Faithful Friday: Forgiven

When I reflect on Good Friday, my thoughts go to the cross. 

And to the unimaginable pain of Crucifixion my Savior suffered. 

For me.  ...For all of us.

Crucifixion was reserved for the worst.  And it was one of the most dreaded forms of execution.  Not to mention the suffering Christ went through in the severe beatings and humiliation before he ever made it to the cross, once there the pain was not only unbearable, but slowly torturing.  It was excruciating.

Arms were outstretched and nailed to the cross, yet supported the whole weight of the body.  To breath, the condemned would have to lift themselves with those arms.  Lungs heavy, one would eventually die from suffocation.

In the midst of this agonizing pain though, we see the heart of Jesus.  

While on the cross, suffering and naked, as others sneered and mocked him and gambled over his clothes, He showed compassion and forgiveness, even to the undeserving.

Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." Luke 23:34

On each side of Him, criminals hung.  One mocked Jesus with insults, "Aren't you the Christ?  Save yourself and us?"  While the other recognized the injustice.  He replied, "Don't you fear God?  We are getting what our deeds deserve, but this man has done nothing wrong." And he asked that Jesus remember him.
(Luke 23:32-43)
Again, Jesus focused on others rather than himself.  With unconditional love and forgiveness, he answered with a promise of paradise.

And today that offer of forgiveness still stands.  If you've never taken your sins to Jesus, it isn't too late.  He's already paid the price and he's waiting, arms outstretched to forgive and welcome you in.  With one decision, you can make this Good Friday the BEST Friday you've ever experienced. 

Join me in celebrating the joy that this season of Easter brings.  The story didn't end at the cross.  The joy of the resurrection is that our story has an eternal ending. 

He is risen!