Human History Hinges Here

When I awoke on this Good Friday contemplating the significance of this day, I applied to it the phrase Human History Hinges Here.

Last Sunday we had our youth discuss what is different in the world because of the death and resurrection of Jesus. The short answer is, a lot.

Even for those who don't believe in Christ, human history, as evidenced by the traditional BC and AD, changed dramatically due to the events surrounding the carpenter from Nazareth. The impact of those who followed Christ changed the trajectory of the future.

Not everyone would see these as positive changes, but history took a different turn after that fateful weekend in the tiny nation of Israel.

Contemplating that today reminds me of the impact of Jesus on the world. But I can also see it in myself. In a smaller circle that defines my life, my history is different because of Jesus.

I don't know what I'd be doing today if not for Jesus, but I wouldn't be pastoring an urban church in Cincinnati, having raised four children who are having their own impact in the world these days.

I can't really unravel my own history that has been intertwined for decades with the story of Jesus, nor can I unravel the history of humanity since that first Good Friday so long ago, but I do know that God has an amazing story line that can be traced, and I expect once graduating to an eternal perspective it will be entertaining to experience.

Meanwhile, I contemplate the significance of this day. I can only scratch the surface, but at least I find it important to pause and try. For the cross is foolishness to the world, but the power of God to those who believe. May that power be real in me today.