It's Not Over!

It's Good Friday. No video today....I've "gone dark" since my videographer (Bobby) isn't available. Although it wasn't planned, I think the darkness is appropriate since this morning represents a dark time in history. It's the morning that Jesus Christ was dragged from his overnight prison cell, mocked, beaten, tortured, paraded throughout Jerusalem, and finally crucified between two thieves. On this day Jesus not only felt terrible physical pain but he also experienced the deep emotional pain of abandonment. As he was nearing death he cried out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" He ultimately surrendered to God the father and then he died.
Try to imagine how Jesus felt; alone, afraid, uncertain, defeated, deceived. Many who he had grown to know and love had turned their backs on him. From beginning to the bitter end of that tragic day, he suffered a terrible and very painful way to die. All hope had been destroyed that Friday for the people who had followed him and who expected and believed that he would save them from the ills of society. Those followers certainly would not have given this day the name "Good Friday". There was nothing good about it. It was over....or was it?
Now, nearly two thousand years later we know why we call it "Good" Friday. We know the outcome of the story. Jesus Christ conquered death by rising from the dead three days after suffering death by crucifixion. The stone was rolled away from the burial spot and the tomb was empty! He did this so he God could provide a means to allow people to be forgiven of their shortcomings (sins). So that all who believe in him as their lord and savior will have eternal life. This is the celebration of Easter morning!
Today you might be feeling alone or afraid. Maybe you are grieving or maybe you are enduring great physical pain or hardship. Perhaps you also feel abandoned. The outcome of your personal story is not yet known. If you are feeling down or even hopeless remember that all hope was gone on the day that Jesus died. More importantly remember that on Easter morning he rose from the dead and on that day hope was reborn. Christ continues to live in your heart if you accept and believe in him. He will assist you in overcoming anything if you allow and ask him to help. Pray, have faith and hope. Believe. "He has risen, He has risen indeed." Happy Easter! May you experience His love in a renewed way this year. Until next week... Donna