From Apostles Creed - April 5, 2012

“(Jesus) suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead.” From the Apostles Creed.
“It’s Friday! But Sunday’s a comin’!” is the well known quote from an elderly pastor, who really knew how to preach! What Jesus endured was horrific. The flogging, the crown of thorns jammed into His head, being spat upon, and finally being crucified, having His hands and feet nailed to the wooden cross. It was horrible! But what was more horrible was the separation He endured – the separation from His Father, with whom He had always enjoyed intimate communion. Also, there was the pain He endured when He took upon Himself all of the sins of everyone who ever lived in those hours on the cross. He took all death and sin upon Himself, took it to hell, and left it there!
And on Sunday, the first day of the week, Jesus rose from the dead! Glory to God!
We all experience our personal “Fridays.” There is suffering and separation that we endure, whether we bring it on ourselves or not. For me, handling the pain from the CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome) is just one level of the suffering and separation in my life. The sin that entangles me and is ever before me is part of my personal “Friday.” But it is important for me to remember: “Sunday’s a comin!” My hope is in a God who entered my world, experienced the same separation that I have, and provided a way – THE WAY – for me to move from death to life! When God raised Jesus up from the dead, He gave me hope of a life that finally and fully overcomes that which brings me into death and despair. Because Jesus lives, I have faith that I will live in freedom with Him! It may be “Friday” for us, but remember…”Sunday’s a comin’!”
Questions to consider: What are the “Fridays” that you are facing? How would God have you deal with them? How can “Sunday” come for you today?
Prayer: Father, thank You that You raised Jesus from the dead and that You give me hope to live in Your freedom today. Help me to be rid of the “Fridays” in my life and to experience the new life that only You can give in the days to come. Amen.