A Good Day and a Sad Day

Good Friday.  I've always had mixed feelings about the name for this special day.  It is truly good because of what Jesus did for us on His crucifixion day.  His sacrifice to pay for our sins is incomprehensible!  I'm humbled every time I think of what He went through for us.

But it's also Sad Friday because of what Jesus went through!  It's sad that we had sinned and needed His redemptive act.  It's incredibly sad because of how Jesus was treated.  Pilate let the horrible criminal Barabbas free, and crucified the Son of God.  It's sad because of the mockery, suffering, and cruelty that Jesus experienced.

Good and Sad - such contradictions, and yet it's why this is such a special, holy day.  I'm grateful for all Jesus went through for me and for you.

"But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed."  Isaiah 53:5

"This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: 'He took our illnesses and bore our diseases.' "  Matthew 8:17

Those verses have one of my favorite phrases from Good Friday.  "By His stripes we are healed."  I think it applies to both spiritual and physical healing.  I often speak it out in prayer when asking God for healing.

Today I'm so grateful for all Jesus has done for me - spiritual and physical healing.  It is both a Good day and a Sad Day......and I know resurrection is coming!!  My heart is overflowing with love for my Savior.

The above photo was taken by local priest John Abbink.  I asked his permission to share it.  The cross is on the mountain above where I live.  One of Floyd's favorite walks was to walk up to the cross.  Some years ago when our family was here, we spent time praying there at the cross for our family and our future - not knowing all that was to come.  This photo seems so appropriate this Easter weekend.  It's a visual reminder of God's glory and His mercy in one photo.