Into the Fire

The stark reality of "Good Friday" is only "good" because on that critical day many, many years ago, as prophesied, the Savior of the world gave His life to set us free from the bondage of sin in order to make peace between our Creator God and us, His wayward, sin-stained creation. 

As if it wasn't horror enough that Jesus was beaten beyond recognition prior to being strung up and literally nailed with spikes into his hands and feet to the wooden cross along with two other career criminals, He was tasked with taking upon Himself the sins of us all. I shudder every time I consider my own sins placed upon his sinless body. Mine alone would've killed him. It gives me great sorrow. Added to my own are the sins of the entire population past, present, and future – even though as Solomon said: There's nothing new under the sun. In fact, when Adam and Eve gave into the temptation to sin, every sin known to man entered this fallen world. Think of that terrifying declaration. Then imagine the holy sinless Jesus Christ taking them all upon His damaged physical form and enduring those moments of dire pain before declaring "It is finished." Committing His Spirit to His Father, He experienced physical death because "the wages of sin is death". Seriously, there is nothing "good" about Jesus taking our place of punishment and suffering the consequences of our sins.   

However, "because of the joy set before Him" which was our rescue, salvation, redemption, He went to His physical death in our place. That arranged the opportunity for creation to decide to embrace His sacrifice for us and give our lives back to Him for His service and for our heavenly eternity when death on earth comes our way after our ordained days for our lives. And then, because He is a God who desires our allegiance but will not force it upon us – unlike mankind tries to do – He allows us the freedom to choose Him or hell, the place of eternal torment. One would think that would be an easy choice to make, but, as we know, there are many who do not believe a word of what I've presented here. And, again, that's their choice. One they will ultimately regret. 

So. It's "good" Friday for us, a brutal and horrific death for our Savior because of our sins but followed by the astounding resurrection which led to our redemption. 

Jesus answered, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."  John 14:6 (NIV)