Some 30 years ago I heard Pastor Jack Hudson preach a message in Knoxville, TN, entitled, “It’s Friday, but Sunday’s Coming!” Obviously, the message was about the Friday painful, sin-bearing crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the anticipation and awesome confirmational, promise-producing Sunday resurrection. As Pastor Hudson spoke, he appeared to be completely under the control of the Holy Spirit as his preaching was filled with picturesque eloquence. I still remember how he described different “Fridays” of trial and sufferings of which my wife and I indeed experienced in the years to come. One of which was the stillbirth of our daughter. But, oh how marvelous as Pastor Hudson practically applied the “Sunday” of promise and life to the “Fridays” of death and difficulties.
Now move forward to late last night. I’m driving home from our deacon’s meeting on our country roads. The radio is on and a preacher’s voice I did not recognize said the following:
To get through the worst days of your life, you are going to have to do three things.
- Reach out to the presence of Jesus.
- Remember the promises of Jesus.
- Rely on the power of Jesus.
When you do those three things, it’s a game-changer. Anything is possible now.
Wow! Such simple truths, all based on the events of the cross and the empty tomb (Matthew 26-28). My heart was arrested as I pondered those three statements as I’m driving through the darkness. Is the Lord preparing me for something? What “Friday” is coming that will cause me to anticipate “Sunday”? What do those truths say to a world torn by sin, living in fear of the next bombing, and struggling to survive? I believe this preacher settled it all when he said, “The answer is not a principle, but a Person.”
I did not hear the rest of the message, but what I did receive I believe was God-ordained. Jesus Christ is the only One Who can take your “Friday” and assure you of a coming “Sunday.”
Matthew 28:1-10
Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. 2 And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. 3 His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. 4 And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men. 5 But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7 And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.” 8 So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word. 9 And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.”
From A Pastor's Heart 