Today is Good Friday. This day so many years ago, my precious Savior was beaten and flogged and thrown upon a cross. The King and Creator of the universe had nails in his hands, and his blood stained the ground. He was spit on and mocked. Jesus was suffering, and one of his disciples turned him in and another denied even knowing him. My heart hurts to think of the pain He went through, and nothing seems 'good' about it.
"And he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground." ~ Luke 22:41-44
He suffered so greatly. He was in agony. Why would God not remove this burden?
Oh. Oh oh oh oh oh oh. For our sake. He did it all for us. So great is His love for us, that He endured the abuse, the beatings, the nails. He endured the spit and abandonment and mockery because He loved us. And, most shockingly of all, He allowed God to forsake Him, to allow Him to die, so that we might be with Him.
It is Good Friday. Today we will praise Jesus and thank Him for the sacrifice of His death that He made for all of us sinners. But on Sunday we will praise Him again...and thank Him for rising up and living so that we might follow Him, and be with Him in Heaven someday.
Today I am thankful to know Jesus, and thankful that He would call me His child. I'm thankful that He loves all of us--all of His children--so greatly. Your blogger,
Claire
