Pausing to Remember - by Meryl McKean

 

Today is one of the most important days in our church calendar – how will you be spending it? Across the world it will be marked in a huge variety of ways. Maybe quiet reflections, large gathering of a sharing of communion together - possibly also enjoying a traditional hot cross bun, providing you can find one amidst the endless variations available today.

For me the day will include something which has been a part of Good Friday in Bedford for many years. I’ll be hoping for mild dry weather and heading for the town centre There I'll be drawn by the sound of the band playing in the distance. I will join many hundreds of other Christians from over 20 churches to remember the death of Jesus and celebrate the life He brings. At the front of the crowd three things are usually situated: a big wooden cross, the Salvation Army band and a large lorry. This lorry has an open back, providing a stage for other musicians, singers and those taking part in our midday service. Worshipers will stretch out to fill the square, all ages, all traditions and many different nationalities. We praise God together with a mixture of old and new songs. It’s a powerful time, it’s how the church should be. There will be gospels to give out to passing shoppers too. Our service will include music, testimony, prayers and a short preach with a presentation of the gospel. In these changing times we are grateful that this event is favoured by local councillors. Much prayer and planning are behind it.

As Christian writers we remember the themes that form the central truth of what we want to share with others through our writing. Our creative minds search carefully to find just the right word, illustration or story to connect with our audience. Whether we write clear teaching, subtle Godly principles or something in between, this is the source of our inspiration, the power of the cross. The fact is that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in us when we write in partnership with God and that's exciting. Maybe today is a good time to pause, to look at the cross and to lay before God our words, our hopes and our dreams. To seek afresh His purpose and move ahead encouraged that as writers of such variety we are all part of God’s church, united in purpose by the cross.

‘I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honour at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.’               Ephesians 1 v 18  - 19

Bio

Meryl McKean loves writing devotionals and poems and has had a few articles published over the years as well as using her writing in her work. She wants her writing to be a tool which helps others draw closer to God. She is married to Andy and lives in Bedford. Her day job as a member of her church staff leadership team is full of challenges and opportunities.