Friday

Pastor Tony Campolo published a book back in the 80s based on his well-known sermon, "It's Friday, but Sunday's Comin'". I haven't read the book (or heard the sermon, I don't think), but today I've been living the feeling.

The Friday of the crucifixion had to have been the most hopeless day Jesus' followers experienced. Everything they had believed in, everything they worked for, all of their hopes and dreams for the future...with the death of Jesus, all of those things seemed to be wiped out in just a matter of days or even hours. Things appeared grim to say the very least.

But Friday wasn't the end of the story. Sunday* was coming. And with Sunday came the resurrection! All of the seemingly vain actions regained their significance. All of the seemingly broken dreams were restored. All of the seemingly baseless beliefs were fulfilled in unimaginable ways. Yes, Friday was hopeless, even devastating...but Sunday was coming, and with it came the rebirth of hope!

These last few months have felt like a perpetual Friday. Disappointment, even devastation. A sense of helplessness and even hopelessness.

This weekend, I heard a song several times that has challenged me to adjust my perspective, not denying the difficulty of what has been or what is, but reaffirming my belief that God is still in control and that He has good things yet for the future. The song is based on Campolo's sermon. "It's Friday, but Sunday is comin'!"

Have you heard the song "Sunday" from tree63? If not, it might be worth looking up!

Nothing’s sacred, the days are cheap
Truth is thin on the ground
Still our prophets are crucified
Nobody believes we’re stumbling

It’s Friday, but Sunday is coming
Someone’s saying a prayer tonight
For hungry mouths to be filled
Someone kneels in the dark somewhere
And darkness is already crumbling
It’s Friday, but Sunday comes

Sunday – Hallelujah – it’s not so far, it’s not so far away
Sunday – Hallelujah – it’s not so far, it’s not so far away

Broken promises, weary hearts
But one promise remains:
Crucified, he will come again
It’s Friday, but Sunday is coming
It’s Friday, but Sunday is coming

Sunday…

Indeed, it feels like Friday right now, but I believe Sunday is coming!