Good Friday: a day of agony and anguish, torture and degradation, betrayal and abandonment, sorrow and sacrifice. But the overwhelming message of this horrible day is one of love!
Not me, Lord, I wouldn’t and couldn’t betray you! Or would and could I? Have I ever betrayed my Lord as Judas did that night or denied following Jesus as Peter did that same evening? Have I become inattentive to His words as the disciples did in the garden? Have I ever abandoned Him as they did while He suffered on the cross? Have I ever doubted, yielded to temptation, or forsaken my Lord? Unfortunately, the answer is yes.
Fortunately, just as Peter and the disciples were forgiven for their lack of faith, so are we. Moreover, just as Peter and the disciples went on to accomplish great things, so can we!
When life challenges us, it helps to remember that either God sent it or allowed it! Life’s trials aren’t punishment, they are lessons. Each experience can transform us to be wiser, stronger, and more prepared for the next challenge (if we let it). So, we give thanks in all circumstances…even those we don’t particularly enjoy!
What great things does God have in store for you today?
Father, let us take a break from the stress of every day and rest in your presence. We give you our worries and ask that you open our eyes to see your truth, our minds to understand your plan, and our hearts to feel your peace.
Do you ever wonder where all these joyful people were only a few days later when the crowd chose Barabbas over Jesus to be saved from dying on the cross? Why were they silent? What happened to the people who had shouted “Hail to the King of Israel!” when Jesus hauled his cross down the road? Why were there no cries of outrage then? Where were these people when Jesus was crucified? Do you ever wonder where you would be and what you would have done if you’d been in Jerusalem that Passover week?
Lord Jesus, even when we feel you’ve disappointed us, don’t ever let us abandon you. Reassure us of your presence. Forgive us for our silence when we should have spoken and acknowledged you publicly as our Lord and Savior! May we always greet you with praise and thanksgiving.
