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Don't Miss the Good News

9/19/2021

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          The first time it happened Peter took Jesus aside and rebuked him for saying it.  It’s in Matthew 16:22.  Jesus told the disciples that he must go to Jerusalem, suffer, be killed, and raised the third day.  The second time Jesus told the disciples they were in Galilee.  He said that he would be betrayed, turned over to authorities, killed and raised the third day (Matthew 17:22-23)  The third time Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem.  He takes them aside and tells them again that he is going to be betrayed, killed and be raised the third day. (Matthew 20:17-19)
          Three times they were told and three times they didn’t make it past the ‘going to be killed’ part.  The disciples couldn’t get past the bad part to hear the good news that followed it.  Human nature on full display.  The focus was on losing Jesus. 
          “Every time something bad happens, God takes it and turns it around.  God uses it to make a blessing of it.” said Pastor Josh.  “Why do things have to happen like this?  Too often we focus on the wrong part.  On the first day of the week Jesus arose for us.  That’s the good part.” he concluded.
          There’s an old saying that goes something like, “sometimes you have to pass through the fire to get to the other side.”  He hung on a Cross, the best among us being hung by the worst.  The Son of God who knew no sin made to die a criminal’s death.  His prayer of anguish sent to his Father, “My God, My God, why has thou forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46) 
          For a short time he felt alone, distraught, disconnected.  He felt like we feel.  The revelation comes on the third day.  Jesus overcomes the grave and death.  God did give his only Son.  He did it for us.  So that we can be with him in paradise.  That's the good part.
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    Linda Johnson

    Linda Johnson moved to Douglas County with her husband Tom 12 years ago after retiring from teaching. Following Tom's death in 2016, Linda began facilitating a grief support group called GriefShare through Sweden Church.​ She serves as the Sunday School teacher for our High School class. Her "Layman's Pen" articles are also published in the local paper, The Douglas County Herald. 

    Andrea Strong

    Andrea is Pastor Joshua Strong's wife. She also serves Sweden Church as Church Secretary, website administrator, and Sunday School teacher to the Intermediate Class.

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