Friday, April 22, 2011

Reflections for Holy Friday


Some 2ooo years ago today, the heavens and the earth fell silent as they mourned for the prince who would no longer exist in human form.

I wonder what the evening felt like when Jesus breathed His last and claimed, "It is finished!"

What were the feelings beyond utter grief and sadness for those that knew Him and now were without hope? Did any remember his words that He'd be back in three days or did they forget the power He possessed over death?

The Bible declares that when Jesus was on the cross it was about noon and the whole land became dark until 3pm because the sun did not shine and curtain in the Temple was torn in two.

Then Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Father, I give You My life." After Jesus said this, He died.

Joseph from Arimathea came and took Jesus' body down and laid in the tomb before sundown on Passover.

Yet two betrayed Jesus that day. Judas did it with a kiss, Peter with an oath in the courtyard. Both of them had heard Jesus predict their disobedience, and both were crushed at their own sins.

Judas unwilling to face his guilt, commits suicide.

Peter, shattered by his sin, broke down and wept like a child. Peter opened himself to confession, forgiveness, and resolve.

In the years that followed, Judas became an embarrassing memory.

Peter changed the world.

Remorse and repentance.

Two similar words, with incredibly potent differences.

When caught in sin, its very tempting to throw ourselves to the ground, groveling in remorse. But the message of these two unforgettable disciples is that while remorse ends a life, true repentance starts one all over again.

Jesus Christ has already died for your sin.

He paid the full price for it on the cross.

Recognize your failure, receive your pardon, and go forward in victory.

Don't let it be the end of your life - let it be a new beginning.

Let us remember why He did it. It was so we could look back on any pain, suffering, grief or sadness in our own life and could identify with Jesus that He knows exactly how we feel. There is nothing we are going through that He has not been through. He understands more than you realize! Let us not forget the price that He ultimately paid today!

Come quickly Lord Jesus, we await your return as promised!

6 comments:

Danae Hudson said...

Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

Peggy said...

I enjoyed your lovely post. I stand in awe of Jesus and how He covered all our sins with His blood on the cross. And the price He paid so we can be free. Blessings to you this Easter weekend.

NanaNor's said...

Easter blessings to you dear one, Loved this post and so very grateful that He paid our debt entirely. May you and yours experience the richness of His glory.
Hugs, Noreen

Rita said...

Ah, what a price He paid! All that we might be free from sin and shame. That is the ultimate gift and I am thankful for it! Have a wonderful Easter!

Samantha said...

Yes, so very thankful for his precious most ultimate gift to us.
Have a very blessed Easter !

KrippledWarrior said...

Remorse(regret) vs Repentance! Excellent point, Kat. Very thought provoking.