Our reading today comes from Matthew, chapters 26 and 27:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2026&version=NLT

Have you ever experienced a tragedy?  Have you ever woke up and started your day like any other only to end it paralyzed with grief and confusion?  I have.  And it seems as if, in times such as these, my confusion overwhelms me more so than any other emotion.  What is happening?  How could this be?  I don’t know what to do…

We condemn the disciples for deserting Jesus on this night.  But I have compassion for them.  Even though He had repeatedly warned them about what was coming, I have a feeling they didn’t understand.  Or if they did, they were not prepared for it so soon.  It is the same with us.  Even if we are expecting someone to pass away, we are never prepared for it, or the emotions that come with it.

I picture them, scared, sickened, dizzy.  Maybe some couldn’t breathe.  Maybe some had chest pains.  Most likely fight or flight took over some of their minds, and when Jesus said we will not fight, instinctually they didn’t know what else to do but run.

I can image all these things because I have been there.  And in those times I don’t think.  My instincts take over, and I am not in my right mind.  I am sure that if I had been there, I would have acted in the same way as they did.

So today I thank my Savior for understanding my weakness, as He understood theirs.  I thank Him for not holding this against me, but having mercy for me instead.  I thank Him for being willing to sacrifice Himself for someone as unworthy as I am.  And I thank Him for His unending grace, that continues to minister to my soul each day.

In the name of my Savior I pray,

Amen