Running to get the sponge

Reflecting on Easter and reading Matthew 27:45-50 (ESV), I imagined myself in the scene.

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?” And some of the bystanders, hearing it, said, “This man is calling Elijah.” And one of them at once ran and took a sponge, filled it with sour wine, and put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink. But the others said, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him.” And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit.

Engaged in the scripture, I saw myself as the bystander who “at once ran and took a sponge…”

That’s me…the one who fixes things…the one who wants to help Jesus. I’m the person running to get the sponge, filling it with drink to help the Holy One.

Like He needs my help.

  I let that sink in.

How does my interference hinder what God is doing in my life? In other people’s lives?

  I reread the scripture.

“But the others said, “Wait…”

The other bystanders waited to see what God would do. Not me…I’m hurrying to reconcile the situation. 

God’s vast plan was to resurrect Jesus. I only saw the thirst.

What would it look like for me to wait to see what God will do? Just as the disciples waited for the Holy Spirit to arrive on Pentecost, I too will wait.

Without coming to aid, I will just wait.

“Wait for the Lord;
    be strong and take heart
    and wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:14

I tuck my feet under Miss Maya—hoping she can keep me in place so I don’t do what I naturally do.