Friends in Christ Weekly Message
March 29, 2002

Let's keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word.
Hebrews 10:23 (Message*)

This is in the Good Friday lectionary readings for this year. When I reflect upon it, it seems appropriate for our remembrance of this key time in the Christian story.

On Thursday evening, Jesus was arrested. Although Jesus had tried to explain to his disciples what would happen to Him, they had never really grasped and accepted it. They couldn't handle what was happening to Jesus, and they scattered and abandoned Him. Peter, the "rock" on which the church was to be built, denied Jesus three times in the course of the long night between Jesus' arrest and the dawn of Good Friday.

And aren't we often like the disciples were? When the difficult times come, are we tempted by doubt? Do we have trouble keeping God's promises in mind during such times?

Good Friday was a day of tragedy, but Jesus had told His followers that he would rise in three days. None of them had "a firm grip" on this promise. They weren't looking forward to the resurrection.

We need to trust Christ completely, and always keep the hope of His promises in our minds and hearts. His gospel is indeed Good News, and we must keep focused on that Good News regardless of immediate circumstances.

Bill Samuel

* The Message version © by Eugene H. Peterson.

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