Today, as I reflect on the meaning of Good Friday, I have to ask the question “what is good about Good Friday?” Jesus was betrayed by one of His disciples and arrested by an angry mob. One of His closest friends denied that he even knew Him while the crowd shouted “crucify Him”. Whips sliced His back as people spat in His face. Soldiers nailed Him to a tree that He had created. People cried out,” He saved others yet He cannot even save Himself.” The wrath of the Father was poured out on Him while He cried , “My God, my God, why has thou forsaken me?” Jesus who knew no sin, was literally made sin. Everything that everyone had ever done wrong was charged to His account. Now, correct me if I’m wrong, but this does not sound “good” at all. In fact it sounds horrific, unjust, and evil. Darkness was seeming to triumph. Satan was cheering as the blood was pouring out of the Son of God.

Yet behind the scenes, God was working out everything for the good. Jesus was forsaken by the Father so that I could be forgiven. He was condemned so that I could be set free. He gave His very life so that I could have life eternal. He bore the crown of thorns so that one day I could lay my crown before His nail pierced feet. He faced agonizing darkness so that the light of HIs glory could burst through the blackness of my heart. He was forsaken by friends so that we could walk with the very One who will never leave us nor forsake us. Yes, my friend, His cup was filled with wrath and judgement (the very sentence I deserved) so that my cup could be filled with love, acceptance and forgiveness. Every sin of mine is now washed by the blood. He triumphed over Satan and defeated death so that I would only have to face death’s shadow. Oh the depths of love that Jesus has for us. He faced hell so that we could have the gift of heaven. What a heart of compassion God the Father has that He would send His Son to save a dead dog like me. Jesus alone can take the worst of the worst and turn it into something beautiful. He can make beauty from ashes. He definitely did that in my life. He took this selfish, angry, sin sick girl and wrapped me in the robes of His righteousness. He turned my darkness into light and snatched me from the path leading to hell and put me on the one that led to the gates of heaven. The day that could have been the darkest in history is now good and it is a story filled with triumph and forgiveness. Thank You Jesus for Your sacrifice. You deserve all the praise, glory, and adoration because of all You did and all You are.