April 24

God's Grace

Not Afraid to be Real

“I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead
of sorrow.” Jeremiah 31:13b (NIV)

Africans are very transparent people. They do not fear their emotions,
nor do they hide them. Tonight I witnessed unrestrained mourning
over someone’s misfortune, and it has forever changed me.

The 13 women who huddled in my living room to watch the JESUS
film quickly became absorbed in the story. Did they think Jesus really
spoke their tribal language as the actor on television? Did they think
He was white-skinned and blue-eyed, as the gentle-faced actor happened
to be? Did they know someone was acting, that he was not really
being nailed to a wooden plank? Over and over I heard muttered, “So
sorry, so sorry!” in their language as they witnessed an innocent man being
mistreated and abused by a nasty crowd of hypocrites. At times the
women turned their heads, as it was inappropriate for them to watch
the Son of God hanging half-naked from a tree. They dabbed their eyes
as they heard, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”
These simple African women were completely enthralled by a video
I’ve seen many times. When the crucifixion was over and they realized
Jesus was not dead, the room brightened. Faces lit up and hands clapped,
drums beat, and we sang praises to a risen Savior.

Yes, the Africans are influencing me. They are shaping me more
than I ever imagined. I am not afraid of feelings anymore. I’m unashamed
to weep, knowing my sorrow will be turned to joy.

—A worker in Central, Eastern and Southern Africa

Dear Lord, let my heart always be tender to the account of the crucifixion of
Jesus, and give me boldness to share His death and resurrection with the people
I encounter today. Amen.



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