“I will turn their mourning into joy. I will comfort them and exchange their sorrow for rejoicing.” –Jeremiah 31:13
Today is Good Friday, 2010. It's funny, because when I think about this day being called "Good," I can just imagine it from one of Jesus’ disciples point of view. 2010 years ago, they certainly did not think this was a good Friday at all. This was the day of His crucifixion.
Today is Good Friday, 2010. It's funny, because when I think about this day being called "Good," I can just imagine it from one of Jesus’ disciples point of view. 2010 years ago, they certainly did not think this was a good Friday at all. This was the day of His crucifixion.
They saw devastating circumstances happening around them. They couldn't stop it – they didn't understand it. To those disciples, all they saw was the death of their Lord, which left them feeling disillusioned and distraught. The words that Jesus uttered as He breathed His last breath on the cross were, “It is finished.” To them, those words probably cut them to the core, not yet realizing the deeper meaning to come on Sunday.
Like these disciples, sometimes what we see is only the beginning or middle of the story. Thankfully God sees the beginning and the end at the same time, and the events of that Friday certainly did not signify the end.
In comparison, there are many in this country now who feel disillusioned and distraught too by government policies and actions. We also see senseless violence, bad behavior being celebrated and precious core values being deteriorated in our country. People are searching for employment, and some may be struggling with health issues or marriage breakdown. Thank God that He is still on the throne! Leaders will come and go, tribulations of various kinds pop up from time-to-time and we may be saddened by circumstances, but God is always in control.
Between Good Friday and resurrection Sunday, I bet God had a burning desire to shout out His fabulous plan to encourage the faithful ones - “Do you not see what I am about to do?! My power will be shown in all the earth, throughout all generations! Trust in Me!” I believe He would say a very similar message to us even now, during these tumultuous times. “Keep praying and trusting in Me. I will complete all the work I have started! I have prepared a place of peace for you!”
Just as the disciples saw Jesus being crucified on the cross, and then rising again on the third day (Easter Sunday), we too can learn a valuable lesson. God can resurrect anything! With God involved, situations can go from death to life, from despair to joy, from scattered to complete, and from empty to full.
There is a song I like to sing that says, “Though the sorrow may last for the night, joy comes in the morning.” Although there may be sadness and sorrow in what we see now, don’t lose heart! God is on the throne. His wisdom confounds the “wise” (or those who see themselves as wise in worldly wisdom). Problems, challenges, struggles, pain, and failure can be given to Him for redemption. Remember, the enemies of God thought they had won and had the final say. After all, Jesus was dead, right? Wrong!
In comparison, there are many in this country now who feel disillusioned and distraught too by government policies and actions. We also see senseless violence, bad behavior being celebrated and precious core values being deteriorated in our country. People are searching for employment, and some may be struggling with health issues or marriage breakdown. Thank God that He is still on the throne! Leaders will come and go, tribulations of various kinds pop up from time-to-time and we may be saddened by circumstances, but God is always in control.
Between Good Friday and resurrection Sunday, I bet God had a burning desire to shout out His fabulous plan to encourage the faithful ones - “Do you not see what I am about to do?! My power will be shown in all the earth, throughout all generations! Trust in Me!” I believe He would say a very similar message to us even now, during these tumultuous times. “Keep praying and trusting in Me. I will complete all the work I have started! I have prepared a place of peace for you!”
Just as the disciples saw Jesus being crucified on the cross, and then rising again on the third day (Easter Sunday), we too can learn a valuable lesson. God can resurrect anything! With God involved, situations can go from death to life, from despair to joy, from scattered to complete, and from empty to full.
There is a song I like to sing that says, “Though the sorrow may last for the night, joy comes in the morning.” Although there may be sadness and sorrow in what we see now, don’t lose heart! God is on the throne. His wisdom confounds the “wise” (or those who see themselves as wise in worldly wisdom). Problems, challenges, struggles, pain, and failure can be given to Him for redemption. Remember, the enemies of God thought they had won and had the final say. After all, Jesus was dead, right? Wrong!
Enjoy this Easter season, knowing God is in control and that He always has the final word.
~Krista Dunk
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