This week's "Reflection" by Gary Keith, Executive & Teaching Pastor
Today You Will Be With Me in Paradise
Luke 23:43
Easter Sunday is arguably the holiest day in the Christian year. On Easter the Christian celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. We have been living in the post-resurrection era for several thousand years now. I couldn’t help but wonder what the world would be like if the resurrection had not happened yet. Would this world be better off or worse off? What do you think?
I think since the resurrection God has been able to expand His work of renewing and redeeming the world. Every person who puts their faith in Jesus and is filled with the Holy Spirit becomes part of the team God can use. Christians are not people who are just waiting around for heaven to come; they are people who can make a difference in this world for the cause of God now. As you reflect on this Easter and the resurrection of Jesus, know that it is was much more than securing eternity. The resurrection says God cares about this world as it is now.
Today You Will Be With Me in Paradise
Luke 23:43
What is your picture of paradise? I know we have all thoughts about what we think paradise is and I bet we’d be surprised to hear how different people think of paradise differently. My picture of paradise is most easily seen in the image of a lush, green Hawaiian island with a white, sandy beach and a constant 82 degree temperature. I wouldn’t be alone because I would need some people to bring me food and beverages and take care of whatever other needs I have. Ah! That would be paradise for me!
But when Jesus tells the criminal that today he would be with Him in paradise, Jesus had a totally different thought in mind. This week as we celebrate Easter we will look at what Jesus had in mind along with learning what the resurrection means to us and why it matters.
Be sure to invite someone to come with you this year – many people come to church on Easter and this would be a great time and a safe time to reach out to someone. You never know that invitation could make an eternal difference in their life. I’m looking forward to Easter and will be praying for God to some amazing things in our lives this Sunday.
By the way don’t forget to come tonight to our Maundy Thursday service. This is a reverent time of worship and celebrating communion together. Hope you can make it – it will make a difference in your week, I guarantee it!
Gary Keith
This week's "Reflection" by Gary Keith, Executive & Teaching Pastor
Father Forgive Them
Luke 23:34
Mark Twain is quoted as saying, “Forgiveness is the fragrance that a violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it.” I think we would all agree Mark Twain has a special way with words. In this case, he has captured much of the essence of the forgiveness Jesus has offered to us and the kind of forgiveness we are to offer others. When a person has been crushed, forgiveness is the way to set two people free. The person who has wronged another person is set free from what they deserve. And the person who has been wronged is set free from allowing bitterness to take over their life.
I have personally seen both of those sweet fragrances in my journey of learning how to forgive and be forgiven. We call ourselves Christians saying that we are followers of Jesus. Jesus modeled the way of forgiveness for us to follow. The question is, will we follow the example of Jesus? Will we forgive others as Jesus has forgiven us? Will we seek forgiveness from others when we have wronged them?
When we do, the power of forgiveness can be seen. Forgiveness brings healing and wholeness to individuals and to relationships like nothing else can. Will you join me in learning to become a master of forgiveness?
Father, Forgive Them
Luke 23:34
The last words of a person are many times never forgotten. A person’s closing comments often reveal their pain and agony. Some enter eternity without saying anything, while others utter words that reveal their values and innermost thoughts. For example, contrast the last words of John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, who said, “The best of all is God is with us,” with P. T. Barnum, the circus guy who said, “How were the receipts today at Madison Square Garden?” Both statements are very revealing aren’t they?
The Gospel writers have captured for us the last words of Jesus. While on the cross Jesus spoke seven times. And what He said is very revealing and they are words that we can learn from. This week we’ll look at His first words, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.”
As we begin Holy Week and celebrate Palm Sunday, we’ll look at how the final week of Jesus’ life unfolded to the place of Him saying, “Father, forgive them.” We’ll also have a special time during worship as the children come and sing with us. Hope to see you this week!
Gary Keith
