WATCHWORD:
“Jesus said … ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.’” John 11:25–26
Meditation:
A Friday That Was Good?
On Good Friday, we might have omitted from our thinking Psalm 118:24, This is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it. Maybe because of the reality of that day, back then, or maybe the reality of our day now. It might have slipped our minds, in the midst of our ‘woe is me’ thinking, or our loneliness, or our discomfort. That can happen. But, that really doesn’t change the fact that we, who believe in the Resurrected Savior, have every reason to rejoice. So, did you rejoice and were you glad in it? Are you rejoicing? I hope so.
In Jesus Calling for this morning, He admonishes us to “To begin the day with open hands of faith, ready to receive all that I am pouring into this brief portion of your life. Be careful not to complain about anything, even the weather, since I am the author of your circumstances.”
Oh dear, He is the Author of my circumstances? Oh. I don’t know about you, but I guess that shines a blessed light on my circumstances and makes me realize that my discomfort fades in the brilliance of this day that He has made and I rejoice. He is Lord.
I googled Max Lucado for his words on our circumstances: Good Friday thru to Easter. He writes, in part:
“This strange season has introduced a new level of fear we haven’t seen since 9/11. Fear of what might come. Fear of touching. Fear of exposure. Fear of what we can’t see. Remember Joseph? You rescued him from the pit. You can do the same for us. Do it again, Lord.
Remember the Hebrews in Egypt? You protected your children from the angel of death. We have children too, Lord, do it again.
And Sarah? Remember her prayers? You heard them. Joshua? Remember his fears? You inspired him. The women at the tomb? You resurrected their hope. The doubts of Thomas? You took them away. Do it again, Lord, do it again.
You changed Daniel from a captive to a King’s counselor. You took Peter the fisherman and made him Peter an apostle. Because of you, David went from leading sheep to leading armies. Do it again, Lord for we need counselors today, Lord. We need apostles. Lord we need real leaders Lord. Do it again, dear Lord.” Max Lucado
But you know what? While I agree with what Max Lucado is saying, but, I believe the Lord IS doing it again!
He is overcoming fears as reflected in the eyes and determination of heroes everywhere; moms and dads, nurses and doctors, EMTs and retirees returning to help, ordinary people everywhere reaching out, going far beyond anything they imagined they could or would do. These are heroes despite their fears, because it is the right thing, and because of you, Lord. You are doing it again!
Our hope is resurrected for we know that this may be a difficult time, but on Calvary, you, Lord, did it all for us and left us with that spirit within us that will, each one of us, overcome whatever may threaten to drag us away from our inheritance, to rejoice in all things, especially this day that you have made. You are doing it, Lord, and we praise your name. With gratitude, we shout Hallelujah! He has Risen! He has risen, indeed!
Bulletin Board:
From Pete – ‘Just remember that today He was put into the tomb, but I have joy in the fact that “Sunday’s Comin! What a blessing!’
Seen on Church bulletin boards:
‘Stay Home, God is Making House-calls’
‘Jesus Rode an a** into Jerusalem, keep yours home!’??
(On the church bulletin board, that was spelled out!)??
Closing Prayer:
Dear Lord, may I realize afresh today what your death and resurrection mean for me. Forgiveness, freedom and the ability to walk with you through this fallen world into eternity. May I always find my satisfaction in You and Your willingness to offer Yourself to me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
