Hello, again. Yes, I'm still alive & well. Please excuse my recent absence from the blogosphere. Several pastoral (as well as personal) demands have kept me from being able to find the time to write. But I hope to get back into the swing again soon.
Today, however, I just had to send out a word of greeting to everyone in celebration of this most holy season. Today is Maundy Thursday, a time of reflection commemorating that fateful night when Jesus gathered with His disciples in the Upper Room for one last intimate encounter before the approaching storm of Calvary. In the quietness of that far away place on that long ago night, Jesus revealed (to the grief & horror of his closest associates) the acts of betrayal, denial & abandonment He soon would face. In full anticipation of the unspeakable violence of the cross, He spoke only of love, service & sacrifice, while instituting the Lord's Supper as means of foreshadowing (and later, remembering) His pending work of redemption. After Jesus & His small entourage left the Upper Room that dark night, arriving at the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed with the weight of the whole world on His shoulders. His hours of passion (or intense suffering) had now begun. The clock of destiny was ticking. Soon would follow the arrest, the mockings, the beatings, the kangaroo courts, the trumped up charges, the political maneuverings, and--finally--the crucifixion itself.
The nails pierced His flesh & spilled His blood. But the ridicule & rejection from the crowd caused His deepest pain. Yet, because of who He was, He could respond only in compassion & grace. Thus, words of mercy, as unexpected as an oasis in the desert, fell softly as gentle rain from His parched lips. "Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing." Finally, after six agonizing hours on the Cross, the price of our redemption was paid in full. "It is finished!" Jesus exclaimed. And then He breathed His last. His corpse was laid to rest in a borrowed tomb, the hopes & dreams of many buried right along with Him. The sun finally set on that horrible day which we now call Good Friday. The Messiah was dead. As dead as dead can be. It was all over...or so it seemed.
But then, early Sunday morning, something incredible happened! The cold earth gave way to new life! Joy rose like the sun. Hope emerged from the shadows. Love illuminated the landscape. It was the greatest turnaround, the greatest comeback, the greatest victory the universe had ever known! Jesus was ALIVE! Hallelujah! And because of that one amazing resurrected Life, we too can now live.
Today, tomorrow & Saturday, I encourage you to take time to reflect on all that Jesus endured for you. Especially, the high price He paid to atone for all your sins--past, present & future. And then, on Sunday, celebrate the fact that the One who died for you didn't stay dead. Instead, He rose from the dead. He conquered death, Hell & the grave. He's alive & well, and He lives still today! He's our living Lord...our forever Friend...our great & mighty God. And because of Him, we not only have hope for today & tomorrow, but we share the hope of forever as well.
So, whenever you face a sad & somber Thursday, a hurtful & hateful Friday, or a demoralizing & depressing Saturday, just remember that Resurrection Day's a-coming. Indeed, it's already here! Thus, whatever challenges you have to deal with today (or any day), you never have to face them alone. Because Jesus is alive...He's real...He's here...& He's promised that He will never leave you nor forsake you. Hallelujah!
Pastor Danny
