Not that long ago, in 1956, the city of New york, as well as many other cities in the US, had no problem displaying and celebrating Good Friday, as well as Resurrection Sunday. These three buildings in New York, from left to right the City Services Co., City Bank – Farmers Trust Co., and the Forty Wall Street Corp., worked together to show three 150 ft tall crosses in office lights symbolizing Christ and the two thieves crucified with Him on Calvary. This display celebrate Jesus, who through this act was saying, “I give my life for you.” And this was in New York City! Amazing. 

When we look at the same city today, and the sky scrapers no longer display the crosses, but will light up in pink colors to celebrate abortion. These displays are essentially demanding, “YOU give your life for ME.” 

We have come a long way in the last 67 years. But the reason for this post isn’t to depress you, but to give you perspective. I think we could all use a little perspective now and then. You see, perception is what we see all around us, but perspective looks at the meaning and purpose of what we see. These, for the Christian, should rarely, if ever, be the same. 

When we look at the world around us, and especially the USA, it can get pretty depressing. Riots, homelessness, crime, inflation, recession, the mutilation of kids under the guise of ‘gender-affirming’ care. We truly live in some crazy times.

But don’t forget who you are, and more importantly, whose you are Remember that there is no kingdom that is forever but one; and that is the Kingdom of Christ. This is the one we belong to, if you belong to the King of kings, and Lord of lords. Remember also that our lives are but a mist compared to the eternal lives we have already begun to live since our day of salvation. Never forget that everything that happens on earth has not ever taken God by surprise. He knows it all and has seen these things from the beginning. 

This can only mean that He has a plan and purpose for everything, even the bad stuff. In other words, and this is Biblical, what others meant for evil, God means for good. I know that we can’t understand this all right now, but we do know that His ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts higher than our thoughts. God has got this under control. 

And what’s more, we already know the end of the story. Because of the finished work of Christ,

WE WIN!!!

Jesus said when He was with the disciples in the upper room, “In this world you will have trouble, but take heart (or in other words, be of good cheer), I have overcome the world.” And when we look at the tense of the verb, it says, “I have ALREADY overcome the world.” This is the good news. In fact, it’s the goodest news you’ll ever hear.

Yes, this is Good Friday when we remember the crucifixtion, death, and burial of our Lord Jesus, and we should approach this day with solemnity and reverence.

But, Sunday’s coming when we can all shout with one voice

HE IS RISEN!!!

And He has guaranteed that He is coming back again to take us to our forever home where we will get new bodies that will never again suffer. That is our hope. And with God, this hope is a sure and certain thing. And when we can have that kind of hope in the future, we have all the power we need to live in the present. 

Amen!