The Great Rescue

This evening, as we reflected on the cross at the Good Friday service at our church, our pastor encouraged us to mourn and rejoice. He said that it is almost impossible to separate the two, because we mourn, but we do not do so without hope. So, as we spend the weekend in reflection of what Christ has done, it is important to realize its significance, without minimizing the ultimate act of sacrifice. It matters that we take a 'hard' look, in every sense of the word, at the wickedness in our hearts, which gives meaning and purpose to the heroic act of a Savior. It is equally important that we rejoice in who He is and the lengths He went to, in order to save us and make us His very own. As we talked about the meaning of Good Friday and Easter with our 4-year-old throughout the day, He knew all the right answers to why we celebrate Easter, what Good Friday represents and why Resurrection Sunday is so important. How I long for the day when both of my boys are able to better understand and embrace the meaning of The Great Rescue. I cannot imagine the hopelessness those who don't believe must experience. The most powerful word picture from the service that grabbed me was explained in a way that enabled me to feel both grief and gratitude in the same breath. He said Jesus's body was torn apart so that I may have newness of life. What truth! What grievous and glorious truth! For my good. For His glory. It is finished. May all that we, as believers, do and say on Easter weekend and always be through the lenses of the Gospel-Jesus's death and resurrection.

This song...For the Cross...listen, meditate, worship the One who gave everything.

Though our sins are scarlet

You have made us white as snow