“At the moment when Jesus died on the cross,” Stan began, “Matthew’s gospel records that several amazing things happened.”
“Such as?” I replied.
“The temple veil was torn, there was an earthquake, rocks were split, tombs were opened, all sorts of things.”
Continuing, he said, “And all that was going on caused those who were keeping guard over Jesus to experience and say something that was similar to what happened to me at one point in my life.”
“In what way?” I asked.
“When the centurion and those who were with him watching over Jesus saw what had happened they acknowledged that Jesus was the Son of God.”
“So they became Christians?” I responded.
“I don’t know that,” Stan replied. “Just saying Jesus is the Son of God is different from accepting Him as such.”
“But I do know that one day I became a Christian when I experienced and responded to the earthquake of truth in my life.”
“Earthquake of truth?” I replied.
“Yes, there came a point in my life where I was rocked by the truth and finally surrendered to it and became a Christian. Until the day of that earthquake, I was perfectly content to go on my way without God.”
“But,” he continued, “and I am eternally thankful for it, there came a day when I, along with the centurion and the others, said, ‘Truly that was the Son of God’.”
“And,” Stan concluded, “not only that He was, but is, the Son of God, my Lord, and my Savior.”
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Now the centurion, and those who were with him keeping guard over Jesus, when they saw the earthquake and the things that were happening, became very frightened and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!” Matthew 27:54.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, that Jesus went to the cross in obedience so that all who believe can look forward to life eternally with you when it is time. Thank you for the earthquake of truth that jarred me awake from my spiritual sleep to acknowledge and to accept your provision. I am sorry it took me so long — and that it continues to take me so long to respond in obedience to all you have for me on this side of eternity. I ask for your help in leading me to see, as well as in helping me to follow and to accept, all you have for me. Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Waiting for the Train 