Joy vs Sorrow

 

Last night Stephanie and I had the great privilege of participating in an evening to raise money for Community Care Northeast Indiana. We had great fun at our table, enjoyed the wonderful food, and the fellowship. When I got home I had time to reflect on the opportunities Stephanie and I have to get to know the residents and staff of both Hannah’s Recovery House and Grace & Mercy Transitional Home. I mentioned at the opening of the night how blessed we are to spend much of our week with them. But, we know our time together will not last forever. They will move on and so will we. The picture above is a part of that crew! We love them dearly!

I keep thinking of the ups and downs of life in relationship to the journey on Palm Sunday and the events of Holy Week. I am currently reading through the gospel accounts and preparing sermons for both the Triumpal Entry and the Resurrection. 

“Most of the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of him, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting, ‘Praise God for the Son of David! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Praise God in the highest heaven!’ The entire city of Jerusalem was in an uproar as he entered. ‘Who is this” they asked. And the crowds replied, ‘It’s Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.’” (Matthew 21:8-11)

“Meanwhile, the leading priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas to be released and for Jesus to be put to death. So the governor asked again, ‘Which of these two do you want me to release to you?’ The crowd shouted back, ‘Barabbas!’ Pilate responded, ‘Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?’ They shouted back, ‘Crucify him!’ ‘Why?’ Pilate demanded. ‘What crime has he committed?’ But the mob roared even louder, ‘Crucify him!’”(Matthew 27:20-23)

We will face many joys and sorrows in life. We will face loved ones who pass away. We will face the joys of births, weddings, and wonderful friendships. We will face loss of jobs, drug addictions, family who reject Jesus, and countless other woes. 

The one constant the one person we can count on through all of life’s ups and downs, joys and sorrows, sadness and jubilation, is Jesus Christ. I am so thankful for all he has done for us through his perfect grace and mercy. I am thankful for all the wonderful relationships he gives us throughout life and even when those relationships change and the distance of miles, and time separate us, He still provides joy. 

“Sing to the Lord, all you godly ones! Praise his holy name. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning!” (Psalm 30:4-5)

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. So do not be attracted by strange, new ideas. Your strength comes from God’s grace…” (Hebrews 13:8-9a)