EXPLORING GOOD FRIDAY

Why aren’t my prayers being answered?

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” - Matthew 27:46

On Good Friday, we witness a third unanswered prayer - perhaps the most agonizing of them all. Nail to a cross and slowly suffocating, the Son cried out to the Father: "Why have you forsaken me?"And there was no response from heaven. No dove descending. No booming voice. No answer to prove the question wrong.

Day 23: Choosing Life

Pause

“The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid?” - Psalm 27:1

Reflect

  • Bible: “I call heaven and earth to witness against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and holding fast to him; for that means life to you and length of days, so that you may live in the land that the Lord swore to give to your ancestors, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.” - 1 Corinthians 15:55-58

  • Book: “When I asked Sammy to marry me, it was a terrifying moment. I knew that she could say one single-syllable word and dash all my dreams, or say another and make them all come true. My future hung on her choice. Had I decided to avoid the risk of disappointment, grabbing her by the hair with one hand, while beating my chest in triumph up with the other and declaring, ‘You shall be mine,’ then my actions would not have been loving. Love, by its very nature, always permits choice, and choice permits terrifying risk.”- (p. 122-123)

Ask

  • Describe a time when you made a really bad choice? What would you have done differently?

  • What choice has God entrusted you with that brings  you fear and anxiety?

  • In what practical way can you use your free will to “choose life” today?

  • How can you increase your awareness of the choices before you and the consequences that those choices might have on your life?

  • How intentional are you about the thoughts, words and deeds that you choose?

Yield

A prayer of joyful surrender attributed to Mother Teresa of Calcutta:

Dear Jesus, help me to spread Your fragrance everywhere I go.

Flood my soul with Your spirit and life.

Penetrate and possess my whole being so utterly,

That my life may only be a radiance of Yours.

Shine through me, and be so in me

That every soul I come in contact with

May feel Your presence in my soul.

Let them look up and see no longer me, but only Jesus!

Amen.



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Image
A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings Deuteronomy 1:1-18 This passage contains the words that Moses spoke to all Israel as they were camped on the great plains of Moab, able to see across the Jordan River into the Promised Land. This was the land of Canaan that God promised them but which they had not occupied for 400 years. This passage reminds us to be faithful and exhorts us to be prepared even then life is frustrating and confusing. God has a plan and purpose for our life even if we do not understand God’s ways. This passage also reveals Moses’ leadership style to us. He was willing to distribute the responsibility of leadership to others but did so only with the support of the people. It was not a dictatorship; it was a democracy. Each tribe was given freedom to choose individuals who were wise, discerning, and reputable among them to be their leaders. In what ways have we entrusted the responsibility of leadership to others? How have we failed to identify small group leaders ...
Read more
Image
A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings Ezekiel 4:1-17 This passage portrays a vivid and symbolic depiction of the prophet's obedience to God's commands. As we reflect on these verses, we are struck by the profound message of commitment and sacrifice. Through the actions of building a miniature model of Jerusalem's siege and lying on his side for an extended period, Ezekiel demonstrates his unwavering faith and willingness to bear the burdens of his people. This passage reminds us of the importance of obedience to God's calling, even when it requires discomfort or unconventional actions. It encourages us to ponder how we can wholeheartedly serve and fulfill God's purposes, regardless of the challenges that may arise. Which of God’s commands is hardest for you to follow and why? Describe a recent experience where you modeled commitment and sacrifice to a cause bigger than yourself. Does your faith ever waver? Why or why not? Have you ever found obedience to God to ...
Read more
Image
A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings 2 Samuel 17:24-18:8 In this passage, the narrative unfolds with King David in a time of crisis. His trusted counselor Ahithophel betrayed him, siding with Absalom. Amidst the chaos, David's faith in God remained unwavering. His plea for divine guidance led to wise counsel from Hushai, which countered Ahithophel's advice. David's reliance on God's direction prevailed, highlighting the importance of seeking God's will even in dire circumstances. This passage underscores that no scheme against God's chosen can prosper when trust in His providence prevails. It's a reminder to steadfastly seek God's guidance in all decisions. Questions: How did David react to Ahithophel's betrayal? How do you typically respond to betrayal? Why did Hushai's counsel to Absalom prove pivotal? Name one person who you turn to for wise counsel? How does this passage reveal David's unwavering faith during crisis? Has you faith ev...
Read more