Skogskyrkogården in Stockholm on a nice summer day Photo by Michael Caven from Stockholm, Sweden
45 Then Jesus opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46 He said to them, “It is written that the ·Christ [Messiah] would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day 47 and that ·a change of hearts and lives and [L repentance for the] forgiveness of sins would be preached in his name to all nations, starting at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. Luke 24 EXB
Good Friday.
I have to admit I’ve always cringed at this day’s title. How can this be a good day? Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve wondered. Today can be like every other day. We can go about our business, live our lives, work through our checklists OR we can stop, be present in the amazing good of this day.
It changes everything.
I have a story to tell you. We are moving. We decided this about two months ago. Thus began a two month battle of the mind, everyday I would spend countless amounts of time (I hate to think how much) consumed with worry about the landlord’s response to how we have cared for their house. No matter how much my husband, parents, friends would try to reassure me…I stressed. I worried. What if we don’t get the deposit back? What if they won’t give us a recommendation? What if? What if? It’s been awful. I’ve brought it to Jesus only to take it back over and over.
It’s been rough.
Well, the landlord emailed us (mind you, we’ve never had a speck of trouble with her in the four years we’ve been here) earlier this week saying she would like to come assess the house. They are selling the house and would like to know what they need to do. Then she never emailed back until midnight last night. I didn’t get the email. I relaxed. So, all of a sudden, last night, at 5pm, my husband comes home and reminds me, she’s coming.
So here’s the first gift. I didn’t stress all day.
Second gift? My parents were here. So all of us pitched in and cleaned and cleaned and cleaned for the next hour and a half. It was amazing.
Third gift? She came and was very happy with the house. She was familiar with all the details of the house, walked through, it was good.
Fourth gift? We asked her if she would be willing to give us a recommendation. YES.
Fifth gift? The Lord’s grace and mercy as He showed me these past weeks how much I lost in worry which is, of course, sin. Yet as He showed me, He revealed. It was amazing.
Friend, is there worry in your life? Are you waking at night, cycling through the what ifs, what wills? God has such a better plan. And it was crucified on the cross 2000 years ago.
The verses today:
45 Then Jesus opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46 He said to them, “It is written that the ·Christ [Messiah] would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day 47 and that ·a change of hearts and lives and [L repentance for the] forgiveness of sins would be preached in his name to all nations, starting at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. Luke 24 EXB
Jesus opened their minds. How cool this? The Word revealed the word. What draws me is this idea…it all begins here. On Good Friday, all His suffering…that is our focus today. We approach the throne of grace today thankful. Thankful for this good day. This day that the Son of Man gave it all for you, for me.
So, stay in this day. Don’t become so preoccupied with your own “stuff” to forget Jesus today. Keep your eyes of Jesus.
Comment
Hey Cara — this is such a good, good post. I wish I read it on Good Friday but am very glad I read it today. I too was very much awed and struck by “Jesus opened their minds so they could understand the scriptures.”