Good Friday

From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land. About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"—which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

When some of those standing there heard this, they said, "He's calling Elijah."

Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. The rest said, "Now leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to save him."

And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.

At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus' resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people.

When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, "Surely he was the Son of God!"

Matthew 27:45-54 (NIV)

Comments

[The Financista]

Thanks for always keeping it in perspective -- God Bless and Happy Easter!

[Zachary]

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." - Galatians 2:20

[Shanna]

It was nice, this morning, to be reading through my financial bloglines and come across this post.

May my thoughts be on the cross--especially today.

[Adam]

Great post friend. Thanks. Check out my devotions sometime at http://hunger4god-devotions.blogspot.com/

[NCN]

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed...
Grace, awesome, awesome, awesome GRACE!

"Upon him was the chastisement that makes us whole, by his stripes we were healed."—Isaiah 53:5

Good Friday is not an easy day. Happiness and laughter are absent. Hearts are heavy. But, it is not a day of despair. The consolation of God fills our hearts as we acknowledge our humanity and our great need for forgiveness and healing. We must trust in God, letting go of our desires to manipulate and control. Place yourself with Jesus today. Give him your company as he endures abandonment, the pain of his passion, the loneliness of the cross. Allow yourself to enter into his sadness. Then receive the consolation that comes with sharing a heavy burden with a dear friend.

Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.