Good Friday

I'm a bit of a Bible study junkie.  I might go so far as to say Jesus Freak.  That's not to say that I say Amen or Hallelujah at the end of every sentence (Although I think it would be cool to say, "Amen, Sister!" once in a while and have it sound completely natural.)

That's also not to say that I can always locate my Bible between actual Bible Studies that I sign up for.  I need accountability, and sometimes I struggle even then.  But, thankfully, I am involved with a group of women whose like-minded passion is to delve deeply into scripture and apply it to our daily lives.  (and they are also really good at reframing my mindset when the coffee pot --which I am responsible for!-- acts up and I just want to throw it past the pastor into the parking lot or my husband wears a lacrosse sweatshirt on Sunday morning-- Again!  but I digress...)

Anyway, even in spite of myself, sometimes I will learn something totally awesome.  Like this little gem:

When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.  Matthew 26:30

Huh?  Here's the scene:  Jesus and His disciples had just celebrated Passover (this particular one known today as the Last Supper).  So they sung a hymn, right before arguably the most dramatic events in all of human history took place-- Jesus' fervent prayer, betrayal, arrest, denial, trial, humiliation, crucifixion, gruesome death and resurrection three days later.  Sung a hymn.  

OK, so they sung a hymn.  Here's the cool part.  The NIV Study Bible's study note for Matthew 26:30 states: "The Passover fellowship was concluded with the second half of the Hallel Psalms.  (Psalm 115-118.)"

Reading these Psalms in that context, knowing what happens next, just might make me say Hallelujah at the end of every sentence.  And right near the end is a very familiar verse:

This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.  Psalm 118:24

I don't think Jesus sang it weakly, or by rote, or just because it was tradition.  I think, knowing what was to come, He sang it with all His heart.  Does knowing this affect me in my daily life?  Yes, it does.  Every. Single. Day.

Amen, Sister!