The Ending of Good Friday Brought Dark Saturday

The story of Christ's crucifixion always brings tears to my eyes. I wasn't one of those that watched The Passion when it came out, but still, I can count on every viewing of Jesus of Nazareth to weep. Perhaps it is because I have gotten older, but every year, the significance of what my Lord and Savior did at Calvary becomes more and more meaningful.



Today I was reading my Bible the story of Good Friday as told by Matthew, Mark, and Luke. This verse in each of the books jumped off the page at me: "As they were on the way, they came across a man named Simon, who was from Cyrene, And they forced him to carry Jesus' cross." My name might just as well have been there instead of Simon's. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that Christ bore Golgotha and all its horrors, its pains, the mockery, the humiliation for ME! He died so that I might live with Him forever in Paradise. Jesus did not look forward to the pain ("My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken from Me! Yet not My will, but Yours be done.") but He followed through with it. I do not believe I would have, even for the sake of humanity. I do not chose pain; indeed, I struggle with petty things that pale in light of what Christ did.



When sunset comes and tomorrow breaks, we know the end of the "Easter story." However, I cannot begin to imagine what it was like for the disciples. They had walked with Christ; they knew that He was the Son of God. But aside from Lazarus, death was final to them. There was no "coming back from the after life." And besides, the one who had raised a dead man was now in the same state. Who was going to raise Him? Peter, James, John didn't have those special, God-given powers. I imagine that it was a time of lost hope and questioning for them. The world was dark without their Lord walking with them and talking to them.



We have so much to be thankful for, my sisters. Christ did not stay dead! The darkness is gone! This world, yes, is full of sin, strife, and looks hopeless. But with the conquering of the grave, their is a bright light, a Holy and Awesome one, at the end. But just as we can't experience spring without winter, the thanks we sing would not be as glorious if Calvary had not been experienced.



Thank you, Father, for taking what was mine. You are so good to me. I am a great sinner, but thanks to the cross, You are a great Savior and became mine. May I always count the cost of You sacrifice; may I never take it lightly. And may I always praise you, my Redeemer.