Center for Creative Ministry A research organization and research center for Seventh-day Adventist pastors and their congregations
The Hour of Glory: The Cross and Resurrection
How would you feel if the darkest, most shameful moments of your life were presented on the world stage? 72-year-old grandmother Gisèle Pelicot chooses to live that reality.
Pelicot not only opted for an open trial, but for every disturbing detail of the sexual violence committed against her to be laid bare in the Avignon courthouse. Why? Because she wants to make “shame swap sides.”
French women now celebrate Pelicot as a symbol of strength, courage and resilience.
Their local hero not only aims to change the way victims are viewed; she also catalyzes the movement to tackle France’s epidemic of sexual violence and “chemical submission” (drugging), all the while shedding more light on domestic violence.
Pelicot bravely stood her ground in court against 51 men, including her spouse of 50 years who orchestrated the crimes. She brought each of them to justice.
Pelicot turned her personal tragedy into a liberating movement for many.
Similarly, Christ used His lowest moments on the cross to release humanity from the bondage of sin.
Like Pelicot, Christ was betrayed by one of His closest companions. And although innocent, Christ stood in Pilate’s court, thereby making the once-private affair between the Jewish leaders and Himself a public matter.
Even though Pilate could not find fault with Him, Jesus was condemned to hang on the cross. Christ then suffered a torturous death. Yet, death could not hold Him.
His resurrection condemned those who betrayed Him, and brought victory for His disciples.
The resurrected Christ visited Mary and the disciples, encouraging them and bestowing upon them the Great Commission.
Because of the spread of the gospel, Christ’s victory over death still encourages His followers to this day!
For Reflection
Connecting: Did Jesus’ death need to be as violent and torturous as it was?
Sharing: What historical evidence supports Christ’s resurrection?
- The folded linens at Christ’s burial site (negating a hasty body-snatching)
- Holy sites like the Church of the Holy Sepulchre
- The disciples would not willingly die defending a known lie
- The Roman soldiers, facing death, would not let Christ’s body be stolen
- Women, and then the disciples, encountered a living Jesus after His death
- Other:
Applying: How can we, while fully repentant for our sins, shift the shame of sin from ourselves to the Deceiver? Devise a visual or verbal demonstration that can be shared with those who erroneously feel that they have sinned too gravely to receive God’s forgiveness.
Valuing: What makes Pelicot a powerful icon? What parts of your own testimony can generate others’ interest in Christ?
~ Stefani Leeper
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| “Christ did not yield up His life till He had accomplished the work which He came to do, and with His parting breath He exclaimed, ‘It is finished’ (John 19:30). The battle had been won. His right hand and His holy arm had gotten Him the victory. As a Conqueror He planted His banner on the eternal heights. Was there not joy among the angels? All heaven triumphed in the Saviour’s victory. Satan was defeated, and knew that his kingdom was lost.”
—The Desire of Ages, p. 758 Image retrieved from: upliftingchrist.org |
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