“Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many. So when the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they feared greatly, saying, “Truly this was the Son of God!”” Matthew 27:51-54 NKJV
https://bible.com/bible/114/mat.27.51-53.NKJV
Roman Centurions were fearless, battle hearty, heart of stone kind of people. They were raised in watching and enjoying death and suffering. It was entertainment to attend the amphitheaters and watch unspeakable inhumanity. They were trained not to fear death and to fight to the death. To them, life was cheap and Rome was god. When the Centurions were ordered to lead men to the cross, they did it gladly.
So, how in the world could a fearless, battle hearty centurion be afraid and admit to the fact they just crucified the Son of God? The scenes must have been awe inspiring. I suppose feeling the earth quakes and watching the afternoon turn dark was enough to make anyone be worried. More than likely, God softened the heart of the Centurion and those with him that afternoon. Can you imagine how their entire lives changed that afternoon? Can you see these former battle hearty, fearless, heart of stone people have their lives changed to the point they believe? This just shows that God changes even the most evil hearts. It just shows anyone can change by the grace of God.
Thank you Father for your Son and thank you for showing that You can change anyone’s heart no matter who they are, what they did and how they were brought up. No one is past saving and everyone can be renewed! In Jesus’ precious name. Amen.
by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor
Alberta, Canada
