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It's Still "Good" Friday
April 10, 2020
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It's Good Friday and it's only "good" now because we know how the story ends. The disciples were in great despair on the day Jesus was crucified. They thought Jesus was dead. Later they learned that Jesus was alive.
We don't know how this global pandemic will end. It looks dark right now. Things are uncertain and we all feel the loss.
Before you get too down on yourself for being less faithful than you think you should be, let's take a look at Luke 22. If you find that your faith is challenged during difficult times, you are not alone. Peter, the rock, also wavered in faith when things got difficult. In the end, the power of God was revealed.
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"And Peter left the courtyard weeping bitterly."
Luke 22:62 NLT
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Lord, help us to have strength and character during this difficult time. Let our faith, though tested, remain strong in you. Amen.
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I'm a recovering perfectionist. The failures and missteps of my life still give me a queasy stomach whenever I recall them. I'm disciplined and focused. SO....when I fail to behave in a way that I know is aligned with my professed character, I'm crushed. If you find yourself "not yourself" during this time, lean into God's grace and let the Holy Spirit get you back on track. I encourage you to read the entire passage Luke 22:31-34 and 54-62.
In Luke 22:33 Peter tells Jesus that he is ready to go to prison with him. He says he'll die for Jesus. When things are good we all feel like spiritual giants. Jesus responded to Peter in v. 34 by saying, "Peter, let me tell you something. Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me." Ouch!
Be honest about your doubts. God knew about COVID 19 before the world began. He knew exactly how you'd respond to the failing economy, being sheltered in place, and the constant barrage of bad news. In Mark 9:24, a father of a sick boy cried out, "I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief." Let's be like this father and be honest with God about our doubts and fears.
Remember who you are. It's a famous quote from the movie, "Black Panther" and it is powerful. In v. 54-60 Jesus is arrested and Peter runs off. (So much for going to prison with Jesus.) When Peter is recognized as one of Jesus' followers he denies it. Two more times Peter is recognized as a disciple and he denies it. The fear of being arrested and killed not only made Peter deny Jesus, but also made him forget who he was -- a radical, zealous, sword-slinging disciple of Christ. This is the moment where you must remember to be who you are. Don't let the current crisis shift your character.
Difficult times reveal our true faith. Fear made Peter deny his faith. The current environment is scary, no doubt. But this is where we stand on God's word and hold on to our faith. We know more than Peter did at the time. Peter thought Jesus was defeated. He thought the crucifixion was the end of Jesus' life. We know Jesus is alive. So, we have hope in every situation, even COVID-19.
This Easter, in particular, we have an opportunity to show the world that our hope is in Christ Jesus. The coronavirus may keep us from gathering together in sanctuaries, but it cannot keep us from proclaiming, without a doubt, that Jesus is still Lord.
Happy Easter! Stay at home!
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