Love, Laugh, Learn.: It’s Friday – but Sunday’s coming!

I want to start off by sharing a special video with all of you. It is a narrative by S.M. Lockridge and is simply entitled: It's Friday....but Sunday's coming. Listen to these powerful words and prepare to be overwhelmed with hope and joy.

On that Friday when Jesus was crucified, His final words were, "Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit” (Luke 23:46).

Although Jesus’ words were directed to His father, the public and loud nature of the communication tells us they were meant for those witnessing the event, as well as you and me. In fact, Jesus didn’t need to speak audibly in order to be heard by His father. But He is clearly sending a message to those within earshot. Here was Jesus, hanging and dying before His executioners. And in the final act of His life, He is telling the power brokers that despite their best efforts, He has won the final victory. They haven’t defeated Him. They may have killed His body, but not His soul. His relationship with His father has now been restored. May this reflection be our reminder that His sacrifice was personal and painful – and offered willingly for you and for me.

What happened on Good Friday was a tragedy, but a tragedy with a twist. It was, in fact, a joyful catastrophe. Because death did not conquer Christ - Christ conquered death! And because of this victory we have the opportunity to overcome death as well. Salvation is available to all those who believe God's Word to be true and have confidence that He will one day return.

For some of us, we are like Thomas, who when told Jesus was alive, He said, "I will not believe it until I put my fingers where the nails were" (John 20:25). Jesus' scars were proof positive that He'd been crucified and resurrected. When Thomas saw them for himself, he responded, "My Lord and my God". It is the first time Scripture records a disciple directly addressing Jesus as God, and it came in response to seeing His scars.

We all have scars, some visible, some invisible. The Risen Christ also has scars to prove His love for us. If you don't know Him, or like Thomas, if you aren't sure you believe, He'll show you His scars "that you may believe...and...by believing you may have life in His name" (John 20:31).

There is a brilliant philosopher and theologian by the name of William Lane Craig who has done extensive research into the historical accounts of Jesus Christ. He has written several books and participated in debates concerning the existence of God where he offers excellent insight about the facts surrounding the life of Christ.

I encourage you to check out some of his writings and research. Here is a video from one of his public talks where he shares the historical evidence for the resurrection of Christ along with his own conversion story.

My hope and prayer is that you take the time to know and understand the significance of you. We are all created for an individual purpose here on earth but collectively we are designed for fellowship with one another and with our Creator. You can embrace your significance today if you're ready. Have a blessed weekend!