Have Fun Today!

Good Friday morning! Have fun today. Do you think your boss will say that when you come into work this morning? Probably not. Did your minister say that back in the day? I seem to recall hearing a lot of "don't do this thing" and "stay away from that place" in my church. Although we did get together and have some fun, the sermons tended to say something else. While concentrating on the promise of persecutions, hatred, trials and tribulations, we tended to leave alone the words Jesus spoke about giving us peace, love, and joy. We will have times of trial and we will see persecution in this life, but God is not all about crushing us under the press. Need I remind us that the first miracle we read in John involved a celebration? Jesus provided some excellent wine for a party. Wine so good the master of ceremonies even called the groom over to give his compliments (and wonder about his methodology, but that's another story). Of course, we don't want to have the world thinking that Christ-ones are a bunch of drunks... but they did say that about Jesus (Matt 11:19).

We know that the world often spoke untruthfully about Jesus, as though he was some kind of political opponent. Eating and drinking wine with those who needed His ministry caused the world to call him a glutton and a drunk. Jesus did fulfill the prophecy of a man of sorrows, but I think He also had fun. Our Lord dined with sinners who bore a rather strong resemblance to you and me, and then sorrowed over the self-righteous grumbling of the religious leaders. Those who should have celebrated with the Lord did not. Those who should have fled in guilt, had fun in His company. Jesus then had this to say: At that time Jesus answered and said, "I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes. (Matt 11:25)

Friday seems to be a good day to speak of fun as we look forward to the start of the weekend tonight. Paul reminded us to "rejoice in the Lord always." Perhaps the week of work has ground you down enough that you need a gentle reminder to do some rejoicing in the Lord. Whether you need to get away somewhere to rejoice or can manage it just fine at home doesn't matter so much as taking the time to rejoice in the Lord.

Praise Jesus!
Bucky