I should have written about this three days ago, but I had to wait for the entire narrative since it felt too fitting in its entirety. We had an amazing Easter service at my local church. My pastor spoke about the safety found at the foot of the cross, and a question popped into my head as I listened: “What is the good news in your own words?”
Good Friday weighs heavy on the heart. I feel an overwhelming sense of guilt for being disobedient and unloving toward my fellow creatures. This was the day my best friend died for me. His death is as real as the death of my parents. He was not ill. He sacrificed His life so that I could have life, be saved from eternal damnation. His actions show that I am precious to Him, and that He was willing to endure the ultimate pain and suffering so that I would not have to.
“But He was wounded for our transgressions,
-Isaiah 53:5
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed.”
I can confidently say that I have one friend on this earth who would die for me — and I for him. But even that bond falls short of the love Jesus has for us, not out of unwillingness, but because our hearts simply cannot contain that kind of pure, unbounded love. A love so vast it required the Father to look away, the Son to bear unimaginable pain and suffering, and the Holy Spirit to remain strong and constant through every moment of its execution.
“Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.“
-1 John 3:1
Good Friday on its own is a sad day. But Easter sheds a light of hope and joy. It tears the curtain of darkness to let light engulf us in everlasting joy. A flood of hope that washes away death and despair. Light that reveals the safety at the foot of the cross.
The Monday after Easter should ring with the excitement of New Year’s Day. Where we make resolutions and are filled with enthusiasm to accomplish great new things. It should be the realization of freedom, joy, hope, celebration.
“19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. 20 But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.“
-1 Corinthians 15:19-20
In accepting His love for us, we are justified. In letting Him transform us we are sanctified, we are Home-bound. We are not filthy abandoned orphans anymore. We are clean, loved, cared for, part of the divine family, enriched, renewed, and blessed. Hope you bask in the joy that our Lord has bestowed on us. Have a blessed day.
Dear Jesus,
Your sacrifice and goodness have given me a hope I would not dare dream of otherwise. You have set me free from the shackles of false gods and idols. Thank You for granting me faith and making me a priority. I am eternally bound to You. May I sing Your praise with every breath. Amen.