The Crowning of the King
And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head and arrayed him in a purple robe.—John 19:2 (ESV)
My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.—Isaiah 32:18 (NIV)
I stepped out of my friend Sue’s car and glared at my pitch-black front steps. I’d forgotten to put on the porch light. After spending a long day at the hospital with my seriously ill husband, I couldn’t bear coming home alone to a dark house.
I don’t know why everything seems worse when it gets dark. The shadows, the stillness. I’d startle at sudden noises outside my window and never got a good night’s sleep. I was grateful when Sue offered to walk me inside. She stepped into the hall and flicked on the lights.
“Thanks for the ride,” I said, expecting her to leave. But instead, she circled through the living room and into the kitchen, patrolling like a military dog. She made her way upstairs and even pushed aside the shower curtain with a broad sweep. She got down on her knees to look under the bed. I laughed so hard, it felt good.
“Okay,” she said, “everything’s safe.” As she walked out the door, she added, “And don’t forget who’s looking over you. He’ll help you feel well-rested for tomorrow.”
That night as I sat in the living room, light shined in. It was late, but I was not alone.
Thank you, God, for always keeping the porch light on for me.
And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head and arrayed him in a purple robe.—John 19:2 (ESV)
She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial.—Mark 14:8 (NIV)
When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you.”—John 17:1 (ESV)