Good Friday

 Good Friday

Today is Good Friday, the darkest day in the Christian calendar. Today is the day JESUS CHRIST, SON OF GOD, LORD AND SAVIOR, CREATER OF THE UNIVERSE was mercilessly flogged with the notorious Roman "cat of nine tails," 'crowned" with thorns, nailed to a cross, mocked, pierced with a spear and counted as dead.

The disciples who had followed HIM for three years, the ones who saw the miracles HE performed for others were incredulous as to how HE could now be subject to this torture.

Peter, ever confident in his own ability to accomplish any challenge had promised JESUS that he would be by HIS side, no matter what happened. Peter scoffed at the notion posed to him by JESUS: "Before the cock crows, you will deny ME three times."

Many prophecies were fulfilled that dismal afternoon, including the one in the Book of Psalms that predicted lots would be cast for the garments of the crucified SAVIOR.

By the time JESUS spoke the words, "IT IS FINISHED," the heavens roared the wrath of GOD -- but something else happened that is to the eternal advantage of sinful mankind -- the veil of separation in the Temple that prevented us from ever directly approaching GOD was rent.

Through the death of JESUS CHRIST, man's way to GOD was opened. Man's free access to the HOLY ONE was assured. Now you, now I, now every sinner may come before the LORD of all creation and call out, "*Abba Father."

* "Abba" means "Daddy." We may not merely approach our GOD with bowed heads of shame for our sin but also as confident children who know "Daddy's" arms are always lovingly open to receive HIS precious ones.

Thank YOU, JESUS, for YOUR sacrifice on the cross for me. I love YOU and I praise YOU. Help me to live for YOU, to die for YOU and to abide with YOU eternally.