose I came to this hour." John 12:27
The devastation of earthquakes, tsunamis, and hurricanes paint a vivid picture of the wreck Satan and man's sin have made of God's once perfect world. With our Bible verse Jesus envisions the tsunami of God's just anger toward all sin sweeping over Him in wave after hellish wave. The sinless Son of God, deluged with the world’s sins, became a cursed thing in the eyes of His heavenly Father. It's no wonder He says, "Now My soul is troubled." But what a wonder that He also says, "And what shall I say? 'Father save Me from this hour'? But for this purpose I came to this hour.'" Jesus would not turn away from the cross. He marched head on toward it in order to deal with sin and all its ugly wreckage.
In 1825, British dignitary Sir John Bowring paid a visit to the coast of South China. Centuries before, a beautiful cathedral had been built on the crest of a hill overlooking the sea, but a violent storm had swept in and destroyed it. Although the cathedral fell, the front wall remained intact. Atop the wall was a bronze cross standing clear cut against the sky, defying wind and storm. So moved was Bowring, that he penned these cherished words: "In the Cross of Christ I glory, Tow'ring o'er the wrecks of time."
Life may hit you like a terrible earthquake, crumbling away all that you hold most dear. Death may cut you down when you least expect it. Yet nothing can take away the promise of sins forgiven, the certainty of God's abiding presence, or your future glory in heaven. For the cross remains "tow'ring o'er the wrecks of time," as well as over the tumult of your own personal life.
In the Cross of Christ I glory, Tow'ring o'er the wrecks of time.
All the light of sacred story Gathers round its head sublime.
When the woes of life o'er take me, Hopes deceive, and fears annoy,
Never shall the Cross forsake me; Lo, it glows with peace and joy.
The Lutheran Hymnal 354:1-2