Today’s Bible reading is Genesis 49 and Luke 22.
Luke 22 details a dark night–a night of shortsighted disputes, final instructions, heartbreaking predictions, multiple denials, and outright betrayal.
As was his custom, Jesus had come out of Jerusalem to the Mount of Olives. Being in agony, he had withdrawn about a stone’s throw from his disciples and prayed so earnestly that his sweat became like great drops of blood. When he rose from prayer, he found his disciples sleeping. “Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.”
While he was still speaking, there came a crowd, and the man called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus said to him, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?” And when those who were around him saw what would follow, they said, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?” And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. But Jesus said, “No more of this!” And he touched his ear and healed him. Then Jesus said to the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders, who had come out against him, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs? When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.” (Luke 22:47-53)
“This is your hour.”
Darkness had an “hour” to throw its Satanic worst at Jesus, and he willingly yielded that hour … in order that he (and we) might triumph over darkness and death for eternity.
“This is your hour.”
Jesus yielded to an “hour” of darkness so that I could be adopted as a child of light.
Jesus yielded to an “hour” of betrayal so that your treason could be pardoned.
Jesus yielded to an “hour” of captivity so that I could be set free.
Jesus yielded to an “hour” of mocking so that you could hear “Welcome home.”
Jesus yielded to an “hour” of beatings so that I could be healed.
Jesus yielded to an “hour” of shame so that you might not have to be ashamed.
Jesus yielded to an “hour” on the cross so that my body of sin might be brought to nothing.
Jesus yielded to an “hour” in the grave so that you might be raised to walk in newness of life.
Darkness had an “hour,” and because Jesus yielded to that “hour,” we have hope.
Whatever you’re enduring today, remember: darkness has an “hour” before it will eventually be swallowed up by inexpressible, eternal life. Darkness at its worst is no match for the Light whose grave is still empty.