Everyday Lutherans

Tonight is one of those moments that echoes throughout the centuries. The crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ is something that we have honored for thousands of years. It is a message that we impart from one generation to another, from one culture to another and one that speaks directly to each and everyone of us. For the death of any loved one has a tremendous impact upon our life. Standing at the graveside, the place where they shall lie until a time that we do not know when. This is something that can overwhelm the person standing and wondering.  However, it is on Good Friday, that we bear witness to God Himself. The Creator and Sustainer of this world, who sent His Own Son into the world and now experiencing the same heartache, fear and wonder that many of us also feel. God understands our own experience. God is right there with us and has first hand experience. So it is in this service that we read the accounts of those who were there. We sing songs that convey to us...

The account of Good Friday, the people, the hymns, and the emotions.  It takes us back to the graveside of a loved one in our own life. We remember the way the loved one treated us, taught us, and how we honor them in our daily life.  The loved ones who have meant so much for us. The loved ones who gave so much so that we could have the life that we are living. The loved ones who shared their faith with us so that we may be a part of this community today.  Yet it is in this dark hour, in our grief, we comfort each other. Yet in this service does not seem to comforting.  Many of us wonder why it is called good. For a funeral, or even bearing witness to a loved ones final breath on Earth does not seem good.  However, the moment itself does not seem good until we realize what is taking place. This does not happen until much later. Until our ears hear of the promise that is bestowed upon them from God. Now in the pit of despair and grief, darkness seems to overwhelm us and the world around...

Every year, we gather together to hear the truth of this account of Jesus being among us.  However, there are so many people, so many personalities and so many people whom we can learn from.  I would like to focus upon the Chief Priests.  Now let me remind all of you that the Chief Priests were appointed members of the community to lead and guide the whole people in following what God was calling them to do and be.  They were in charge of operating the Holy Temple and ensuring that everyone who attended was able to be a part of the holiday.   The chief priests were the spiritual leaders and the ones whom all people went to for direction and understand of what God was doing in the world.  However, the chief priests did not see and did not want to see what God was truly doing in the world.  They were so focused on the traditions and rituals that bound them in the glory and honor that was associated with God that they actually took it upon themselves. ...