resurrection

At our church’s Good Friday Service I took a moment to look out over the crowd.  All different kinds of people sitting in the pews, observing such a solemn and heavy occasion.  Why are people drawn to worship in such a way on a cool and rainy evening?  Are they barely surviving pain or fear?  What is it they need?

I searched faces… and I wondered.  I may never know the individual stories of many of these people.   When we read the crucifixion account aloud and I was reminded of why I was worshiping on Good Friday.

My status:  betrayer.
My need: relief.  renewal.

There is one thing I do know about this congregation.  Indeed, on this Good Friday, each and every one of us needs Sunday’s Resurrection.

Scripture says so clearly: We are all betrayers.  We have all turned and gone our own way, causing the full burden of our inquity to be laid on Jesus alone.

All we like sheep have gone astray;
We have turned, every one, to his own way;
And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

It doesn’t matter how sin is affecting me as an individual, or anyone else.  It really doesn’t, because the events of Good Friday – Jesus death on the cross-  covers it all.  all of it.  Sin, death, sickness.  Scripture declares that by His wounds, in His body, He received the transgressions of the world. There is no illness he can’t heal, no heart He can’t mend.

But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed.

Our needs are not the same. In fact each one is unique.  But, the solution never changes.  When He stepped out of that grave He brought with Him the victory over every struggle! And, with His resurrection He promises to renew all things one day.    And that is the covenant He has made with those who believe in Him.

My Jesus will make ALL things new.  He will make me new. Hallelujah! This is the Resurrection we all need.  amen.

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One of my favorite Easter Celebration songs comes from Andrew Peterson’s album, Resurrection Letters volume 2, which reminds us of His promise to come and make all things new again.

All Things New