Good Friday

Tuesday night Stephany and I watched The Passion of the Christ. It was the first time for both of us. All these years we've heard how Jesus died on the cross. As a young child we certainly don't need to hear all the details or could we comprehend them at such a young age. But even as we get older I think that the crucifixation has been glossed over.

We hear how Jesus died and why he died. We know that he suffered. We know he hung on the cross. But do we really know the true extent of his suffering?

Twice this week I came face to face with the truth of Christ's suffering. On Monday I was listening to Chuck Swindoll explain each step of Christ's physical suffering in great detail. At one point in the program I thought I couldn't bear to hear any more. But then I said to myself that I HAD to listen. I HAD to know the great suffering the my Lord experienced. By the time I got to work I was in tears and had such a grateful heart. Jesus would have done that for me alone!!

Then on Tuesday when I watched the movie it became visually real to me. People have talked about how gory The Passion is. Yes it is. But that's the reality that we don't want to know about.

Tonight was Good Friday service at church. I heard the story once again and at the end the church was in complete darkness with not a sound. That is a little of what it must have been like the moment Jesus died. It was very eery and so sad.

But the story's not over - Hallelujah!!! On Sunday we get to party and celebrate His resurrection!! Praise God for that!! The story isn't over for any of us either if we know Jesus personally! Hallelujah!!

Thank you Jesus!