The headlines the past few days range from shootings in New York to N. Korea launching a missile; from a 6.3 magnitude earthquake in Italy to Farrah Fawcett’s cancer; from unemployment and economic woes to the future of the Broncos season. There doesn’t seem to be much hope in the news. Maybe that is the nature of news reporting; I don’t know.

Last Sunday we kicked off Holy Week by worshiping in a new place, Rock Canyon High School. Holy Week starts with an event that has people filled with hope. The arrival of the King and the triumphant entry into Jerusalem created a hopeful celebration by those who shouted “Hosanna! BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD; Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David; Hosanna in the highest!” (Mark 11:9b-10) The week that started out so hopeful ended with such darkness and sorrow.

But, fear not, Good Friday is not the end of the story. Luke 18:31-33 31Then He took the twelve aside and said to them, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things which are written through the prophets about the Son of Man will be accomplished. 32“For He will be handed over to the Gentiles, and will be mocked and mistreated and spit upon, 33and after they have scourged Him, they will kill Him; and the third day He will rise again.”

“THE THIRD DAY HE WILL RISE AGAIN!”

Now that is real hope we can believe in.

Lord, thank you that Good Friday is not the end of the story. Thank you that your plan for us is fulfilled on Sunday. Thank you for the hope of your Son who opens the way to eternal life. Amen.

Paul Nickoley