On Monday, I posted that I would have a new and interesting post for you each day of Holy Week. Although I failed to post, I have indeed been steeped in the spirit and words of this sacred week in the Christian year. In many cases, I confess, I wasn't even sure exactly what to write or say regarding the journey I was on with Jesus, and I apologize for letting any of you down who have been following the blog. This morning however, I was crystal clear on the message to be shared....
Today our Holy and precious God, who gave himself to us so that we might intimately know Him, experienced the worst suffering the human condition could bear in order to bring us into Himself. He did this so that we would forever have a perfect mediator to usher us into the everlasting Kingdom of God, crushing death in order to reveal a new and eternal way of life.
I am always struck with sweet sorrow on Good Friday. In Louisiana, where I am from, it is traditional for families to gather together for fellowship and fun with fried fish and boiled seafood. My family is no exception...in fact, they lead the way for this great celebration. We swim, boat, ski, eat, visit, and share love with one another all day long from mid morning to late afternoon. For the past 7 years, my husband and I have added to our tradition to follow our family fun day by leading a Good Friday worship service in our local church where we participate in Stations of the Cross, a viewing of The Passion, or reflection on the great sacrifice made for each of us and for the world. Good Friday has become exceedingly meaningful to me and one of my favorite days of Holy Week.
I woke up this morning overcome with gratitude and sorrow, excitement and grief over what today represents and I was reminded of a passage from 1 Peter I read earlier this week:
"To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
“He committed no sin,
and no deceit was found in his mouth.”[a]
and no deceit was found in his mouth.”[a]
When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats.Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” For “you were like sheep going astray,”but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls."
Remember today, that God loved you so much that He sent himself in the flesh, as one of your own, to let you know. Remember that he is calling you to be with Him always. Take some time to listen to the still small voice of The Lord and to remember that through the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the doorway is forever open for you to be with God, your wonderful creator and the lover of your soul. Know deeply that God's holy love for you reaches past the depths of your worst mistakes and failures and that He sees the beautiful and wonderful person He knit in your mother's womb years ago.
Today is the day we remember the most powerful thing God could have done and we become infused by the strength Jesus shows us on the cross. Through it we can go forward into the world without fear and darkness, because today, Jesus with the Triune God crushed death itself and lit a new path for humanity to be in constant relationship with God forever.
Is there any greater gift that could have been given?
