journey onWord with us

“Oh, If I could just_______________?”  What skill do you see in others that you would love to possess? It may be to sing with perfect pitch, speak with great eloquence, hit a golf ball perfectly straight, fly an airplane, or play the piano. The list is endless! It is human nature to want to imitate someone who has a skill or attribute you desire.

To be honest, from our earliest memories, thoughts flow of how we would imitate our parents. Can you remember following dad around the garage, or making cookies with mom in the kitchen? We all started young with a desire to imitate others. In all areas of life, whether it is talents, skills, or even character qualities, others have attributes that we want to possess.

What about you? What are the special qualities in your life worthy of imitation? You may feel there is nothing special about yourself, and reject the notion that anyone would care to mimic you. But without question, the quality of your life can be worthy of imitation, especially the spiritual attributes. When you are growing in your faith, and consistently loving others, the distinctiveness of your life is worthy of imitation. You may tend to look solely at your weaknesses, but others also see your patience, care, humility and steadfastness.

But who in the world would ever willingly volunteer the words, “Imitate my life.”? We are all too afraid of failing, or hindering someone. And even thinking those words seems profoundly arrogant! But there was a prominent man in ancient times that made a couple of “imitate me” kind of statements. Was he arrogant, or just confident enough in his relationship with Christ to speak his true feelings? Listen to the words of the apostle Paul.

I Corinthians 4:15-16
Even though you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. Therefore I urge you to imitate me.

I Corinthians 10:32-11:1
Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God–even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. Follow my example, as I have followed the example of Christ.

What courage! What confidence! But let’s also be quick to clarify. What Paul wanted was for others to imitate him as he followed the example of Christ, and in his role as a spiritual mentor. We may never say those words, but our hearts should beat so strong for Christ that our lives are worthy of imitation. Could others say that your love for Christ inspires them to mimic that love? I may be preaching now, but our kids (even adult children), friends, and work associates need to see a life worthy of imitation. Paul may have had the courage to speak strong words, but let us join him also in the courage to live strong lives. How we live before others does matter for eternity.

When all is said and done, could it be said of you and me, “That was a life worth imitating”?

Our culture is driven by outward appearances. People all around us gain tremendous self-worth by how they appear in the eyes of their beholders. To be honest, I suppose all of us want to look good. It would be safe to assume that most of us diet at least once a year, start new work-out programs periodically, and even try to dress fashionably. But I can honestly say that I have never met a person who wanted to be defined by their feet. So I was intrigued this week when I happened upon a verse from our reading that mentioned beautiful feet.  Frankly, when I think of feet it is never in the context of “beautiful”. I can’t remember ever looking at someone’s feet and thinking, “oh, how beautiful”. But hear this…

Romans 10:15
And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

It is very interesting to me that the Apostle Paul used this specific language in connection with spreading the good news. His imagery gives a great word picture, however, for all to see about sharing the gospel. The verse above is set in a passage that has its first application to Israel, but can certainly be applied to sharing the hope of the gospel anywhere. The words in this verse are actually quoted from Isaiah 52:7.

But why are the feet “beautiful”? Simply stated, it is because they represent the messenger who carried the good news, not only to Israel, but to the whole world. Think about those who influenced you for Christ. Their feet may be well-worn and calloused, but to you, “oh, how beautiful”. It is easy for us to think of those who have given their lives for the cause of Christ in far away lands with little fanfare. They built their lives internally through faith in Christ, and can be eternally defined by beautiful feet. But you and I can also be defined that same way, right where we are!

If you have by faith accepted Christ (good news!), that decision comes with responsibility. We would all say it is the most important decision of our lives. Yet, without a doubt, most would agree to at least a small measure of fear in sharing our certain and brilliant hope with others. You may have even used excuses like “I don’t know enough”, or “I may say something wrong”, or even “what will they think of me”. Christ desires that you and I be ambassadors for Him. And what He sees in us, and does through us, is far more important than how we appear in the eyes of others. Do you want beautiful feet?

All Christ followers will one day want to hear the words “well done, good and faithful servant”. After meditating on Romans 10:15, I have concluded that I would love for my life to be defined by beautiful feet. I would certainly be embarrassed if anyone asked to see them. But on the day I stand before Christ, if He were to declare them beautiful, I’d be honored. How about you?!

You and I have desired it. Every child everywhere wants to experience it. It is a powerful ingredient in the life of anyone who has truly enjoyed it. For those who missed out on it, artificial replacements could never replace it. What is “it“? An intimate loving bond with your father.  One that goes beyond just having a father/child relationship born by family heritage.

There is no need to speak further about the “it”. You know whether your relationship with dad gave you joy and confidence, or pain and emptiness. Thankfully, there is a vital Father/child relationship available to all Christ followers that will never disappoint. And in this relationship, every child chooses the level of intimacy.

When our daughter was very young, there was a song that had lyrics something like this, “Daddy’s girl, you’re the center of your daddy’s world.” I would sing those words to my daughter trying to emphasize the level of love and care that I had for her. Singing a song will never give a child exactly what they need, but it can express the desire of a father’s heart. In the heart of God, there is love without fail, care without end, and acceptance without condition for all who accept His offer of salvation. Once adopted into His family, a child of God will never be without a secure relationship with their Perfect Father.

Romans 8:15
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, Abba, Father.

Abba is “an informal, Aramaic term for Father that conveys a sense of intimacy. Like the English terms ‘Daddy’ or ‘Papa,’ it connotes tenderness, dependence, and a relationship free from fear or anxiety.” Those words taken from The MacArthur Bible Commentary present the kind of relationship available to all Christ followers. When Christ was in the garden of Gethsemane facing the cross, His words from Mark 14:36 were “Abba, Father.”  Theirs was a perfect Father/Son relationship, beyond anything our finite minds can comprehend. Amazingly, the Father gives us the opportunity to cry out the same words, and enjoy constant intimacy with Him.

It is interesting in father/child relationships, that every child desires acceptance and love. Sadly, some never receive it. Not so with God.  He is a Father that never fails in offering that to each one of us. He has made an Abba Father relationship available to us, free from fear and anxiety and provided with unconditional acceptance and love. Sadly, most believers don’t cherish it. Sure we enjoy the security of our Father/child relationship, but so often we don’t avail ourselves of the closeness with Abba Father. What an opportunity missed!

My conviction is that most Christ followers desire to please their Father. But there are a myriad of distractions that pull us from Him. He desires for us to be close to Him, and we need it. As your friend, I challenge you to seek your Father today, and cry out Abba Father. He won’t let you down, but the choice is yours.

Over the last few days our reading has brought into full view the extreme difficulties that the apostle Paul encountered for his faith. After his dramatic conversion to Christ, He was radically changed. His life was singularly focused on the good news of Jesus Christ. Paul went through intense persecution, was put in prison, stood trial before the Romans and was accused by the Jews for his religious beliefs. Yet, from my viewpoint, he seemed to never flinch. He knew the Truth! Nothing could deter him from the mission to which our Lord had called him. We all need a good dose of his never flinching faith in a world that needs the Truth.

If you know Christ as your Savior, your hope is tied to the gospel message, and the core of your life is its truth. I sometimes feel in this ever-changing world, we have lost the distinctiveness of faith in Christ as the only hope for eternity. To know and love Christ will not always be popular, but it will always honor Him.

One of my all-time favorite readings gives a real picture of the way I view the apostle Paul. As you read the words below, let them penetrate and challenge your heart to have a never flinching faith.  They are the words that an African pastor wrote on the night before he was murdered for an unwillingness to renounce his faith. He wrote the following on a scrap of paper …

I am part of the “Fellowship of the Unashamed.” I have Holy Spirit power. The die has been cast. I’ve stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I am a disciple of His. I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure. I am finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tame visions, mundane talking, chintzy giving, and dwarfed goals!

I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don’t have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by His presence, lean by faith, love by patience, lift by prayer and labor by power.

My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few, my guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, diluted, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I won’t give up, shut up, let up, or burn up till I’ve preached up, prayed up, paid up, stored up, and stayed up for the cause of Christ.

I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops. And when He comes to get His own, He’ll have no problems recognizing me. My colors will be clear.

Source: “Daily in Christ” daily devotional, Neil Anderson, August 21st entry

Your faith and mine can model that of  the African pastor. When we determine to live with a never flinching faith, those around us will see a clear portrait of what it means to follow Christ. Oh, I know we’ll fail sometimes, but with a heart like Paul’s and a submitted self like the African pastor’s, we’ll finish well!

There are many things in life that I will never understand. So often events happen and I am prone to wonder “why?”. You probably have the same struggle when life takes a turn that your logic can’t embrace. God chooses to heal one person, but another dies at a young age. A family of strong faith has to carry heavy burdens that others of weaker faith don’t experience. Someone prayerfully seeks God on a decision, and the results turn out to be very difficult.  I could continue, but you get the point. Confidence in the sovereignty and love of God are important to me (and you, I am sure), but my mind is still sometimes prone to wonder. Only eternity will give us full perspective on the difficult questions that we all wrestle with.

My thoughts were turned to this topic after reading a passage of Scripture very familiar to me. However, in reading Acts chapter twelve last week, I gained fresh insight. You have probably heard of Peter’s miraculous release from prison when the church prayed for him. After his release, he went to a home where people were praying, and they didn’t believe Peter was at the door (this story reminds us of how often we pray and can’t believe it when God comes through). But what happened before Peter went to prison captured my attention, and created a “why” moment.

James, the brother of John and one of the inner-circle of Christ, is beheaded. He was the first apostle to die and his brother John was the last. But why was James martyred and Peter delivered?

Acts 12:1-3(a), 5
It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. When he saw that this pleased the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also.  So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.

Prayer was lifted heavenward for Peter, but not mentioned for James. Both are apostles and men who stood for truth. Peter’s supernatural deliverance gives us great confirmation that prayer works. But God could have chosen to protect and release James (even if no one prayed for him), and He did not. Was God unfair to James? Certainly not! And when events happen to us that our logic cannot embrace, God is not being unfair.

How then can we live with joy when the inevitable “why” questions overwhelm us? It is my firm opinion that even though Satan attacked the church, and James and Peter were persecuted, their lives were led by His unique purpose. In that purpose, James was martyred (and went home to be with the Lord), and God used prayer for Peter’s release.

Throughout life we can expect some “why” questions to attack all of us.  James and Peter helped refocus my attention on this truth. I believe God was glorified through James’ death, and also by the deliverance of Peter and the remainder of his earthly life. In God’s sovereignty, He makes choices that may not seem logical to us, but are always right.

One of our biggest struggles is that we look at life in the present, while God’s view is eternal. We’ll never answer all the “why” questions, nor should we try. But we can trust God for each moment, and live with a deep confidence that He answers prayer. Just ask Peter!

Every one of us has a person like this in our life.  Maybe at work, or in the family. They’re a pessimist and a worrywart; they are brooding, and they always see the glass half empty.  They have a melancholic personality – just like the disciple Thomas.  “Doubting Thomas.”  But the name he was labeled with throughout history was quite unfair, as we will see.  The book of John is where we catch of glimpse of the real man.

John 11:16
Then Thomas (also known as Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”

To begin, the name Didymus means “the twin”.  So we know Thomas had a twin brother or sister, but they are never identified in Scripture.  Also, Thomas seems very committed to Jesus in this verse; he is ready to die with him.  Let me set the context here:  Jesus has just received word that Lazarus is sick, and he has been asked to hurry to his bedside.  Lazarus lived in Bethany, just on the outskirts of Jerusalem.  Opposition to Jesus had been building, so the disciples knew that going back to Bethany could mean an arrest for all of them.  But Thomas says, Let’s Go!  Pessimistic, yes, but also courageous and loyal.  What he was really saying was, “I don’t want to live without Jesus.”  He must have been convincing, because everyone followed Jesus to Bethany.

Now fast forward to the days following the crucifixion, the first time Jesus appears to the disciples.  Everyone is there … except Thomas!  How could he have missed this?!  Because, as a melancholic he was probably in bed sick, wallowing in his misery, seeing no one, feeling betrayed, forsaken and brokenhearted.  But the others sought him out and told him they had seen the risen Jesus.  To which Thomas utters the famous words that labeled him “Doubting” for all history:

John 20:25
But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

Now don’t be too hard on Thomas; the others did not believe Mary Magdalene, or the two men on the road to Emmaus.  They only believed when they saw, also.  But then something absolutely amazing happened.  Jesus appeared before the disciples again and this time Thomas was there.  Jesus was so kind and gentle with Thomas.  After all, who understood his personality better than Jesus?  Look at this:

John 20:26-28
A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!”  Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”

Thomas got it!  After traveling with Jesus for a year and a half, worrying, questioning and yes, doubting, Thomas got it!  “My Lord and My God!”  It was at this point that Thomas was transformed into one of the greatest evangelists of his time.  Many historical accounts point to Thomas ministering in India for the greater part of the rest of his life.  And in a fitting death, Thomas died after being run through with a spear – fitting for the disciple whose faith became real when he saw the spear mark in the side of his Jesus.

What will it take for you to proclaim, “My Lord and My God!”?

It is one of the most famous chapters in all of Scripture. Countless sermons have been preached from this chapter, focused on the encounter between Jesus and Nicodemus and the essential words, “you must be born again.” This chapter also contains the most memorized and recognizable verse in all of Scripture … John 3:16. If you are old enough, you even remember a man with a colorful “afro” wig promoting John 3:16 at major sporting events around our country. In a few simple words this verse contains the hope of eternal life. “For God so loved the world that he gave…..”, I am sure you know the rest. When reading the third chapter of John it is easy to focus on the encounter and the verse, and miss another significant truth that is essential for all Christ followers. Any idea what that might be?

Even a quick study of John the Baptist gives cause for admiration. He was a relative of Christ, prepared the way for the Savior, baptized Him and eventually died a brutal death. Words from John 3 give us more insight into the submissive heart of this great man. In the closing section, John’s disciples are in a dispute. As a result of the dispute, they come complaining about the success of Jesus’ ministry. In essence, John’s disciples were placing him in competition with Jesus. John masterfully navigated the situation and then said, “He must increase; but I must decrease” (John 3:30). This section of the famous chapter is easily overlooked, and verse thirty is often ignored.

Any Christ follower would agree with John the Baptist’s assertion that “He must increase; but I must decrease.” We would also all agree that living that truth is difficult. My flesh continually cries out for me to increase, along with my agenda. But John’s heart can be our reality. Difficult yes, but absolutely do-able! In my college days, I learned to say the words “He must increase, but I must decrease” before intramural basketball games. That desire was always challenged by the desire to score a lot of points and impress people. I would dare say that this question of increase is common in all of our lives. When you or I increase, it feels good. When through our lives He increases, God is pleased. While it is not easy for us, it is obvious to us that John’s spirit of decrease is our model.

Warren Wiersbe’s commentary on the first twelve chapters of John includes a great example …

“A Presbyterian pastor in Melbourne, Australia introduced J. Hudson Taylor by using superlatives, especially the word “great”. Taylor stepped to the pulpit and quietly said, ‘Dear friends, I am the little servant of an illustrious Master.’”

If John the Baptist in heaven heard that statement, he must have shouted, ‘Hallelujah’!

I don’t think for a moment that we should correct every superlative spoken or written about us, or that we shouldn’t be proud of our accomplishments. However, a heart that sincerely yearns for Him to increase, will gladly accept its own decrease. John the Baptist wanted Christ uplifted, and so do you and I! So let’s pray John 3:30 as a simple prayer daily; “He must increase, but I must decrease.”

Let me just say that I simply and sincerely LOVE scripture.  It would require a multi-part post to expound on the multitude of reasons why, so I will choose just one to share with you that I was reminded of in the midst of our reading schedule last week.

One of the many things that I LOVE about scripture is how the Spirit can use a well-worn single phrase, verse or entire portion of scripture and  bring it into view at just the right time in your life to bring hope, healing, encouragement or challenge.  A truth that you have intersected with so often that you could recite it in your sleep.  And that may have, over time, lost a little of the power in the repetition.  But God’s Word is never the thing in need of a recharge, right?!

I suppose it’s only mildly coincidental that I mention the word “power”.  Because that was the thing the Spirit breathed new life into as I arrived at Luke 17.  The chapter begins with a lesson on sin and forgiveness, and then shifts gears quickly to a request the apostles make.

The apostles came up and said to the Master, “Give us more faith.” (Luke 17:5  MSG)

Many believe verse 5 is not connected to the first four, although it would certainly seem a likely response when one is challenged with the standard of forgiveness that Jesus shares.  But whatever the circumstances that led to the words, Jesus is confronted with a request for more faith.  His response is one we all recognize (although you may not be familiar with the exact words of “The Message” text) …

But the Master said, “You don’t need more faith. There is no ‘more’ or ‘less’ in faith. If you have a bare kernel of faith, say the size of a poppy seed, you could say to this sycamore tree, ‘Go jump in the lake,’ and it would do it. (Luke 17:6  MSG)

“You don’t need more faith.”  That must have been a response that the apostles didn’t see coming.  Many of us remember the words that follow closely as, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed …”.  But as I read the beginning words of Jesus’ response to his apostles, new life was breathed into that “mustard seed” truth.

As I navigate through life, and its many trials and struggles, it seems my call is most often for “more” … more presence, more patience, more peace, more power, more faith.  But Jesus is clear in responding that you don’t need “more”.  You need only the smallest measure of pure faith, and there is the kind power that uproots a tree, available to you.  Romans 8:11 tells us that as a child of God, indwelt by the Spirit, we have resurrection power inside of us, ready and at our disposal.  This is also a truth you have heard many times before, but take a minute and let that sink in.  The exact same power as raised Jesus, is within those who believe.  And is inside of ME.

The pace of human technology is racing at light speed.  In the designing, research and manufacture of Intel’s new i7 computer processor chip, researchers created transistors so small that it was calculated that 30 million of them could fit on the head of a pin.  I don’t need to remind many of you of the size room that used to house the first computer system.  Which had no where near the same processing power that can now fit on the head of a pin.  Yet as amazing as the facts, “30 million” and “head of a pin” are, they are dwarfed by resurrection power.

Let us not be found asking for more.  Let us rather focus on becoming less, and tapping into the bottomless well of resurrection power found deep inside of us.  Made possible only through the death of Christ, and gifted by God with the indwelling of His Spirit.

It was a big day! Church was full, and great emphasis was placed on the resurrection of Jesus from the tomb. When the congregation sang the words, “He’s Alive, He’s Alive” the truth of the resurrection filled the air. For at least one day each year, the eyes of the world turn toward the empty tomb. To all Christ followers, ramifications of Resurrection Sunday are anything but a one-day event. It gave us our birthright.  However as we head back to work and the normal routines of life, it is certainly easy to minimize the significance of what our Risen Lord means to us. In the desire to be appropriate and not offensive, we often shy away from our most important relationship: with Christ!

It must have been life changing as the disciples met with Christ after His resurrection. He showed care for “doubting Thomas” and restored Peter. He also commissioned the disciples to go and make disciples. Their lives were not to be about self, but about others. Centuries later, we can all be grateful for how they responded. We have no less obligation to be conduits of His love and grace in our 21^st century, fast-paced, technologically driven world. The hope of the resurrection still matters! Wherever this post finds you today, look around and view your opportunity to care for others….all because He Lives in you.

In my reading this week, I re-read a quote by someone named Soren Kierkegaard. His words resonate with me as I think of living out the hope of the resurrection. It says: “Now, by God’s help, I shall become myself.”  Don’t you and I both want to be the “me” that God designed us to be? Living out His design will always involve others, just as it did for the disciples. In thinking of this quote, I can’t help but think of Peter. Dramatic failure must have haunted him as Christ hung on the cross. But the resurrected Lord restored him, and sent him out to serve. Eventually, he died having been used of God mightily. Undoubtedly he still made blunders and failed the Lord at times. But in view of Scripture, it seems that Peter grew into the “me” that God designed for Him to be.

Because of the resurrection, you and I can also be effective in showing others hope, peace and joy. One day a year the world turns to the empty tomb, but daily we can live out it’s implications. Certainly we need to be appropriate, but never silent about our most important relationship … with Christ! Being the “me” that God has designed us to be won’t look just like Peter, but it will reflect the attributes of Christ. Those around will be blessed if we determine to maximize the Risen Lord by fulfilling His design for us.

Next year, churches will again gather around the world and celebrate the empty tomb. From now until then, you and I have the privilege of living out the reality that He’s Alive. Be appropriate, but never shy about your greatest relationship . . . with Christ! There will be those on your journey before next Resurrection Sunday that need hope and peace. You have what they need;  be who God designed you to be by sharing it.

For me, (and maybe you) it has all the trappings of an ordinary day. Golf courses are full, malls get extra traffic, and many churches have traditional Good Friday services. But this day is anything but ordinary in the context of eternity past, present and future. Literally, on Good Friday we are observing the hinge point of history. Centuries have passed since Christ hung on the cross for the sins of mankind. And quite frankly without intentional focus, the significance of His sacrifice gets lost in the events of our ordinary day.

When I think of the day Christ died, it is hard for me to imagine what it must have been like. What would I have experienced and felt as an eyewitness? When darkness came, how would I have responded? As He spoke seven times in six hours, would I have gleaned any meaning from His incredible last words? Can you fathom the earthquake, or veil of the temple being torn in two from top to bottom? What must have the scene been like when the tombs were opened and many holy people were raised to life? What we celebrate today was no ordinary day!

Scripture reveals that Jesus was hung on the cross at about 9am, and remained there until 3 in the afternoon. Before being hung on the cross, He had been mocked, spit upon and beaten. Christ could have called ten thousand angels to rescue Him, but He willingly gave His life as atonement for our sins. Can any of us even comprehend what it must have been like when darkness came at noon? During the three hours of darkness, He was silent. Matthew tells us that at the ninth hour (3pm), Christ broke the silence crying out in a loud voice. This was no ordinary day!

As ominous as this day must have been, the words spoken by our Savior give insight into why He hung there for you and me, and all mankind. During the first three hours, He spoke only three times.

Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing. (Luke 23:34)
I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise. (Luke 23:43)
Dear woman, here is your son, and to the disciple, Here is your mother. (John 19:26-27)

Three statements in three hours, but they give us a marvelous picture of His forgiving, compassionate heart. Then silence came with darkness, until He cries out…

Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?!
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?! (Matthew 27:46)

I am thirsty. (John 19:28)
It is finished. (John 19:30)
Father, into your hands I commit my spirit. (Luke 23:46)

I can only imagine what the cry was like when Christ cried, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me!” God had to turn His back on Christ as He took our sins upon Himself. What indescribable and pure love! When the plan of redemption was complete, He said, “It is finished”.  Words are a gateway to the soul, and the words that graced the lips of Christ on this ominous day were anything but ordinary. The agony of that day was for us.

As we go about the activities of a day we celebrate every year, I don’t believe our spirits should be melancholy about what happened on the day Christ was crucified. Nor do I believe we should just view the events in a distant historical context. All of history turned on that day, as Christ completed what the Father sent Him to do (for us, and for all!). And it was no ordinary day!

So as we celebrate Good Friday, don’t miss, but don’t stop at His suffering.  Christ was not a victim of betrayal, brutal beatings and death on the cross.  He walked the entirety of the road to the cross willingly to bear the full measure of the sins of all, for all time, so that we might have life!  Let’s reflect on, celebrate and be eternally thankful for the extraordinary, indescribable, pure love that God has for us, and that Jesus showed for us on that anything-but-ordinary day!

Just as we mentioned at the end of our last post, this suffering, this sacrifice, this hope is NOT limited to those who already believe.  If you have arrived here and find yourself questioning or seeking, reach out to us at journeyonwordwithus@gmail.com.  Every bit of what Jesus did on this anything but ordinary day was for you too!