We, Barabbas

This happens all too frequently.

I’m ready for sleep, but my mind isn’t quite there.

The past few days my mind has wandered to the happenings over 2000 years ago that changed my life forever–and in fact, changed yours.  

You and I are indeed the Barabbas that the 3rd cross was intended for.  My mind rambled over that tonight in reading–trying to get my mind to go to sleep…but when I read of what I’ve heard, read and been taught over and over my entire “knowing” life, I experienced a spiritual intake of breath.

The 3rd cross was intended for Barabbas…he was one of the 3 to be crucified that day–yet, he was set free…and The One chosen, Who so chose, to give freely His own self, died in his stead.  In my stead.  In yours too.

The 3rd cross that day was meant for Barabbas–as a notorious criminal…he was known far and wide, I suspect.  

Do you think he hung around that day to watch as The One chosen to hang in his place walked willingly, albeit with much difficulty–so much so that another, named Simon, had to be called upon for assistance in the journey up the hill….

Do you think he cringed?  Barabbas I mean–when he saw, as Jesus passed him by, if indeed Barabbas merged into the vicious throng of people, the beaten and bloodied body of a Man unlike any man he’d ever seen…eyes that saw through you….ears that heard the heart before the lips uttered a sound–and even when they didn’t…Do you think Barabbas looked into His eyes?

Today the grave has been silent all day.  

I thought of that first thing this morning.  Wondered at the weeping women.

I remember all too well the feeling of grief.  It is a feeling beyond description–yet all day today, over 2000 years ago, while every single detail of the day may not be known, I speculate that as they prepared the spices and the oils to anoint His body, they wiped tears throughout the process. (Luke 23:56)  

I imagine that they comforted one another with words…remembering miracles that He performed…and possibly even wondered silently among themselves, “why He had not done what they thought He should have done”…

How often do we wonder the same thing about situations in our life…“Why does He not do what we THINK He should do?”…

Because —there is a purpose greater than our vision can see–greater than our finite minds can comprehend…and it will bring Him all the glory.  

I wonder what Barabbas thought when the earth shook?  When darkness fell at an untimely hour that day…

There is something we need to remember….

HE has the plan for each life…no matter who you are or what you are–OR where you are.

God says, “At the time I have planned,
    I will bring justice against the wicked.
³ When the earth quakes and its people live in turmoil,
    I am the one who keeps its foundations firm.

Psalm 75:2-3 NLT

If your life today, seems like turmoil….feels like darkness has covered up all the light…
If there seems no miracle in sight–and no news of goodness travels to your ears…

Don’t lose hope.

Don’t give up.

Christ is NOT in the grave.

The 3rd day made all the difference in the World…for the World!

We, the Barabbas in each of us has been given the chance to LIVE…Eternally–if we Believe, confess and LIVE our lives for HIM…

Believe today.

Three Sisters.  Easter morning (too many years ago to count)

© Angie Knight- The Knightly News