Watching Over

If you look at the picture to your right, can you pick out two eyes, a nose, a forehead?

It is the Place of the Skull, or Golgotha, just outside one of the gates of Jerusalem. It fits the Biblical evidence well. Not far from there is a garden with tombs--perhaps even the very tomb in which Jesus was laid?

Even in the picture's sunlight, the face is ominous. One can imagine why the Romans would crucify criminals in such a place.

This Place of the Skull sent shivers down my spine when Kathy and I observed it in June. How did those first century observers feel? We know something from the Bible--his mother was there, distraught. John, the disciple to whom Jesus entrusted the care of his mother was faithful in his attendance. A centurion was awed, declaring this to be the Son of God.

I can only imagine how frightening it must have been with the sun being blotted out in complete darkness around noon. And to always have those eyes looking...dark and ominous.

For most of us, the Place of the Skull isn't our picture of God watching over us. Instead, we look to the God of light and love. We appeal to Jesus who, in his absence, promised to send a counselor, one who would aid us in the truth.

Most of all, we take comfort in the God of Psalm 121--one who will watch over our going out and our coming in, from this forth, forevermore.

Are God's eyes upon you? Loving you? Caring for you, even in times of distress? God was even there at the crucifixion...watching a Son die for you and me. God raised up that Son. God intends to raise us, too. This time forth, forevermore.