Good Friday

I am up this morning really early,  it is just me and this computer right now.  God has my mind on the events of this day 2000+ years ago.  The day would be torturous and long for Jesus.  He would be forsaken by almost everyone and would be beaten even before any real trial.  He would die one of the most painful deaths in recorded history. All this in spite of the fact that he was the only truly innocent man to ever live.  These thoughts have me stirred this morning because I want to live in a way that honors what He did.

I think the worst part of this day,  the final betrayal if will,  was when the Father turned His head.  This was a moment when Jesus was truly alone, as alone as anyone has ever been. 

• He had a mission that no one else could do
• He carried a burden that no one else on earth even understood
• He deserved and could have had fantastic honor and fellowship
• The church hated him,  religion is often just hate that self justifies
• His friends abandoned Him
• Laws that should have protected Him were used to destroy Him
• The Devil and his demons reveled in this moment
• Jesus had all power to stop this but He chose not to

I could go on.... You see, no one could take his place and that unique fact is incredibly lonely all by itself. 

My question this morning is about the sacrifice He made.  He became sin for us, the sins of all mankind was place upon Him.  In that moment when the father could not look upon Him,  it was the nature of this sacrifice that saved us.  He was the perfect sacrificial Lamb!   I wonder if in that moment He knew the shame of sin?  Not the guilt, for he was not guilty, but the shame.  You and I know this shame well,  the worst and best among us know the shame of sin.  I believe that this is what made Jesus sweat drops of blood in the garden,  not the physical pain of the cross but rather the nature of its sacrifice. 

Take some time today to reflect,  but do not stay in this mood for long.  On the third day it will be Easter morning and everything will change.   He will emerge  from the grave with the keys that set all of us free.  Praise God!

I am finishing up my final plans for Easter Sunday this weekend.  God has been moving in huge ways at Englewood Ministries and it is a fun privilege to be the Pastor there.  I am continuing to travel as I can, I will be in Las Angeles this Monday and Tuesday for a great Chi Alpha (college) event.  My dear friend Winston Bui directs a phenomenal program there and I am honored to go and minister for him.

Thanks for all you interest and prayers!