Virtual Good Friday Read-In - Seven Words from the Cross
Virtual Good Friday Read-In Offering
Good Friday Hymn -
“The Old Rugged Cross”
Good Friday Prayer
To our Crucified Savior,
We pause to say thank you. We reflect today, that over 2000 years ago, you walked down the Via Dolorosa, the way of suffering and shame. You were beat and you shed your blood, all so that you could be obedient to your Father and to redeem us from our sins. How very grateful we are! This day was a day for you that wasn’t pretty. It’s hard to watch and its hard to read about the day you died. Such a solemn day, but a day that had to happen. The storms, the sickness, the pain have to come to clear the way for the bright sunshine and the hope for tomorrow. Jesus, as we read the writings on the last seven words you said on the Cross, speak to our hearts and our minds for such a time like this. Come into wherever we are reading this from and make it a living sanctuary for you. Bless the seven writers and the readers who will read these messages of hope. In Your Name, we pray. AMEN.
Good Friday Scripture - Matthew 27: 32-44 (NRSV)
32 As they went out, they came upon a man from Cyrene named Simon; they compelled this man to carry his cross. 33 And when they came to a place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull), 34 they offered him wine to drink, mixed with gall; but when he tasted it, he would not drink it. 35 And when they had crucified him, they divided his clothes among themselves by casting lots;[a] 36 then they sat down there and kept watch over him. 37 Over his head they put the charge against him, which read, “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.”
38 Then two bandits were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. 39 Those who passed by derided[b] him, shaking their heads 40 and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” 41 In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes and elders, were mocking him, saying, 42 “He saved others; he cannot save himself.[c] He is the King of Israel; let him come down from the cross now, and we will believe in him. 43 He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he wants to; for he said, ‘I am God’s Son.’” 44 The bandits who were crucified with him also taunted him in the same way.
Song of Preparation - “He Decided to Die” by Donald Vails
Jesus’ First Word on the Cross- Luke 23:34 (NRSV)
“Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
Sis. Jasmine MD Jones, Richard Allen Young Adult Council (RAYAC) President,
2nd District AME Church
Title: “EVEN US!”
In Luke’s narration of the crucifixion this is the first saying of Jesus Christ from the cross during his crucifixion. His first saying is not focused on himself and his needs or wants but on those gathered to watch his crucifixion. Jesus being fully human and fully divine does not focus on his humanity in the most humiliating form of death. Jesus instead taps into his divinity and says, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
Imagine days ago, as you entered town the people were laying cloaks and palm branches on the road as you rode in – yelling “Hosanna to the Son of David!”, yelling “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”, yelling “Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
and today here are presumably some of the same people who were yelling and praising your arrival, are now gathered again – Pilate ask them, “Which prisoner do you want me to set free? Jesus Barabbas or Jesus who is called the Messiah?” and they respond, “Barabbas!” then when asked by Pilate “What am I to do with Jesus, who is called the Messiah?” they all yelled, “Nail him to a cross!”
and yet the first words uttered, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
then beaten with a whip, stripped of your clothing and had a scarlet robe placed on you and yet the first words uttered, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
a crown of thorn branches made and placed upon your head, you are spat on by the soldiers, mocked by them and beaten even more
and yet the first words uttered, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
you are forced to carry the unbearable weight of the cross up a hill
and yet the first words uttered, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
I don’t know about you, however my humanity would not have my first words be, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
Jesus could have simply said, “I forgive you!” in his divinity however, Jesus then says to God the Creator, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
It is interesting to me that although Jesus had the same ability to forgive, Jesus calls on God the Creator and addresses him as father and asked that his father forgive them –
There are several groups of them –
them who praised him on Sunday as he entered town
them who were with him during the week
them who walked with him during his 33 years of ministry
them who gathered and yelled crucify him
them who spat and taunted as he carried a cross up a hill
them who stood at the foot of the cross and watched
them who cast lots
and even prophetically them, us gathered – who he died for, Jesus said “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
Jesus’ Second Word on the Cross- Luke 23:43 (NRSV)
”Jesus replied, “Truly, I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
The Rev. John Swann, Pastor, Bethel AME Church, Cave Springs, VA
He Chose to Save Another instead of Himself!
”Today, you will be with me in Paradise”
And they cast lots to divide his clothing. And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!” The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.” One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
As I flew in an airplane for the first time as child, there are a few things I remembered. One of those was the instructions before take off. In the case of loss of cabin pressure, a mask will fall from the compartment above your head. Put the mask on and though the bag will not inflate it does not mean that oxygen isn’t flowing. Remember, put the mask on yourself first, then assist someone else with their mask. The concept of saving one’s self has often been a theme throughout history. In the business world it is called self-preservation-preserving oneself rather than sacrificing oneself for the good of others. In our text, Jesus finds himself at the place of skulls. He has been betrayed by his disciple, Judas, with a kiss. Jesus has gone from court to court, beaten beyond recognition and now hangs on a cross. Ironically, he is set between two thieves as he himself pours himself out for the sins of humanity. While Jesus is there between two thieves, one of the thieves begins to mock him.
1. They chose to mock the WORD with foolish words. The Soldiers mocked the logos with foolish words. They attempted to test and tempt his authority as the Messiah. Saying “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” they attempted to put Jesus to the test, but Jesus ignored their comments. Which allows me to understand that as long as you know who you are, you don’t have to spend time explaining yourself to others. The interesting thing is that Jesus is the word and the word became flesh. So they mocked the WORD with words.
2. Thief Chose to Mock Jesus as the soldiers did. The thief who was there hanging for the punishment of his crimes attempts to test the kingship and authority of Jesus by saying, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us.” Thief number one did not understand that Jesus had the authority to save himself, but Jesus chose not to save himself because he was dying for the very sins of the entire world including the sins that the thief himself had committed.
3. The other thief-Identified they did do something. Thief number 2 challenged Thief number 1 in saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.” Thief number 2 has a fear of GOD. I am reminded that the fear of GOD is the beginning of wisdom and understanding. Thief number 2 says to Jesus, “Remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Thief number 2 identified the kingship and lordship of Jesus and did not ask to be taken out of the suffering but just to be remembered. Sometimes in life we often beg God to take the pain away, sometimes we should ask GOD to help us endure the pain.
4. Today you will be with me in paradise.
Jesus, while dying for the sins of the entire world and dealing with his own personal agony, continues to save others from their sins due to their faith. Jesus does not tell him you have to obey the law or change this or that. Jesus simply says, “Today you will be with me in Paradise.” Jesus, in all his agony, continues to express kindness to others.
I don’t know about you, but I’m so Glad that we serve a suffering, servant Savior who when faced with opportunity to save himself, he chose to save us. I’m so glad that Jesus saw fit to still do ministry even in the darkest place he experienced, which was on the cross. I’m so glad we serve a God who considers others before himself who, in the midst of agony, still gives grace to the humbled and strength to the faint. I’m so Glad that we serve a GOD who looks beyond our faults and sees our needs. The proverbial plane was going down and while it was going down Jesus decided to not put the mask on himself and, in the face of his circumstances, he put the mask on thief number 2 and said, “Today you will be with me in paradise!”
Jesus’ Third Word on the Cross- John 19:25-26 (NRSV)
Jesus said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.”
The Rev. Tashara Void, Itinerant Elder, 2nd District AME Church
“In His Care”
John 19:25-27/ Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold your son!” 27 Then He said to the disciple, “Behold your mother!” And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.
John 13:34-35/ A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Let me paint the picture for you.
Jesus is hanging on the cross.
All he can do is look out over the crowd.
He sees the disbelief of the people around.
He sees the tears of those whom He helped and saved.
But, then he catches the eye of with whose eyes he cannot move away from: His mother.
He sees the pain in her eyes as she is literally watching her son dying. She is standing in agony, as she looks at his battered body, his weakens state, and his struggle for breath.
Mary has seen death before. This is nothing new. But, this death… This death is different.
This death was like none she had seen or experience before.
This death was ravishingly through the body of an innocent man.
A man who had tried to help so many.
A man who tried to save lives.
A man who only wanting to teach, serve, minister.
A man who fought so hard to protect others but now couldn’t be protected from his ultimate demise.
This death left her helpless.
Feeling like there was nothing she could do except stand by and just wait.
Wait for the suffering of her sweet baby boy to stop.
Looking at Him wanting to take his place or do anything to make the pain go away.
And, Jesus saw this.
Looking into the eyes of the woman who gave Him birth, he saw hurt and pain and it burdened Him.
And I believe if we are honest with ourselves, we experiencing the pain of Mary and Jesus during this COVID-19 pandemic.
At the hands of failed leadership, we are, standing by helplessly while friends, loved ones, neighbors, and care stuff continue to suffer until their end.
Standing by while relationships we poured our hearts into wither away.
Standing by not be able to do a thing about it except stay at home.
Standing by with broken hearts and more questions then answers.
Standing by needing some sort of resolution, ease of our pain, and lightening of burdens.
Standing by feeling like we are in this all alone.
But, I’ve got good news for you… You are not alone! Jesus has the answer to this pain, and it is found in John 13 the 34th verse… EACH OTHER!
See you have to understand that every word Jesus spoke on His way to the cross and up until seeing His mother was about relationship.
While He is on His way to Golgotha, He told the grief stricken women not to grieve or weep for him but weep for themselves and their children.
Jesus wanted them to turn their attention from Him to each other.
He wanted them to feel the same burden and grief for each other that they felt for Him.
He wanted them to be just as concerned with the trials faced by others that it led them to action.
See when Jesus looked out at His mother, He looked beyond his own pain and saw someone in need.
He was sensitive to hurt and did not want her to feel alone said to her “Woman, behold thy son!”realizing the importance of assigning someone to her care.
And, so is the same with us.
It is our responsibility to tend to the wounds and hurts and cares if those around us.
No one should have to suffer alone!
Everyone needs someone to turn to.
Everyone needs someone to lean on.
Everyone deserves to have someone care for them when they're going through.
Do we follow Jesus' example and reach out in concern for those we know are hurting, or do we turn our heads too busy to even pay attention?
Do we reach out our hand to help, or are we too consumed by what's going on in our own life?
Are we like John sharing our resources and time in service to others, or are we more concerned about keeping what we got cause "I got mine now you go get yours!"?
Do we ask God to forgive those who hurt us or are stuck in sin?
Do we ask Him to show them mercy because we honestly and wholeheartedly believe that they did not know what they were doing, or do we lash out saying something like, “serves them right! They’re getting what they deserve! You reap what you sow! What goes around comes around! Or the all time favorite Karma is a ******”
See after Jesus said for us not to weep for Him but to instead to love each other…
After he prayed for the Father to forgive them, he said today you will be with me in paradise…
He opened up himself and his resources and called us to do the same.
He is calling us to open ourselves up to each other.
You don’t have to leave your house.
You simply have to pick up your phone and make a donation.
Pull out your sewing machine and make masks.
Order someone’s groceries.
Send care packages to the hospitals.
Pray for your chaplains and your spiritual leaders.
Go to your porch and talk to your neighbors.
Open your window and sing a song.
You may feel alone, but Jesus has left you in the care of your neighbor.
And, Jesus has left you to care for your neighbors.
Jesus’ Fourth Word on the Cross- Matthew 27:46 (NRSV)
Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?”, that is, “My God, my God why has thou forsaken me?”
The Rev. Anthony R. Sanders, Pastor, Greater Bethel AME Church, Chesapeake, VA
“Despair to Destiny”
In the hopes of deliverance to destiny, there is an opportunity to cry-out to God the Father, “why have you forsaken Me”, says Jesus the Messiah hanging on that Old Rugged Cross. In His cry was a cry of hope to get ministered to for the task at hand as He prepares to take on the sins of the entire world. Jesus feels the pain and the agony as times draws near for His final moments, yet He gives God the Father a loud cry, as if Jesus was having an inside conversation with God the Father “why is it so important that He must complete the mission of Salvation. Why must He complete the mission of redemption for all of humanity.” And with deep despair in His loud and boisterous voice He makes His cry!! Yet, Jesus hears nothing in response from His question and attitude of feeling forsaken. Jesus hears not a mumbling word from God the Father, because in His heart, He is not forgotten or forsaken, He is actually preparing to mend what was broken, betrayed and busted. And that my friend is a personal relationship between a Father and His children, when nurtured right, this relationship will impact generations to come. And the only way for Jesus to get any type of relief from the pain that He was experiencing was to attempt to place the blame of what He was going through back on God the Father. So Jesus cries out loud. In the attempt to forgo His assignment . About the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud [agonized] voice, “Eli , Eli , lama sabachthani ?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me ?”Matthew 27:46 AMP
The next time that you may be in doubt about God hearing and answering your prayers, just be still and remember, that He has already responded with His gift of Salvation just for you. The gift is in the cry of Jesus, when the Father didn't respond, however He accepted Jesus' cry of despair because it was His moment to be delivered to destiny! That old rugged cross for humanity's sinful nature hinges on the cry of despair of Jesus Christ. Hear His cry and receive life and the gift of salvation through the shed blood of Jesus Christ.
Jesus’ Fifth Word on the Cross- John 19:28 (NRSV)
After this, when Jesus knew that all was now finished, he said (in order to fulfill scripture), “I am thirsty.”
The Rev. Chalice Overy, Associate Pastor, Pullen Memorial Baptist Church, Raleigh, NC
“Giving Voice to Vulnerability”
In the final moments of his agony on the cross, Jesus says, “I am thirsty”, and before he can even record Jesus’ words, the gospel writer takes care to note that Jesus says this in order to fulfill the scripture. This parenthetical note is really no surprise because John’s gospel is known for pointing most explicitly to Jesus’ divinity. By connecting Jesus' actions to the words of the Hebrew Scriptures, the writer is saying, “See, this is not just some fringe cult leader attempting to lead us astray! This is the one we’ve been waiting for! This is God in flesh!”
In his explanation of Jesus' words, we find the gospel writer struggling to reconcile two seemingly competing realities: Jesus’ divinity and Jesus’ humanity. John has since been joined in this struggle by many throughout the generations. While theology has given us a name for the coexistence of Jesus’ humanity and divinity--the hypostatic union--I’m not sure it does much to help us understand how the God who is unchanging could also become thirsty. And so John asserts, as he feels he must, that Jesus voices this vulnerability, not because he was actually thirsty, but in order to fulfill the scripture.
Maybe the gospel writer is particularly careful to highlight Jesus’ divinity here on Golgotha’s hill because the only thing more difficult than trying to explain how God could become thirsty would be attempting to explain how the eternal God could die on a cross. But in other parts of the gospel, John feels less pressure to explain away Jesus’ humanity--like when Jesus turns over the tables in the temple, asks a woman for a drink of water, or cries at the tomb of his friend Lazarus.
Jesus was human. He got hungry and thirsty, agitated and angry, exhausted and anxious. So what if Jesus said, “I am thirsty” because he actually was thirsty, and in being honest about this very human need, he also fulfilled the scripture? Is it possible then, that we too could live more fulfilled lives if we were honest about how we felt and what we needed?
I believe that we often suffer more than we have to because we are unwilling to be vocal about our vulnerabilities. We are afraid it will uncover some weakness in our character, expose a chink in our armor or leave a lasting mark on our record. So we soldier on in silence. Overwhelmed, but still obliging every request. Anxious and depressed, but determined not to see a therapist. In massive debt, but still spending to keep up appearances. All because we’re afraid to admit, “I’m not okay. I need help.”
What Jesus demonstrates for us in his life and in his last moments is that it’s okay not to be okay. Needing the support of others to make it through is what makes us human. No one makes this journey without a little help. In fact, this is what it means to be the body of Christ--to lend our strength to the weakness of others, and receive the strength of others for our own weakness. This is why Paul says, “...let us speak the truth to our neighbors for we are members of one another (Ephesians 4:25).” When we are willing to give voice to our vulnerabilities, the people around us can then mobilize to support us. But how can they meet needs that we’re unwilling to mention?
At some point we have to give up the ghost! We have to extinguish this voice in our heads that tells us to act like we’re okay, when we know that we’re barely clinging to life. If the God of heaven and earth can say, “I need help”, then surely we have permission to do the same. Let’s follow Jesus in giving voice to our vulnerabilities.
Jesus’ Sixth Word on the Cross- John 19:30 (NRSV)
When Jesus had received the wine, he said, “It is finished.”
The Rev. Dr. James H. Taylor, III, Senior Pastor, Jericho Baptist Church, Farmville, VA
These words were spoken and recorded in a series of messages during Jesus’ final moments while situated and poised for death on the ole rugged cross. These three words” It is Finish” resonates loudly from the reservoir of his humanity. So much so that it speaks volumes in a duel contextual explanation to all of humanity from that moment to now and forever. Jesus, the Lord and Savior and author and finisher of our faith, now seemingly is finally subdued by evil and the enemies that stood against him during his three and one half years of public ministry whereby he seemed destined for doom by those who watched in eager anticipation of his demise while hanging between two thieves. However, the storyline of the gospel messengers that recorded his sacred words from the cross has far reaching impact to those that believed that he was King of Kings, Lord of Lords, and the savior of the world.
The words, “It is Finish” denotes a two-folded concept. From a natural perspective it draws attention to one that has been engaged in a common task, a lengthy work or a long dueling race that has been ran whereby one had to exert much time, energy and effort evolving into a tangible product or building of sorts. On the other hand, it may be that after a long grueling race of great distance and obstacles along the way that tested one’s endurance, the victor could expect to stand in the winner’s circle and receive a prize. In both cases, accolades are given, and one could say that “It is finish.”
However, this glorious moment in time that we are blessed to live, and celebrate once again another sacred season, of holy week and Jesus’ resurrection is not to be taken for granted. This “It is Finish” does not fall in the ordinary and natural category, but rather, it includes all humanity and engulfs and propels us into the divine realm of salvation and sanctification. These words summarize the divine work the son demonstrated in human form at the behest of God the Father. It reflects the totality of the early march from the miraculous conception by a virgin mother and evolving into growing in grace and into power and obedience. Moreover, these words walk us back down memory lane, from the calling of the twelve, the ministry of healing the sick, his tenacity of breaking through a roof to heal the lame, remembering his encounters of giving sight to the blind through the likes of Blind Bartimaeus. Moreover these three words takes us back to his faithfulness and allegiance to the poor by testing the faith of his disciples through feeding over five thousand men above women and children with just two small fish and five barley loaves with much to spare. “It is finish,” also takes us to the home of Mary and Martha whose brother Lazarus had died and finds us at the grave hearing the words, “Lazarus Come Forth” and Lazarus was presented alive while bounded in grave clothes. Not only Lazarus, but at the gates of Nain, while a funeral procession was passing and the weeping widow mother at wits end and Jesus presented her child to her alive.
Yes, “It is Finish” takes us back to the words of John’s gospel in the first chapter where we find the proverbial words, “In the beginning was the word and the word was with God and the word was God and the word was made flesh and dwell among men.” And here we find the finale of God’s son having walked in the flesh and dwelled among all of human kind. And now giving his life as a ransom for many including you and I and all who would dare believe. It should be added that he did so with many followers forsaking him, yet he despised the shame and declared in a divine glorious moment, “It is finish.”
Now, may I engage you in a final look at this glorious moment. These words flowed from his lips after being given vinegar to drink instead of one of the greatest necessities of life, a drink of water. Thus, with dignity, he bowed his head in humble submission unto the Father and the text says, “he gave up the ghost.” He transitioned from his final moment of humanity to divine rein and eternal existence. But one should understand that despite the cruelty, and the degradation of the moment, he boldly honored his allegiance to the father and declared, “It is Finish.” He did so, with clear conscience and the utmost of faith and faithfulness. And not only that, but you and I was on his mind. He had paved the way, for you and I to have a right to the tree of life. After, we too have struggled in this mean and cruel world. Do you not know, if you and I hold to God’s unchanging hand, enduring the hardness like a good soldier, we too one day can declare it is well with my soul and bow our heads and our soul will too rest with the father, because as Jesus declared over two thousand years ago, “it is finish.” So, will be able to do the same and enter into eternal rest in heaven with the Father and his Son, Jesus sitting on the right hand side of the throne. God bless You. To God be the Glory!
Jesus’ Seventh Word on the Cross- Luke 23:46 (NRSV)
Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit." Having said this, he breathed his last.
The Rev. Matthew Shannon, Pastor, St. Paul AME Church, Danville, VA
“God’s Hands Can Handle You”
These were the last eight words that Jesus spoke while dying on the cross. The number eight is significant because it represents a new beginning. Jesus was shifting from his earthly life to an eternal life.
Before Jesus could breathe his last, Jesus had to place his spirit into the hands of God the Father. This is critical because Jesus’ spirit was powerful, meek, faithful, compassionate, and loving, just to name a few. Who could handle Jesus’ spirit on earth? His mother Mary comes close since she held him in her womb for nine months. The disciples come in a distant second because sometimes they lacked faith, and sometimes they didn’t understand him and why he was doing certain things. For example, the disciples asked why he spoke in parables, and the disciples asked why they couldn’t cast the demons out. Jesus’ spirit was often misunderstood by the scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees, and by people. Do you often feel misunderstood? That people don’t get you...the authentic you...the spirit that God breathed into you? Jesus spent countless hours in prayer with just himself and God. During the night prior to Calvary, Jesus was in the garden praying alone. Jesus had a deep trust and intimate connection with God, His Father. Jesus knew that God’s hands could handle all of him.
Now, we know that Jesus was perfect, without sin. But what about us? We aren’t perfect, we are complex individuals with issues, with sin, and everything in between. As we live through this global pandemic, some of us have turned to mental health professionals, clergy, and counselors to help us handle our shock, grief, anxiety, and depression. We are looking for someone to handle us. Our spouses and some of our family members might be able to handle us, but they can’t handle all of us, if truth be told. They might get annoyed by some of our tendencies. Or they might not understand what cross we are carrying. The late Bill Withers, sang about Grandma’s hands...but even Grandma’s hands can’t handle all of us. She comes close, though. So, Who can handle our emotions, our desires, our thoughts, and everything that makes us who we are? If you think about it, the only one who can handle us is God. God created us with God’s hands. God, The Creator Can Handle God’s Creation.
So, Jesus spoke these words, that David spoke in Psalm 31:5 to entrust his spirit to God. “Commend” translated in the Greek is paratithemi. It means to place beside, to set before. To properly set beside, up close and personal... in Jesus’ final act on the cross, he showed us how big God’s hands were. God’s Hands released a little baby Jesus into the world...then 33 years later, God’s Hands received a young adult Jesus who had changed the world, back into his care. God’s Hands were big enough to handle him. If God Can Handle the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords, God’s Hands can handle you.
Give God your life, your worries, your burdens, your failures, your successes, everything because God’s Hands Can Handle you. There is no problem that God cannot solve. God allowed his only begotten Son, to shed his blood so that you and I can join him in eternity. God Can Handle our sin, because he sent Jesus to redeem us from our sin. God’s Hands Can Handle us at our worst and at our best. So, trust God with your authentic spirit. Trust God with who God created you to be. Trust God with your spirit! Give God all of you because God’s hands are the only hands who can handle all of you! Shout Glory!!!!! You ought to call someone and tell them, I’m in God’s Hands!
Invitation
What is your response to the Word and the messages that you have read today? Are you saved? If you are not saved, send an email to stpaul@stpaulamecdanville.com and Pastor Shannon will pray the prayer of salvation with you.
Special Thanks to: Sis. Jasmine MD Jones, Rev. John Swann, Rev. Tashara Void, Rev. Anthony R. Sanders, Rev. Chalice Overy, and Rev. Dr. James H. Taylor, III for your inspirational words during this Virtual Good Friday Read-In. You blessed every readers life forever!
Thank you for reading and participating in this first ever virtual Good Friday Read-In! Enjoy these two closing songs before the Benediction.
Benediction
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace, both now and forevermore. AMEN.
“His Blood Still Works!”