It's Friday...but Sunday's comin'!
A dynamic Pastor walked up to the podium and began to speak of all the atrocities and pain that Christ went through on Good Friday."The slapped and mocked my Lord, an innocent man. But that's ok. Because it's Friday, but Sunday's a comin'! With each event of Good Friday his voice would get louder and his fervor increased until he said, "They killed my innocent Savior , placed him in a borrowed grave, and sealed it with a rock! He's dead! Buried! It's Friday! But Sunday's coming!!
This Sunday we will celebrate the greatest event and most incredible gift ever given to man - EASTER! Let us be reminded by the ole passionate Pastor, that no matter how bad things seem to get, remember Sunday is Coming! I encourage you to take a few moments this week to focus and thank our Lord for enduring this Holy Week. Here is a "timeline" of the week. Use it as a devotional guide.
Day 1: Palm Sunday. The "Triumphal Entry" into Jerusalem
(Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-44, John 12:12-19)
Day 2: Monday - Jesus curses the fig tree & clears the Temple
(Matthew 21:12-22, Mark 11:15-19, Luke 19:45-48, John 2:13-17)
Day 3: Tuesday - Jesus teaches on the Mount of Olives and avoids being ambushed
(Matthew 21:23-24:51. Mark 11:20-13:37, Luke 20:1-21:36, John 12:20-38)
Day 4: Wednesday - Rest in Bethany and Judas agrees to betrayal
(Matthew 26:12-14, Mark 14:10-12, Luke 22:3-6)
Day 5: Maundy Thursday - Passover meal. Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus was betrayed and arrested.
(Matthew 26:17-75, Mark 14:12-72, Luke 22:7-62, John 13:1-38)
Day 6: Good Friday - Jesus tried, flogged, crucified, buried
(Matthew 27:1-62, Mark 15:1-47, Luke 22:63-23:56, John 18: 28-19:37)
Day 7: Black Saturday - Jesus is dead. His body lies in a sealed tomb. There is mourning.
(Matthew 27:62-66, Mark 16:1, Luke 23:56, and John 19:40)
Day 8: Resurrection Sunday - EASTER! - Jesus is alive, the tomb empty, and many see Him
(Matthew 28:1-13, Mark 16:1-14, Luke 24:1-49, John 20:1-23)
Several events are happening this week. Tonight, Wednesday, a good friend and neighbor of mine, and one of our Wednesday night Bible Study group, Al Reed, is presenting on the Shroud of Turin. Al has spent years and thousands of hours researching the Shroud and preparing this presentation. I am looking forward to learning from him. Thursday night our Ladies Book Club is meeting. I know those who were at the initial meeting had a great time. And then Friday night I want to invite you to our Good Friday Service. This will be a service unlike any before. One that will allow individual and family reflection on how awesome our Savior really is and all that occured on that "Good Friday". We will begin at 6:30 pm. I hope you will join us. And then on Easter Sunday, at 9:45 am please join us in the Grace Center for a time of fellowship and fun. There will be donuts, bagels, coffee, and juice. Then at 10:30 am, we will head to the Worship Center for our Easter Celebration. It is going to be an incredible day. I hope to see you there.
Finally, today is a somber day in our City. It is the one year anniversary of the shootings at Covenant. Patti and I have a friend and neighbor who is one of the Ministers at Covenant. He has shared that it has been a tough year and continues to be. May we pause and pray for peace, love, and compassion for those who were so negatively affected, especially those who lost loved ones. And may know that we stand with them now and always!
"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you." John 15:12
This week, take the opportunity to tell a Friend about the ultimate gift of Love! Invite, better yet, bring them with you, as we Celebrate the Risen Savior! The Reason for Life - Now and Forever!! See you Sunday and Remember....
You ARE Loved!
Pastor Lonnie
"More in '24"
(You can reach Pastor Lonnie by calling or text 615-496-2502 or send an email to lonniecastle@gmail.com)