Tomorrow is Good Friday, when Jesus took our sin to the cross and died to have eternity with us all. We all stand on the backend of the story and know the great victory He claimed in it all, but imagine the doubt, frustration, and confusion we may have felt if we were witnessing all that took place with our own eyes:
His Betrayal
Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus by turning Him over to His enemies for a few silver coins. Judas intended it for his own gain, but his actions fulfilled the prophesies of the Old Testament about the coming King. Have you ever experienced betrayal? Betrayal is intensely personal, which is what makes it so difficult. However, God uses those moments to fulfill something much greater in us and through us if we trust His timing.
His Persecution
Jesus endured unspeakable pain and was ultimately killed although He committed no crime. Have you been persecuted? Have you ever been blamed for something you did not do or have your motives or integrity been questioned? We live in the modern world where very few of us could actually say “No, I’ve never experienced that.” Throughout His walk to Calvary, Jesus made no effort to defend himself or convince others of who He truly was. He allowed the persecution to take place, knowing God would redeem Him. God will redeem us as well.
His Death
Jesus gave up His spirit as a payment for our sin because He knew there was a life yet to come. Have you made the choice to accept His gift? We have been given the promise of eternity with God if we accept Jesus as our Savior. Until we leave this earth and see God face to face, we die to our old way of life moment by moment as we become new creations in Him.
His Burial
The onlookers were astonished to witness Jesus being tortured, killed, and ending up in a tomb. That is not how the story was supposed to end. He was supposed to be their Savior and take His seat upon the throne as King. Have you ever been thrown off your axis when things didn’t go as you expected? Their hopes and dreams died the moment Jesus gave up His spirit on the cross, has something ever stolen your hopes and dreams? Just when we feel there is no hope…
His Comeback
Praise the Lord we know how the story ends! Jesus conquered death and ascended into heaven securing His place on the throne and our salvation. Not only could His enemies not keep Him down, but death could not be victorious over Him. Friend, are you ready for your comeback? Are you ready for the infusion that comes from God who gave His Son to die for you? All hail King Jesus – who goes before us to fight our battles and bring us victory!
Be blessed!
Jennifer
“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!” (Luke 24:5b-6)