When the worst thing happened to the Best person
Easter Sunday
April 16, 2006 AM
Pastor Brad Dyrness
Sparks Nazarene Church
You Know You're Having a Bad Day When...
In a book on my shelf, Tony Campolo recalls an epic sermon he had heard from an elderly black pastor at his church in Philadelphia.
“It was Friday; it was Friday and my Jesus was dead on the cross. But that was Friday and Sunday’s comin’!”
It was Friday, Jesus died, but…
… on Resurrection Sunday morning, the tomb would be empty.
The defeat on Friday had been transformed into victory on Sunday.
What is the worst thing that has happened to you?
Life is sometimes BAD and when it gets worse.
God never promises that life is going to be easy. He never claimed that you would always have good days or that everything would go your way.
There is nothing pleasant about an execution.
Except Jesus' response.
John, take care of my mother,
Today you'll be with me in paradise,
Forgive them for they don't know what they are doing.
But through a catastrophe the world was redeemed!
But the resurrection of Jesus on the third day turned the worst thing into the best thing.
We can look back at the cross and see it's good.
Through the cross the curse of sin was broken.
Through the cross our sins can be forgiven.
Through the cross we see the love, mercy and grace of God
Through the cross - as bad as it was - the goodness of God explodes to any and all who will respond.
"LOOK, HE'S MOVING!"
You may reapply if there is a change in your circumstances."
Do you need a change in your circumstances?
How can you receive the goodness of God exploding into your circumstances.
1. Admit your need of God in the circumstances of life.
Maybe it sin that needs forgiveness or hardships that need Hope. What ever the need God can offer resurrection
2. Believe that Jesus is the only hope for your Friday of sin or hopelessness.
3. Confess your willingness to embrace what God freely offers to you. Both forgiveness for sin and Hope for your Friday.
When you call for help God won't say:
"You've got the wrong number because your sin is too much."
"I have already helped you, call another number."
He won't hang up or let the machine get it.
NOTHING will stop him from coming to your help when you call - He'll come in an instant.