Hi
Were you around that fateful morning? Do you remember what you were doing? Did you recognize that travel, security, even life as you knew it, was about to be changed? The events of September 11, 2001 changed the annals of history, not only for the USA, but the entire world also.
Ironically, the events of one weekend, nearly 2000 years ago, also changed the world. And, that event, which we believe by faith, offers us an awesome reason for giving thanks.
I believe it’s captured in today’s nougat.
Here’s a trustworthy saying; if we died with him, then we ought also to live with him. 2 Timothy 2.11
That fateful weekend, which many of us still recognize today, offers us the core of our faith. We believe, because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. However, not many of us want to die with him.
We are not necessarily open to the sacrifice dying with him entails; failing to realize the second clause…in dying with Jesus, then we also tap into the resurrection power. Literally and well, literally.
For, there is the literal resurrection of the new life in Christ which we raise to, and then, there’s the resurrection which accompanies eternity.
In Psalm 24, the question is placed on the table, who qualifies for entry into God’s presence? The response involves clean hands, pure hearts, humility and restraint. I definitely couldn’t accomplish that on my own. So, although I had access through thanksgiving, I couldn’t qualify for seeing God’s face without that fateful weekend.
Thanksgiving sometimes involves looking at the way bigger picture. Especially under dire circumstances. The disciples and Mary (mother of Jesus) perhaps knew it was ALL over when Jesus breathed his last. But then, that was the beginning of the weekend. On the 1st day of the next week, there was jubilation. Hallelujahs were ringing in the air, hope was born anew.
In the crucible of your despair, what is it that gives you hope? Can you say hallelujah regardless/just because?
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
