GOOD FRIDAY: LAVISH LOVE

… and they crucified him… - Mark 15:24

The rigged trial, the mob that howled for the blood of Jesus, the brutal beating, the savagery of the soldiers, the stumbling walk through the city. Finally, the nails pounded into flesh, the tortured body jerked upright, the naked man dying as his enemies jeered. It was the darkest day. The unbearable day. It is finished!

As darkness falls over the Earth on Good Friday ... God's own son goes into the deep darkness, even death, to save us from the dark of our own hearts. The wounds that marked His body, grotesque to even take even ... became a sign.  It was not just the cruel death of Jesus, but the death of their faith, the end of all they believed in, on this Friday that seemed anything but good. It is finished!

Remembering our own ashen state we see His suffering as a clear picture of the frailty of human existence. And though many times we may somehow think we’re invincible in this life, or even led to believe that we are not “needy” of a Savior, when hit with life’s struggles or face to face with painful events, we quickly remember, we need help. We need a Savior. We have One, who also was broken, in ways we could never fully comprehend, yet he remained strong, and chose to endure it all - for us. He extends grace to remind us we don’t have to stay stuck in our struggle and pain. He holds good in store through it all, able to bring greater purpose, greater beauty, greater strength. He never intends for us to remain in the pit of our despair. For he breathes fresh life. It is finished!

God brought beauty out of the brokenness of the cross, he gives beauty for our ashes. His sacrifice offers forgiveness for our sin. The power of the Resurrection gives hope for our future.

There was no other way...but this.

As we enter into this weekend, may we take a closer look at the reality of it all. The suffering of the cross. The huge sacrifice that Christ paid. The pain that was endured. The great cost of His gift. The love that was shown. The freedom He offers.

It’s not a flowery picture of fluff and stuff.
But it's the most powerful story ever told.
Incredible sacrifice.
Amazing grace.
Healing power.
Mercy beyond comprehension.
Sin and shame erased
No longer in chains.
Lavish love.
It is finished!