Thursday, April 9, 2009

Good Friday.


You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. Genesis 50:20

Some time ago I heard this story but I don’t remember its origin. It seems a man had traveled to India. When he got to the street he was followed by a persistent beggar. The beggar followed him for blocks and blocks begging loudly. The man would go into stores and restaurants but as soon as he emerged the beggar would resume his loud pleading. Finally, frustrated the man began looking for a stone or something small and hard to throw at him. Not finding anything on the ground, he reached into his pocket and found a gold coin which he hurled in an attempt to injure the beggar. The coin struck the beggar and fell to the ground. The beggar picked up the coin, thanked the man and went on his way. As Christians, we know God can take an action intended to harm us and bless us with it.

As we celebrate Easter we reflect on the great sacrifice of Jesus Christ. He willingly gave up his life to atone for our sins. This single violent act visited on our blameless savior became our means to salvation. The Old Testament Joseph tells his brothers when they intended to harm him, God intended it for good. God is the ultimate game-changer. No matter what your circumstance are, He can claim it for good. And that is good news on this Good Friday.

My prayer for you today is for you to be glad for a savior who can take any situation we find ourselves in, bad or good, and have it end up good.

Deacon Larry Woodard

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