Dear Friends in Jesus –
The Christian writer Barbara Johnson suggests, “we are Easter people in a Good Friday world.”
I’d say that some days, these days, it may feel that way, yet we know that even though these feelings are real they’re not always based on fact. However, there does seem to be a real convergence right now!
Have wars and oppression, and hunger, and displacement always been around? Sure, but not with such intensity, rancor, or carelessness as we experience now. What’s different? For one thing, communication platforms that aren’t always linked to truth, kindness, or reality.
This may feel like a "Friday" moment in time, but I’m called to cling to a Tony Campolo sermon, 'Sundays Comin’!’
He tells of his old pastor rising to preach as he, Campolo, sat down rather satisfied with himself as they were having a ‘preach off.’ The old man tells him, "get ready," and he rises. He preaches for, could have been an hour! He starts off, “It was Friday and Jesus was hanging dead on the tree. It was Friday, but… SUNDAY’S COMIN’!”
Folks, today is Friday and the circumstances we abhor and we decry and we flail against may not disappear in two days, but on the third day we will celebrate the fulfillment of God’s promise.
I will proclaim, “He is risen!” and you will affirm the mysterious truth we know, “He is risen indeed!”
Invite everyone you know to experience the joy that is ours!
See you in worship!
