Skip to main content

Good Friday Reflection

I am deeply rooted in the Campbell side of the Stone-Campbell movement that has flourished into the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). However, I have a firm grasp on the Stone side of the movement as well. I do not always agree with Barton Stone’s theology, I do not always agree with Campbell’s either. While preparing for the community Good Friday service, I came across these words from Barton Stone.
“Behold the Love, the Grace of God”
Behold the love, the grace of God,
displayed in Jesus’ blood;
my soul’s on fire, it yearns to prove
the fullness of redeeming love.

The cross I view—O wondrous love!
My sins expire, my fears remove;
my native enmity is slain.
I’m reconciled—I’m born again.

Our God is love—O, leap, my soul!
Let warm hosannas gently roll!
Love gave a Son to save our race,
and  Jesus died through sov’reign grace!

What love has done, sing earth around!
Angels prolong the eternal sound!
Lo, Jesus bleeding on the tree!
There, there, the love of God I see!
                                                          Barton W. Stone, 19th –century Disciples forebear (Chalice Hymnal #205)

In the cross of Christ we see the love of God. In Christ’s willingness to stay the course, to follow the plan to say “Not my will but Yours”.
Today is Good Friday- a day like no other day.
A day where two worlds (good and evil) collide and it seems all hope is lost. But wait...it is call Good for a reason! I pray you feel God's blessing upon you these final steps to the cross. Remember-God's love is redeeming you now and always. Await and watch-Christ will come again!

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Words from the Board...Bulletin Board that is

I have a bulletin board hanging on my office wall; it has various things thumb tacked to it. At some point each of the things hanging there were important to me. I suppose since they are still hanging there even after making a 740 mile move cross country, they are still important. The things hanging on this board vary in shape, size, meaning, and appearance. A Chalice sun catcher, a map of the church, several cards from family and friends, a picture of my paternal grandparents in front of the "Arc de Triumph" during WWII, my father’s obituary, the preaching schedule, and a couple crosses…just to name a few. When I am sitting at my desk, this bulletin board is on my left; every time I glance at it the same thing catches my eye. I am always drawn to the same card. I believe I received this card at my Ordination and if memory serves I received three or four of this same card that day. The card reads; “Be who you are. Do what you love. Make a difference. Change the world.” ...

A Prayer for the Week

picture from churchart.com My prayer this week is not my own but is a song entitled “The Blessing” by Celtic Woman. I spent the day at a spiritual retreat center and this is the song that kept coming to my mind. I wanted to share it with you (whoever reads this blog) In the morning when you rise I bless the sun, I bless the skies I bless your lips, I bless your eyes My blessing goes with you In the night time when you sleep Oh, I bless you while a watch I keep As you lie in slumber deep My blessing goes with you   This is my prayer for you There for you, ever true Each every day for you In everything you do And when you come to me And hold me close to you I bless you And you bless me too When your weary heart is tired If the world would leave you uninspired When nothing more of love's desire My blessing goes with you   When the storms of life are strong When you're wounded, when you don't belong When...

A Reflection and an Offering to Reflect

 This past Thursday November 5th, was 10 years since I posted my very first blog here. I have been very sporadic in my writing. I have not gained a huge following and that is ok with me. I started this space as a space for me. A space to reflect, to share, to my own insight(often because it differs with where the congregation I am serving stands on some things). I do hope it is a space for those who follow and those who happen upon it, are able engage in some way. Even if that engagement is to say, "I don't agree".  As I continue on my journey of becoming a spiritual director, I hope this space will become one where people can spend time in their own reflection, meditation and prayer. I hope to offer more opportunity for anyone who reads this to engage in an active prayer life.  Here is a reflective vespers service I wrote for this year's Women's retreat for the Christian Church (DOC) in the Upper Midwest. This was a closing vespers service but could be used at an...