What’s So Good about Friday? Part 1

Today is Good Friday, the day when Christians around the world remember and reflect on Jesus Christ’s crucifixion at Calvary over 2,000 years ago.

It might seem strange to some that we would refer to the unspeakable suffering that Christ went through on our behalf as “good.”

But if He hadn’t gone to the cross, we would all be without the hope of eternal life.

The hope of living Happily Forever After with Him in love.

I pray that the following excerpt from my newest book, Fifty Days in His Pursuing Love Devotional (Day 33 – “He Died in Your Place”) encourages you as you lean in and listen to the Heart of the One who loved you first and loves you most.

“My joy, I long for you to understand the splendid significance of what I did on your behalf at the cross.”

“I was pierced through for everything you’ve ever done and ever will do wrong.”

“The sins of your lifetime were literally taken away from you (just as if you had never committed them) and transferred into My body (just as if I were the One who committed them).”

“And then I allowed Myself to be punished—beaten, bruised, broken, and slaughtered—so that you could be forever made whole. “

“This may be difficult for you to comprehend, but I loved you even before you were born.”

“Before one thought of Me entered your mind.”

“Before you could do anything to merit My love.”

“And I was right there loving you when you committed the worst, most shameful (in your mind) sin of your life.”

“Yes, your sin was great, but My grace is greater than all your sin.”

“I love you, no matter what you do or don’t do.”

“And there’s nothing you can do about it. It is what it is.”

“I AM who I AM.”

“I am unconditional love, and nobody will ever love you like I love you.”

“You are the love of My life!”

“Anticipating the joy of eternal union with you was how I endured the horrifying violence of the cross.”

“I paid the ultimate price so that we could be joined together forever in love.”

“And if I had to, I would go through it all over again to capture your heart.”

“But I don’t have to.”

“Once was enough to secure our happily forever after!”

Inspired by Isaiah 53:5; 1 Peter 2:24; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Jeremiah 1:5; Romans 5:8; John 3:16; Romans 5:20; Ephesians 2:8–9; Exodus 3:14; 1 John 4:8; Hebrews 12:2; 1 Corinthians 6:17; John 14:20; 17:20–26; 1 Corinthians 6:20; 7:23; Romans 6:10; Hebrews 7:27; 9:12; 10:10; 1 Peter 3:18.

Dearly beloved, take time to allow these marvelous truths to soak in. Bask in the warmth of His amazing love for you!

I would love to hear which truth speaks the loudest to you.