The Goodness of Today
Friday, 7 April 2023 by
Gathering Growing Going
Loading Content...
The link has been copied to your clipboard; paste it anywhere you would like to share it.
CloseWhat are your expectations for Good Friday? What do you expect of the word ‘good’? On a day when the hope of so many is executed, on a day when we remember the death of a man regarded as ‘good’ above all, in a moment when we read of the abuse that Jesus suffered, it seems strange to think of the ‘good’ on such a day. But Luke’s account of the death of Jesus is very helpful in confronting us with two questions to help us understand the ‘good’ of Good Friday. First, is this stuff really true? Luke wrote to reassure his mate, Theo, that this stuff was true and reliable and worth trusting. In this Luke, carefully investigated these events – and there is no argument that Jesus was crucified like this. Second, Luke wants us to carefully consider where we stand in this event, and what we expect of it. Are we with the scoffers, led by the leaders who killed this man – and expected Him to stay dead? Or, are we with the criminal who defends Jesus, who expected his own death that day, did not expect Jesus to die like this, and who hoped that Jesus would hear his plea?
Scripture References: Luke 23:32- 56, Psalms 31:1-5, Isaiah 53:4-12
Related Topics: Easter | More Messages from Bernard Gabbott | Download Audio
The book of Esther recounts a period where God's people are in exile, aliens in a foreign land. Sounds like our time doesn't it? Even when God seems absent, He is at work. The great reversal of power at the heart of the universe has already taken place. Jesus won victory over death on the cross and in His resurrection. Satan the great enemy of God and His people, has been defeated. We wait in the now but not yet. Waiting for the Lord Jesus to return and give His people relief and rest. But as we wait, we share the good news of the gospel, call people to faith in Jesus, faithfully endure persecution, knowing that our deliverance is assured.
We love a turning point. Whether it is a story or a football game. Hope dawning at the darkest time. Where is the great turning point in Esther? It could be our memory verse, when Esther is persuaded by Mordecai to act to save her people. It could be when the king looks with favour upon Esther and holds out the golden scepter to her. It could be when Haman is forced to lead Mordecai through the city mounted on the king’s horse and proclaims that he is the man the king delights to honour. They are major events in the story of Esther. They are turning points of a sort. But the writer of Esther points us to another event. That looks so trivial.
Esther is such an exciting story! There are evil plots. There are interesting yet flawed characters. There is risk and sacrifice. There is heroism and villainy. Today, we are introduced to the villain of the plot, and what an evil scheming villain he is! He spins lies and concocts murderous plans to do away with the Jews, God’s covenant people. How will the people respond? Will he get away with his evil plan? Will God, who is not mentioned at all, intervene to protect His people, to live up to the promises He made to Abraham, the people at Mt Sinai, and to David?
13 Dewhurst St, Narrabri NSW 2390
Ph: (02) 6792 2151
Email: Click Here
8:30am & 10:30am each Sunday
9:30am each Sunday in January
Copyright © 2024 · Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in