When I think of all that’s good in the world, betrayal does not come to mind…
Nor does severe ridicule…
Nor does unwarranted persecution…
Nor does obscene abuse…
Nor does a long day of suffering, clinging desperately to slivers of life, heaving lung-crushing breaths, blood-gushing wounds, and tears of excruciating torment.
For that man (who just happened to also be God) hanging on the cross, enduring hell for all humanity, it could not have been a Good Friday.
For his mother, spectating the torture of her son, partnering in bearing his suffering and pain, it could not have been a Good Friday.
For one person, at the bookend of his life, with vision blurred from deserved execution, whose eyes were momentarily opened to the miracle of grace, who had not done one thing in his embarrassing life that was worthy of spending eternity in paradise….for the thief on a neighboring cross who simply believed, it was, for him, a Good Friday.
As it is for this sinner…an undeserving recipient of his unfailing love, precious peace, and amazing grace. For me, it is a Good Friday.
Luke 23:42-43
42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you enter your kingdom.”
43 He said, “Don’t worry, I will. Today you will join me in paradise.”
{image via here}
