When The Sky Weeps – St. John Bible Church

It turned cold this morning; I had to put on a jacket. The forecast is for more of the same, with cloudy skies and rain. It makes the earth feel sad. Then again, I suppose it is appropriate. Today and tomorrow our church mourns the passing of one of its members. I didn’t know him well, but he had been a member for a long time, a custodian, who was particular about how he kept the church. He is a Husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, but most of a child of God.

I am sure that he isn’t the only person who has passed away this week. Others mourn their losses as deeply as this family. And the sky weeps for them all. It wasn’t supposed to be this way—death. It is sin’s final triumph. I think that is why it is felt so deeply; a ripping, a tearing of all that is good. It reminds me of another death.

Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Matt. 27:45.

The earth wept, but rain is a blessing, especially if you live in an arid climate. It is a blessing because it cleanses the air and nourishes the ground. The darkness is necessary for the blessing. Jesus said unless a kernel falls to the ground it can not bring forth life. So, with confidence he said, “I am the resurrection and the life, if you believe in me, even if you die, you will live.” Blessing in the darkness.

This is true of every darkness, every painful situation, every hardship. The blessing is so much sweeter because of them. We mourn this weekend, but not as those without hope. I’m just saying…