Well, it has been over a month since my last blog. It has been very busy here in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky. Our ministry has seen alot of changes over the past month with mission teams pouring themselves into Club 180 and the community here in Cumberland, KY. We have seen God do amazing things and have been witness to 16 young people giving their life to Christ. Wow! That just sets my soul on fire!
Today as I am writing, it is the observance of Good Friday. As a Christian, this day in history signifies what my Lord and Savior did for me. Jesus was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, then took the sins of the world upon Him, was scorned, beaten, and mocked, then crucified on a cross. The thought of what he went through for me, rips at my soul. Just to know that He loves me so much that He would endure such pain and then die for me. Isaiah 53:5 says, "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed." Romans 5:8 says, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." It doesn't matter what I've done, the sins I've commited, Christ still loved me enough to die for me. Wow!
Now, I'm not getting on a soapbox here, but as I got up this morning, read my Bible, drank my coffee, then turned on the t.v. to catch a glimpse of the news before I get my day going. I noticed as the national news show I watch was telling each other, "Happy Good Friday", there was no mention of Jesus, or the significance of what this day is really about. Instead all that was talked about was the royal wedding of Kate and William. Don't get me wrong, I am a hopeless romantic and love the story of their fairytale romance and upcoming wedding. But today, one of the most important days in history, shouldn't they be talking about what Jesus Christ did for us? That He gave His life for us? That He was crucified on a cross for our sins? I turned the t.v. off and began thinking about what I had just witnessed. It was like watching the soldiers at the foot of the cross casting lots. It was heartbreaking. How can this world be so blinded by its own desires and self-centeredness that it doesn't recognize on this most important day the greatest man in history, Jesus Christ.
Then my mind started thinking about the royal wedding. Why are we so wrapped up in this story. We can't get away from it. It's on the t.v.. It's on all the magazines at the check-out lines. It's even on the radio. We don't even know them. Yes, most of us have watched Prince William grow up, in the news, but we don't have any ties to either of them. So, what is the fascination? I believe it's the fairytale. I believe it's a real live Cinderella story unfolding before our eyes. Not that Kate lived in an attic and cleaned for a wicked stepmother and two stepsisters. But I can remember as a little girl, my friends and I used to dream of being married to a prince. The thought of living in a castle and wearing beautiful flowing gowns just captured the heart of every little girl after reading fairytales like Cinderella.
But here's the thing. We are living out a real fairytale. If you have a relationship with Christ, He is your Prince. In the Bible, John tells us in Revelation 19:11, "I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down nations. He will rule with an iron sceptor. He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
That's my King! One day He is coming to get me and all who call Him Lord and Savior. That's a true story that we can anticipate. Why aren't we out telling this story to those who don't know Christ? Why aren't we getting ready for this Royal Wedding? We are a part of it. We know the people involved in this story. We are in this Wedding. Here's what the rest of the story says, "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.' He said to me: 'It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End.'" Revelation 21:1-4,6 That's how our story ends! I will gladly exchange a castle for the new heaven. One where there is no pain, no death, no tears. I can't wait for that day when I can bow at my Savior's feet and praise Him in all His glory. What a Royal Wedding that will be!
I don't think it's coincidence that this Easter as we reflect on what the cross means, then celebrate our Lord and Savior's resurrection, and the promise of eternal life with Him, that the world is getting ready for the celebration of a royal wedding. I think this is the perfect opportunity for Christians to spread the gospel message and tell the good news of our own Royal Wedding soon to come.
May you have a glorious Easter!
His Humble Servant,
Angie Burkeen
Club 180 Ministry
503 Main Street
Cumberland, KY 40823
http://www.club180ministry.com/
