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Chip Shots from the Ruff of Life
by Tom Kelley
Good Friday. That is the designation this day has received. Given the events of the day it's difficult to understand how the day itself could be called good. But let's look at it for just a moment here and reflect on why good may be the best adjective for this day.
The day started with Jesus being dragged from place to place to be questioned in an effort to wear Him down. He was taken from Annas to Caiaphas and then to Pilate whose chief concern seemed to be that Jesus called Himself a king.
"Pilate therefore said to Him, 'Are you a king then?' Jesus answered, 'You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears my voice.' Pilate said to Him, 'What is truth?' And when he has said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, 'I find no fault in Him at all.' " John 18:37, 38
Then Pilate offered the people a chance to release Jesus, giving them a choice between the healer prophet and a known thief. They called for the thief and demanded the crucifixion of Jesus. Pilate had Him beaten. "But He was wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed." 53:5
Then they crucified Jesus, removing the last vestiges of humanity from Him. They had taken His freedom, taken His rights, taken His clothes and then they took His life. "Then they crucified Him, and divided His garments, casting lots, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet; 'Then they divided my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.' " Matthew 27:35 And we call this Friday "good."
Just try to be saved without this Friday. Try to be saved on your own merit rather than through the blood of Christ. Try to avoid the penalty of sin without paying your ransom. Without this day in history we would be without hope. Today is Good Friday. Take the time to thank God that it is.
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...He was the Minister of the Minorsville Christian Church located near Stamping Ground, KY.
...Becky and Tom have three children; John, single and in worship ministry in Nicholasville, Kentucky; Sean, married (Jennifer, elementary school teacher) with twins (Grace and Patrick, b.d. 10/31/04) and regional director of Papa John's Pizza in Central KY; Kara, married (Vince Taylor, prison guard) and working with Hospice East in Winchester, KY.
...Tom went to be with the Lord on November 13, 2009 after a lengthy battle with cancer. If you have been touched by Tom's writings please send an email to Tom's son at jkelley@catalystchristian.net
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