Monday, February 24, 2014

Sunday's Coming


God will walk with us in our time of trial and make us more like Jesus.
Jesus was arrested while praying in the Garden of Gethsemane. The religious establishment sent an armed guard, led by Judas, at night and took him into custody. (Mark 14:43)

Jesus was betrayed by his friends. Not just Judas but by the rest of the disciples as well. Peter, James and John could not stay awake and pray with him. (Mark 14:37) They had promised to endure to the end but now they run in panic. (Mark 14:50)

Jesus was betrayed by society. The religious establishment was supposed to be on the lookout for messiah but did not recognize him when he came. Roman law was supposed to protect Jesus from corrupt local politicians but political expediency led Pilate to condemn a man he declared to be innocent. The crowd that once shouted Hosanna now shouted “Crucify him!”

Jesus was alone, abandoned and surrounded by his enemies but God promises to be with us even as we walk through the valley of the shadow of death. (Psalm 23:4) Jesus was arrested, tried and convicted. He was tortured to death and buried. But that was Friday and Sunday was coming. What Satan meant for evil God used to bring our Salvation and on the 3rd day Jesus rose from the grave.

Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, falsely accused and imprisoned. (Genesis 37:26-27) That was his Friday but Sunday was coming. He rose to be 2nd in command of Egypt. (Genesis 41:40) What his brothers meant for evil God used to save Israel.

Are you going through a valley? Are you experiencing a Friday? Well, Sunday's coming!

What others may see as evil, God can use for good. Every tear, every pain, every sorrow can be used to help you become more like Jesus. He will give you Gold for your Ashes.

Weeping may endure for a night
but joy comes in the morning.
Psalm 30:5

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