A GOOD Friday ...

I think this is the first time it has really hit me that it is holy week.  At every other juncture this week it's been the week before Mexico and it has been filled up with lots of busyness and preparation.  Now don't get me wrong, I know Easter is coming, but I haven't really taken the time to STOP and reflect on the corresponding events of the week ... like the glorious entry in to Jerusalem, the palm branches and the hosannahs.  Must Jesus have wondered why they would come to adore Him only as His time on earth was coming to an end?

Or the last supper with his beloved disciples.  To sit down with a heavy heart knowing all that was ahead, not only for Him, but for them.  His washing of their feet ... do you think He was wondering if for once they would truly "get" what He was about and what His heart wanted them to know?  The prayer for His disciples .... and for us.  The pleading in the Garden.  The betrayal of those He loved most. 

The physical pain.  The emotional cost.  To know He could have stopped it.  But He wouldn't ... His love for us was too great.  US ... who don't even stop and really tune into His sacrifice.  US ... who don't love well enough.  US ... whose penalty for sin was paid before our first breath.  US ... who often give more out of fear or obligation than the kind of deep, abiding love He so desires from us.  US ... that He could love no less for our imperfections and no more for the joy we bring to Him.

This is the song floating through my head today as I remember the lonely, painful hours He spent on the cross so that I could come to Him ... approaching His throne of grace with FREEDOM!  Thank you Father!

How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that helf Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast inJesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom