Two of Jesus' followers were discussing
their disappointment, after His crucifixion. They
did not realize that their questioner was Christ Himself:
Luke 24:17-21 (NRSV) And he said to them, "What are
you discussing with each other while you walk along?"
They stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, whose
name was Cleopas, answered him, "Are you the only
stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things
that have taken place there in these days?" He asked
them, "What things?" They replied, "The things about
Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed
and word before God and all the people, and how our
chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned
to death and crucified him. But we had hoped that
he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides
all this, it is now the third day since these things
took place. Their hopes and dreams were crushed. They
had believed Jesus was to be a political Messiah,
and now that was not possible. As many times as He
had directed their minds to a Heavenly perspective,
they just didn't get it. They thought it was all over.
In actuality, something more crucial was happening
here. The death of Christ, and His subsequent resurrection,
procured for us the salvation we could never achieve
on our own. Because of Christ's conquering sin and
the grave, those who believe in Him as Savior can
spend eternity -- forever -- with God. What appeared
to be a bleak moment, became the turning point of
history, irrevocably changing two worlds, both this
earthly one and the one that lasts forever.
Maybe you are going through a dark phase in your life.
Right now you can see no purpose, no hope, no light.
But even though we can't always see the whole picture,
God can. God sees everything, He is in control and
He loves you very much. He can bring a glorious Sunday
out of any "Good Friday" that we face.
Let Us Pray....
Dear Father, Help us to trust in You through the
most arduous times we face. Help us to have the hope
that You can bring good -- both now and eternally
-- out of even our most painful experiences. In Jesus'
Name amen.
