March 30- Good Friday

Happy Good Friday to you. Did you ever wonder why it’s called “good” Friday when it’s the day that Christ was crucified? There are lots of theories. One is that it derived from God Friday. Another is that from the terrible Friday came the resurrection that the Christian faith is built upon and so it’s ultimately good. And the third is that the antiquated form of good means sacred or holy which may make the most sense actually. What ever the root of The good in Good Friday, on this day we remember the perfect sacrifice that pays the price for our salvation. Amen? 


Today, we are reading the last chapter in our book of Philippians. I love that Paul no matter what shape he was in, whether in prison or staying with someone or shipwrecked or whatever calamity, he was always joyful, positive, and and had the right attitude. You just don’t read Paul when he was depressed or feeling sorry for himself or mad at the world (like I was yesterday because it was cold and I hadn’t seen the sun for days!). And he begins chapter four with this sunny outlook that just cheers even the most sad of us. 

“Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.”Philippians‬ ‭4:4-6

And there it is again, he reminds us that Jesús is coming soon. Paul tríes hard not to ever let us forget that. Do you think maybe that’s part of the key to his bright outlook? That and the fact that he “worries about nothing but prays about everything?”  

And if that isn’t the whole key, this is the final piece. The fact that he locks in his mind the things only that are good and true and pure. If it’s not worthy of praise, it’s not in his mind. THAT is a worthy goal wouldn’t you agree?

“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”Philippians‬ ‭4:8

When I hear the news and the talking heads screaming at each other and defaming and slandering the character of one another I go to this verse and think “Why am I filling my mind with these things?”

“I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”Philippians‬ ‭ 12-13

Paul figured out that it wasn’t stuff that made him happy or sad or fulfilled him. It was only through Christ Jesús whom he gained his strength. We have all been caught up at one time or another in the rat race trying to make more money so we could have more stuff but to what end? To have more things to take care of? Paul is trying to let us know here that our strength doesn’t come from the fortunes we amass but from the relationship we develop with our Savior. 

“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭19‬ ‭NLT‬‬

And the same God whom Paul was assured would take care of him, will take care of us as well. I love this final chapter and what a great day to read it! 

O Jesús, Messiah, Name above all Names, Blessed Redeemer, Emmanuel. You were the Ransom from heaven for us and we sing your praises this very special day. Thank you for the price you paid on Calvary for each and every one of us and thank you for the place you have prepared for us when this life is complete. You are good and your love is reckless and given with such abandon that we can’t comprehend. Amen and amen. 

Love you dear friend,

Pam

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