As we gather...Many Christians expect an earthly rule by
Christ. The disciples, too, had hoped for thrones and power to rule
beside Jesus, but the throne on which He pronounced His greatest
edict was a cross. On it He prayed for forgiveness for His
executioners. From it He promised paradise for the thief on a
neighboring cross. And because of His royal sacrifice, the Father
"delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom
of His beloved Son." Like the people of Malachi's day, who saw evil
running rampant, we may not understand all that is happening in the
world around us. But we trust that in Christ God has made "peace by
the blood of His cross," our sins are forgiven and paradise is open
to us!
