“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.” Romans 8:26-30
This year’s Holy Week was a bit more solemn, reflective and yes, it was even a bit more sorrowful! That was true because I contracted Covid that week and missed journeying in person with my fellow believers. Yet the words I opened with describe the tone (at least for me) of each Holy Week as we remember our Lord’s passion, suffering and death. As I again consider the events of that week, I am compelled, and I am sent to tell you...it's going to be OK!
I recently read a story about a boy in Hong Kong who was playing Legos at the end of his family's driveway. When suddenly an SUV came speeding down the road, lost control and ran right over the boy. It happened so fast and the boy had no time to react. A nearby intersection camera cut the whole thing on video. But you not only see the events leading up to him being hit, but then, the little boy got up and walked away as if it never happened! Amazingly the little boy was OK!
Death is something that maybe more than anything can make you fear. You wonder how you'll make it through the funeral of someone you love. You wonder how you're going to live without that individual who was so important to you. Well, Jesus knew. He knew that His disciples, and He knew that each of us, would lose someone we love, but He made a promise – that even though death runs us over – one day we will walk away as if it never even touched us! In the Gospel of John chapter 14:19 Jesus said: "because I live you also will live." In other words, He was going to use His own death to make it possible for us to walk away from our death. And unlike the little boy, Jesus was run over completely, but not by an SUV but by Satan, death, and the sins of the world.
As we ponder and even grieve Jesus’ death, the death he endured for us – be assured, it's going to be OK! "For all things work for good for those who love Christ!" He died yes, but then on Easter was alive! He proved that He is the resurrection and the life. How true it is - that it's going to be OK – for our Lord has taken our death and it will not have the final say!
Yes, we may face days that feel like Good Friday. Death, uncertainty, fears, and sorrows, but it's going to be OK. For through Christ, we will walk away. And as recipients of this gift of life, we are those who have been sent – sent having been run over by sin and death but… but empowered by the Spirit and the One who defeated death for us! This is our story. This is your story! Good Friday was not good for Jesus, but it was good for us and therefore we can share with confidence that “It’s Going to be OK!”
May our Lord Jesus be with you,
Rev. James H. Rockey