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 The name Golgotha – “the place of the skull” – paints a vivid and somber picture. This hill, situated just outside the ancient city of Jerusalem, holds a significant place in history and belief. More than simply a location, Golgotha embodies a powerful duality, a place where the harsh reality of mortality intersects with the promise of renewal. This “place of the skull” stands as a testament to profound contrasts, a site where the finality of death gave way to the dawn of new beginnings. From the connotations of decay inherent in its name, to the transformative potential of the pivotal event that transpired there, Golgotha invites contemplation on the enduring themes of sacrifice and the possibility of life emerging from death. A collective reflection on God’s grace and our chances for renewal Thursday, April 17, 2025 |
We can’t see the wind Matthew 27:32-44, 27:54 Seeing is believing. We often hear this phrase, but do we ever honestly think about it? It implies that to truly believe something, we must see it. Though we can’t see the wind, we know it exists. In this way, we believe in the existence of God. As Christians, we can forget how, though we believe in the Trinity (God, Jesus, Holy Spirit), we often don’t believe until we see. In the same way that we have to see things every day to believe in them, other people find it hard to believe in God and his Son as we do. I know we all go through times when we feel distant from God. Though we usually, however depressed we are, know deep down that God exists and loves us. But imagine what it must be like to not know that God exists and loves you! Well, the Romans who heaped insults on Jesus, who had him crucified, who nailed him to a cross and mocked him had lived their entire lives this way. They believed in pagan gods, not the one true God. So they were afraid when the almighty Messiah died, and the earth responded. They had no idea what was going on other than the fact that the man whom they had just killed was a powerful man. They sensed immediately the magnitude of what had just happened, and it scared them. One of them exclaimed, “This man truly was the son of God!” Notice how he said “was” instead of “is.” Though he realized the power Jesus had, he didn’t understand that no cross could ever keep him down. And boy, was Jesus powerful. He was strong enough to cause the Roman soldiers, who had probably taken part in multiple crucifixions, to openly express their awe at the immense power possessed by this man. The best part is that he is still powerful and moving today. He has performed several miracles in my life, and is fully capable of performing them in yours. If you feel helpless in a situation, then the best thing you can do is pray to him. He might not answer them as you want or expect, but he always listens. Your job, given to you by God, is to spread the news of what Jesus has done and is going to do. This can be as simple as showing your neighbor kindness or moving you and your family across the world to share the good news with people who had never heard of it. That way, you can share the awe-inspiring power of the One that made us, loves us, and saves us. Prayer for today: God thank you for moving in our lives and giving us the job of sharing about Jesus and what he has done for us. Jesus, thank you for the gift of forgiveness and an eternity with you that was given through your death and ultimate resurrection. Thank you for moving in power so much that others see and are awestruck. God, help us see Jesus moving in our lives this week as we remember and celebrate. By Robbie Mathew This concludes our Journey reflections for Lent. Tomorrow we recognize Good Friday, a day of mourning and lament, followed by a Saturday of silence before we turn to celebration on the dawn of Easter morning, declaring the joy of Jesus’ resurrection, and our ultimate hope in his presence with us. Join us for services, in person or online: Friday, April 18, 7-8 PM, Good Friday Service (Auditorium) Sunday, April 20, 6:30 AM, Easter Sunrise Service, this service will be in person only (The Dock) Sunday, April 20, 9 and 11 AM, Easter Celebration Service (Auditorium) |
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