A Place Called Golgotha

Matthew 27: 33 They came to a place called Golgotha (which means "the place of the skull").

“The place of the skull” has long been remembered as the location of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.  The very name itself leads even the casual observer to the perception it is a location where death has its’ day. Golgotha is indeed the location we know from the Bible where many things took place and many things changed.  Some things changed for the worse.  And some things changed for the better.  It really boils down to where you fall on the whole believing in the resurrection or not believing spectrum.

            Golgotha represents a major stumbling block for those who would have you and I believe that either Jesus did not really die, or that Jesus did not really die to set you and I free from sin.  Golgotha is like a reef that catches many wayward ships in its’ grasp.  People do not see the totality  of what was accomplished on the cross. They fail to embrace the grace given to us on the cross.  Their perspective in some cases is Christ died to help you, but you still have to earn your own way.  Still others would have you believe that Jesus really did not die. He just sort of died.  He passed out.  And was revived in the tomb.  The part about being stabbed by the Roman soldier to ensure Jesus was dead is an inconvenient truth. John 19:33&34 But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. 

            We are surrounded by a world that asks you and I to disregard the truth of the Gospel.  The truth that does not fit the current worldview because the truth leaves no room for modern revelation of what is acceptable to man should be acceptable to God.  The world is full of people who will try to deceive you and I into thinking the Gospel truth is really not the “Truth.” The apostle Paul shares an insight into the true intention and the ultimate end for those that seek to deceive. 2 Corinthians 11:12-15 And I will keep on doing what I am doing in order to cut the ground from under those who want an opportunity to be considered equal with us in the things they boast about. For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.  We must not be fooled by what others tell us is the truth when the real truth, the Gospel truth is right there in scriptures.  As we approach Easter, let us remember the love and hope given to all believers at Golgotha.  And let us also pray for those who seek to deceive that they come to know and embrace the truth of Jesus Christ as their Savior.

Prayer: Lord we are surrounded by serpents with clever tongues. They seek to lead us astray with the half-truths, deception, and outright lies.  The traps they set ensnare many. Help us to see these traps. Give us the words to defend the faith. Give us Your words of love that we might melt the hearts of those who have been deceived. Let Your Holy Spirit fill our conversation with the blinding truth of the Gospel. We ask this in the name of Jesus, Amen.