Maundy Thursday

We left early for church Thursday evening because Mel needed to usher. I sat in the sanctuary and listened and watched as the crowds began to fill the room. I am always a little dubious about Maundy Thursday because we reverently worship and sing and take communion and then leave in silence, and I voiced that on the way to church. Mel replied that it is a service that is geared to help us to contemplate, meditate and appreciate Christ. I thought, how did he come up with those words so fast. But as I sat there alone on my aisle, I did just that.
I cannot imagine the turmoil that Christ suffered on that very day, thousands of years ago. I don't think that any of us can.
But the following writing that was in our bulletin gave great explanation for his sacrifice:

Christ was:
All anguish, that I might be all joy
Cast off, that I might be brought in,
Trodden down as an enemy, that I might be welcomed as a friend,
Surrendered to hell's worst, that I might attain Heaven's best,
Stripped, that I might be clothed,
Wounded, that I might be healed,
Thirsty, that I might drink,
Tormented, that I might be comforted,
Made a shame, that I might inherit glory,
Entered darkness, that I might have eternal light.

He died..... and then he rose. Oh how blessed we are to know him and have him as our savior, friend, confidant, and Father.

Something to contemplate, meditate and appreciate, for sure.

Dear Lord, on this GOOD Friday may we remember you in somber appreciation, joyful expectation and with humbled hearts.
Amen