A Land Not Inhabited
Jesus' heart was occupied with the weighty and tragic task of outgoing from God, a moment that would determine the fate of the world.
G.W. North emphasizes the profound significance of Jesus' impending crucifixion, illustrating how He approached the cross with full awareness of its implications. During the Mount of Transfiguration, Jesus conversed with Moses and Elijah about His 'exodus,' a term that encapsulated not just His death but a deeper outgoing from God, representing the ultimate sacrifice. This moment was not merely a historical event but a cosmic turning point, where Jesus faced the darkest hour, symbolizing separation from God akin to the scapegoat sent into a desolate land. North highlights that this exodus was a test of divine love and purpose, culminating in Jesus' triumphant resolve to fulfill God's will at Calvary. The sermon invites reflection on the weight of Christ's sacrifice and the depths of His love for humanity.
Text
He went to the cross knowing exactly what He must do. It had been talked about, thought through and prayed over again and again. On the Mount of Transfiguration He met Moses and Elijah, His glorified servants, to discuss with them the forthcoming event. He had looked radiantly lovely then, His face changed and His garments had shone with unearthly whiteness as they talked together of the departure He should accomplish at Jerusalem. Strangely enough the word they used while in conversation together about His death was 'exodus' or 'outgoing' (Gk.).
We can only conjecture what it may have meant to Moses, who led and wrote a book about the Exodus of Israel from Egypt, or to Elijah, in whose spirit John Baptist came to Jordan to introduce his Lord to Israel. We only know that to Jesus it meant something much more than either of His companions in glory could comprehend, or be expected to understand. Were they thinking and conversing with Him of His exodus from the world to the Father, or from the grave to glory with the multitude of captives released by Him from captivity? They may have been; it is quite likely that these things were referred to in course of conversation, but to Jesus, even if all the world should be gained thereby, such an exodus would not have been the greatest of all.
The heart that beat beneath His glistering robe was occupied with far more weighty and tragic things than those. For Him the exodus meant outgoing from God. All the world, the whole universe, and all eternity itself hinged on the moment when He should go out from God as did the scapegoat of old into 'a land not inhabited' -- by God. It was the darkest moment of time, the black hole of the ages, the supreme test of God; but in Gethsemane, with face on the ground and body bathed with sweat, He finally attained unto it with strong crying and tears. Rising from the dust, Adam the second strode out triumphantly to accomplish God's will with stronger cries and blood at Calvary.
Sermon Outline
- The Preparation for the Cross
- The Significance of the Exodus
- The Heart of the Matter
- The Supreme Test
- The moment of greatest weight
- The test of God's will
Key Quotes
“He had looked radiantly lovely then, His face changed and His garments had shone with unearthly whiteness as they talked together of the departure He should accomplish at Jerusalem.” — G.W. North
“For Him the exodus meant outgoing from God. All the world, the whole universe, and all eternity itself hinged on the moment when He should go out from God as did the scapegoat of old into 'a land not inhabited' -- by God.” — G.W. North
Application Points
- We must be willing to surrender our will to God's will, even if it means going through a dark and difficult time.
- The ultimate test of our faith is not in our successes, but in our willingness to obey God's will, even in the face of adversity.
- Jesus' example shows us that true strength and courage come from surrendering to God's will, rather than trying to do things our own way.