I am humbled and delighted to share the Word of God.
I am basing today's sermon on the Crucifixion story of Jesus Christ as recorded in the Gospels. This serves as a historical account and a metaphor for the many struggles and victories we encounter.
The Friday in our sermon title represents the darkest hours of Jesus' earthly life when hope seemed lost. On the other hand, Sunday symbolizes the Resurrection, the victory over death, and the triumphant emergence of Hope.
Turn with me to the book of Matthew 27: 45 and 46. "From noon until three in the afternoon, darkness all over the land. At about three in the afternoon, Jesus cried loudly, 'Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?' (which means 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?')."
Jesus spoke these words on the cross. It was Friday. Imagine the weight of that moment. Despair hung thick in the air as Jesus, carrying the world's sins, felt abandoned. To the disciples, Mary, His mother, and those who loved and followed Him, it seemed as though all was lost. The Messiah, their hope, hung lifeless on a cross. It was a crushing defeat, shattering dreams, and overwhelming sorrow. Yes, it was Friday.
But dear friends, the story doesn't end there. As we know, Friday is not the end of the week. The dawning of a new day is never far off. It's Friday, but Sunday's coming.
From Matthew 28:5 and 6, let's read, "The angel said to the women, 'Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; He has risen, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay.'"
Ah, the joy of Sunday morning! The stone was rolled away, the grave was empty. Jesus Christ had risen! The Messiah had conquered death, proving that He was God's Son. His resurrection brought hope, joy, and Salvation to all mankind. It was no longer a time of despair but a time of jubilant celebration. Indeed, it was Sunday.
Today, my friends, some of you may be in the 'Friday' phase of your life. You may be facing seemingly insurmountable challenges. You may grapple with heart-wrenching grief, debilitating illness, or crushing disappointment. You may feel like God has abandoned you. You may feel like it's Friday with no hope of Sunday.
But let me encourage you with this truth: Just as Sunday followed that dark Friday, so too will your deliverance follow your time of hardship. God has not abandoned you. He is working, even in your darkest hour.
God turned the most tragic event in history, the crucifixion of His Son, into the most significant victory: the Resurrection. This victory brought Salvation to all of humanity. What appeared as an impossible defeat was transformed into an inconceivable triumph. Remember, it's Friday, but Sunday's coming.
In your current situation, trust in the Lord. Believe that He is turning your sorrows into joy, your ashes into beauty. Remember, the Bible assures us in Romans 8:28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose."
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