This past weekend the news continued to flash images of the suffering while the church pews were empty. Churches hosted 72-hour prayer vigils praying for those who have lost loved ones via the COVID-19 Coronavirus, those suffering either physically or because of loneliness from social distancing or from serving as nurses, doctors & first responders to the point of exhaustion.
Yet this past weekend the celebration of Good Friday and Easter still happened.
Churches live-streamed and praises rang to the One Who still holds the world in His hands. This past weekend was a bittersweet weekend. So much pain & suffering, fear and disillusionment and so much to rejoice and celebrate at the same time. I guess that’s how it was on the first resurrection weekend! From the Garden of Gethsemane to Golgotha to . . . the Empty Tomb!
The cross seemed like a sound defeat, but it was actually a mighty victory. The Word of God is our comfort in the face of suffering and the cross of Christ still stands as a symbol of our salvation.
Legacies are formed and shaped in the hard places. Our LORD triumphed over evil and sin and for the joy set before Him, endured the cross. His suffering achieved the greatest redemption of all — for all people for all time. Our Savior rose again. We can, too. We can rise above the pain and fears of this world when we hide in Christ. He is our refuge. Even now the suffering we endure is not wasted. May we bear the crosses we suffer in this life with joy in the grace of God. And may He receive all the glory.
Yours for a Thriving Legacy,
Jeff Rogers
