April 2nd People Refelction

Sunday 4/2/2006

Matthew 25.31-46-When he finally arrives, blazing in beauty and all his angels with him, the Son of Man will take his place on his glorious throne.

Numbers 32-34-They marched out heads high and confident.

Job 2-We take the good days from God—why not also the bad days?

2 Esdras 7.116-8.3-O Adam, what have you done? For though it was you who sinned, the fall was not yours alone, but ours also who are your descendants.

John 12.20-33-If I am lifted up above the earth, I will make everyone want to come to me.

Psalm 57-Your love reaches higher than the heavens; your loyalty extends beyond the clouds.

"I’m having a rough day."- Yea—We all have rough days sometimes. But those rough days make me contrast that day when Jesus will finally arrive in blazing beauty with all his angels. That day when I will see him on his glorious throne. I think I need to feel the pain of those rough days sometimes. In the pain I feel I appreciate even more the pain that Jesus endured for me. The pain that Jesus took upon himself for my salvation. It’s all a contrast. Did the Israelites who marched out of Egypt with heads held high and confident have any idea that they would be going into the desert to stay for a while? Or did they think they had finally reached the goal. Freedom is sweet but it does cost. We take the good days from God so why don’t I take the rough days also? Feel the pain of those rough days and contrast the goodness of God in my life. God is with me in the good days and he is also with me in the rough days. Jesus took on the rough days also and was lifted up on that cross. The good with the bad. On those crosses all together. And today Jesus is with me—the good with the bad- Adam and Jesus together. Sin and salvation – side by side. But in my sin and pain I can see how great that suffering and salvation was that God has freely offered to me. No doubt about it- God’s love reaches higher that the skies and his loyalty is beyond the clouds. "I’m having a rough day." – And I know of a Savior right be my side thoughout that day too.

Prayer-Lord I give thanks for the rough days and the good days and the vast contrast they make. -- Amen