good friday
Depending on what time you are reading this, it was sent early in the morning, so I am going to pretend you are reading it in close proximity to when it was sent. As you read this, thousands of years ago, Jesus was being bullied around, beaten up, deprived of water or food, and more importantly deprived of dignity. Led to the cross he was hoisted up, with nails ripping his flesh and tearing away his muscles, he struggled to take a breath. This is not a great image to ponder let alone be reading about in the morning hours. Yet it was the reality the King of all the cosmos had to endure.
Pontificating words cannot truly grasp the moment and if we are being honest theologians can only slighty capture the depth of the implications of his sacrifice. So, in these moments we turn to the artists and poets that bring light. I encourage to read these words from Isaac Watts as he poetically looked deep into this moment.
When I survey the wondrous crosson which the Prince of glory died,
my richest gain I count but loss, and pour contempt on all my pride.
Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast save in the death of Christ, my God!
All the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them through his blood.
See, from his head, his hands, his feet, sorrow and love flow mingled down.
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet,or thorns compose so rich a crown?
Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were a offering far too small.
Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.
Literally, no heights nor depths can keep you from God’s love in Jesus Christ. Again, whether you take time to attend a service or not, I urge you to not pass through this day without sitting in the hurt, pain, shame of what the cross meant and did. Yet, find comfort in the love that motivated Jesus to take those steps and empty himself. Find a moment to reread the Gospel accounts and meditate on the depth of God’s love for you. When words and reason fall short we have to lean more into the heart and experience.
The author of Hebrews said that, “We do not have a high priest who doesn’t get us but in every way he was made like us so that he does understand and shares in our lives.” Your suffering and hurt is not foreign to Jesus. He suffered hell and mutilation and doing so, sits with you in the midst of your darkest night. Take comfort he is with you. Reminding you, the resurrection hope is dawning, its light is breaking the dark. So today, cling to the cross. Sit in the emotions and let yourself be swept up by love on display. While at the same time be caught off guard as we see a spark of the Kingdom create an epic fire that will set the world ablaze with Gospel momentum. “Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.” The cross is a gentle reminder not only of our enemy’s defeat but the reality that our God suffered so you never have to suffer alone. He is with you, always.
