It's Friday, Sunday's A Coming!

Yesterday was my birthday, and, while this might seem strange, I got the privilage of going to church for my birthday. With yesterday being Maundy Thursday as well, it gave me new meaning for me to pause to consider what the One who gave me life also has done for me. He not only gave me life, but Life eternal, for dying in my place. Taking my punishment for all I have done wrong, all I will do wrong. All the bad thoughts, all the bad actions I've done in haste. Even the ones I've carefully considered and still followed through on, because I am human.Every year 13 men dress, from head to toe, in garments and cloaks. They place sandals upon their feet, or go barefooted. One of these men in particular even grows out his hair for months-just for one week out of the year. This particular man also dressed last Sunday while a group of us also volunteered to dress, following him into the worship center waving palms. Palms of victorious celebration. The King is coming! Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! My daughters even became part of the celebration, dressing and cheering; my oldest went to Jesus and he lifted her up onto his shoulders. How different now this scene that unfolds before the watching eyes of the congregation. Twelve men, sharing a meal with the one called Jesus. Laughing, talking, rejoicing in the celebration of the passover meal. God rescues us from slavery. From the slavery of the Egyptian taskmasters. From the slavery of the sin taskmasters. But, the celebration doesn't last. One of you will betray me. One of you will deny me. And, I must leave you, and where I am going you can not follow.Suddenly, dark clouds come over the once lively feast. One of you will betray me. Is it me, Lord? Is it me? He gives him honor, dips the bread in the dish and hands it to him. One last chance? Possibly. But Satan enters him and the Lord commands him, practically utters his own death sentence. "What you have to do, do it quickly."
One of you will deny me. Is it me, Lord? How often is it that we, also, deny Him? When we choose not to help our fellow man, our neighbor? When we miss Him speaking to us, or we choose to ignore His calling? When we speak a word out of anger? When our eyes glance upon something not fitting for us to behold? When we miss an opportuntiy to share His love? Is it me, Lord?I must leave you, and where I am going you cannot follow. No, Lord. Don't go. We would be lost without you. We want to go with you. We don't know what we ask. Where He must go includes torture, crucifixion, death. To battle evil. To the depths of hell itself. Even worse, total abandonment from the Father. Then. Jesus smiled. Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.You know the way to the place where I am going."How? We don't know where you are going! I am the Way. The Way of Eternal Life. I have come so that you may have life, to the fullest. I will die so that you may truly live. I am the Truth. All Truth comes from me. Listen to my words, so that you may know the way. I will overtake the father of Lies and give you all authority over him. I am the Light. Turn from the darkness where you cannot see. The world is covered in darkness, but I am the Light of the world. No one comes to the Father except through me. I will come again for you, but until then I will send you the Counselor, the Spirit of truth, to comfort you until that day.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. Now the prince of this world is coming, but he has no hold over me. The world must learn that I love the Father and I do his bidding. Let us go now.Go. To the garden. To pray. To weep. To suffer. To strike a blow to the serpent's head. A kiss. A fixed trial. A cock crowing. Darkness. Night turns into day. Thorns. Whips. A cross. A journey. A hill. Seven words. It is finished. Day turns into night. All creation shudders. The veil is torn. Now we see the Holy of Holies.But this is only Friday. Sunday is coming. (It's Friday! Sunday's a comin!" from Tony Campolo. Other inspiration from Rev. Brad Knorr's message "The Upper Room" March 20, 2008. Thank God for Friday!)