God, Gambling and Good Friday

What is the right thing to do on Good Friday? Is it wrong or okay to gamble or shop or just relax? When Tabcorp announced that it was going to open on Good Friday there was outrage from both within and outside the Church.

But did you know that on the very first Good Friday there was gambling?

Mark 15:24 And they crucified him. Dividing up his clothes, they cast lots to see what each would get

I'm not sure if these guys knew that they were setting a precedent but there you go.

Now apart from the soldiers there was another man having a bet that day. A thief with one last roll of the dice bet all he had on Jesus...

Luke 23:39-43 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the hrist? Save yourself and us!" But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong." Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."

This thief recognises who he is - a sinner getting what he deserves. He also sees that Jesus is not getting what he deserves. He healed the sick fed the hungry befriended the lonely. I guess it was something he said. The thief also recognises that Jesus is a king and so asks him for entry into his kingdom.

So what are his chances? Could a thief walk into heaven? If you were a betting person what do you think his odds are? Well according to Jesus, this thief is right on the money...

Luke 23:43 Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."

Jesus promises this thief entry into heaven because he recognised who he was - a king who was taking the punishment for what others deserve. In return this thief received new life even with his last roll of the dice.

So what should we do on Good Friday? Is it right to gamble or shop or just relax? The most important thing to do is to reflect on what the thief did. He put his faith and trust in Jesus. May we do the same.

the saviour and his sermon matthew 7:13-29

You’d have to say that Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount ends on a downer. There’s talk of destruction v13, fire v19, evildoers v23, storms v25 and houses falling with a great crash v27.

Why doesn’t it end all chirpy?

You realise that Jesus hasn’t been delivering a series of ethical titbits on how to live a good moral life but is calling for absolute trust in him. This in turn, means absolute allegiance in living his kingdom values.

And so it's time to choose - which road are you on v13, 14? The road to life or the road to destruction?

Which tree is going to bear fruit v15-20? One of self righteousness or right living for God?

Which house are you going to build v24-29? Is your foundation on Jesus' words or on things that moth and rust destroy or where thieves break in and steal?

It's time to choose...it's time to see Jesus' kingdom come.