April 6, 2007

Dear family and friends of WCPC:

Today is Good Friday.  It’s the day we remember the crucifixion of Jesus.  Strange that we call it good, since it involved the suffering of Jesus as He was tortured and finally executed in the most painful method used in antiquity.  Yet it is only through His sacrifice that reconciliation with God is possible.  It is good because without the cross there could be no grace, no forgiveness.  We would live separated from God and from each other. 

Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.”  (I Corinthians 2:2) 

Paul also wrote to the Galatians, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”  (Galatians 2:20)

You and I are called as disciples to follow Jesus.  We are to follow Jesus’ example of sacrificial love as we offer ourselves to God for God’s use.  As we sacrifice our time and talent and treasure for the building of God’s kingdom.  Our sacrifice is not required.  We can add nothing to what God in Christ has already done for us, but as disciples, we freely offer ourselves to God in gratitude and thankfulness, following the example of Jesus.

I have met many disciples who don’t like Good Friday.  Who find it to be too sad a time, as we remember the suffering of Jesus.  I understand.  We are by nature Easter people and it distresses us to contemplate and consider what Jesus suffered for our sakes.   We do not feel worthy of such a great price that was paid.  Yet God values us so much “that he gave his one and only Son.”  (John 3:16)  Who are we to argue with such graciousness and love!  God has claimed us.  We have value and worth because of what God has done for us and through us and in us.

As you examine your life today, remember that you belong to God.  That God knowing all there is to know about you, still intervened in time and space to redeem you and me from our brokenness and sin.  There is no place for shame.  There is no longer any need for guilt.  We are been set free, liberated from our bondage to sin and death.  Thanks be to God!

And remember,  “It’s only Friday, and Sunday is a coming!”

Grace and peace to each of you today,

David Jones