Today I Remember (Good Friday)
Today I am thinking about grace.
Today I am thinking about the thief. The guy who was guilty. The one who deserved to die. Today I remember that his one prayer was enough for forgiveness. Today I marvel at a love that says that even if you never did anything right, and even if you waited too long, and even if you ruined everything for yourself, the cross is for you. Today I remember that my own sin was enough to require blood, just as the thief’s was.
Today I am thinking about the religious leaders. The ones who forgot about the sick and the poor. The ones who conspired against Jesus and asked for his death. Today I am thinking about the ones who didn’t love at all, because they missed the point entirely. I’m thinking about the ones who exhausted themselves living by the rules. Today I remember that Jesus forgave them too. Today I am in awe of a love that says even if you never did anything right, and even if you are filled with pride, the cross is for you. Today I remember that my own sin was enough to require blood, just as theirs was.
He was pierced for our rebellion.
He was crushed for our sins.
He was beaten that we could be made whole. (Isaiah 53:5)
“But it was the Lord’s good plan to crush him and cause him grief.
Yet when his life is made an offering for sin,
he will have many descendants.
He will enjoy a long life,
and the Lord’s good plan will prosper in his hands.
When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish,
he will be satisfied.
And because of his experience,
my righteous servant will make it possible
for many to be counted righteous,
for he will bear all their sins.” (Isaiah 53:10-11)