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We all want to be successful.
Whether that means being successful in school; in our career; in our marriage; in raising children; or successful as a preacher.
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Jesus wanted the same. He wanted to be successful in his ministry, but he sees it’s coming crashing to an end.
“Jerusalem, Jerusalem,” he says, “how many times I yearned to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were unwilling.”
Meaning, his message has been met with resistance.
Jesus didn’t convert King Herod; he didn’t convert the religious authorities; and, in some sense, he didn’t even convert his friends.
In a matter of days, he’ll be dead.
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But what looks like an epic failure will be transformed into an epic success.
Three days after his crucifixion, Jesus rises from the dead.
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The resurrection reminds us that God can transform anything, even failure, into success.
And by extension, our sins into grace; our loss into gain; our death into life.
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We all want to be successful.
But when it looks like things aren’t going our way – as Jesus felt hanging from the cross – stay tuned. It isn’t over yet.
God has the last word. He promises that everything will work for our good.
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Amen
Love you Jesus
Amen!