Scripture: Ps 22; Isaiah 52:13—53:12; Hebrews 10:16-25; 5:7-9; John 18:1—19:42
Scripture standout: Hebrews: "24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
His Deed/The Day: Today is Good Friday. I wonder why such a dark day is called "Good" Friday. "The Worst Freakin' Friday in the History of the World" sounds like a better title — or maybe a switch out between Good Friday and Black Friday is more appropriate. But good? What the heck is so good about Jesus' death day?
I think our human reaction to death is to wallow in the despair and loss of it all. But the reality is, good ALWAYS comes from death — even if we don't live to see it manifested. I mean, you only need to read to chapters ahead to the story of Jesus' resurrection and the birth of Christianity to see what good came out of Jesus' death. When my mom died 20 years ago, I couldn't imagine what good was supposed to come from that. And I'm not sure I've seen that clear answer. But I trust God has a perfect plan, and somehow — everything happens for the good of God's kingdom.
Today's deed? Well, I know of a few friends/family who need a little spurring on toward love. I might sit here at the computer a while longer (yes, with two children wandering around hopelessly around the desk mouthing "I'm booooored," another reason there is not much "good" about Good Friday school break) and pen a few emails of encouragement. The rest of the day I think I'll reflect on how Jesus washed his servants' feet the night before he died for us all amid screams of "crucify him!"
Deedsclosure: Foot-washing at the Maunday Thursday service is a pretty remarkable experience. I highly suggest it if you haven't tried it before. The message? Even the Lord of us all isn't too good to wash the dirty soles of another. I found the experience to be very similar to the challenge of making a conscious deed every day. Like reaching out in a good deed, foot-washing feels uncomfortable and unnatural. It's aa very intimate act. And it's humbling. You have to get on your hands and knees and scrub one of the dirtiest parts of a stranger's body. And it takes your full attention — all the while, your mind's screaming, "oh wow, yuck — I'm washing a stranger's foot. Awkward!" Your heart? It simultaneously thunders, " and this is the right thing to do." A ying and yang.
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