Life during lockdown has brought an increased level of interaction within most households. Here for example, the boys have been playing a lot of ping pong. Through friendly and sometimes fierce brotherly competition several disputes have arisen which I’ve been called to judge since “I’m dad”. Unfortunately most of the disputes have had only two witnesses; the players themselves. In a dispute, each person believes truth is on his side and the other person should be brought to justice.
As each states his case I stare into their eyes and based on many years of life experience, I’ve developed the super-human ability to not listen to a word someone is saying. While often seen as a weakness (and it usually is), this skill can really come in handy to help me concentrate, take a deep breath, and formulate a response to de-escalate the situation in an attempt to wisely lead them.
Today’s attribute of God is “helper of the fatherless“. Regardless of our relationship with our father here on Earth, no matter how great any dad is or how hard we try, there is God the Father who has gone to unimaginable lengths to reach us.
I think about how much I love my boys, then how my father loves me, leading me to think of the love God has for all of us. He loved us so much that he gave up his own son so that we may have eternal life. This is one of the most difficult scenarios to comprehend!
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
Today we observe “Good Friday”, the day that Jesus Christ was put on trial and found innocent, but sentenced to death, brutally tortured within an inch of his life, mocked and nailed to a cross, then left to die.
Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last. (Luke 23:46)
Father God, we cannot repay you for what you have done for us. Thank you for loving us, for being the perfect father we can come to with all of our struggles and problems as well as our hopes and joys. Thank you Jesus for your perfect life, for trusting The Father’s plan, for giving it all for us, for your suffering, for your body given and your blood spilled because of our sins. We put you on that cross. Forgive us for our lack of understanding, for our many sins, for our selfishness in putting other “lowercase g” gods before you. Have mercy on us. Thank you for saving us. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
This Sunday we will celebrate the defeat of death as a result of the resurrection of Jesus. Come join 15,000+ people online, all are welcome! eastview.church/live