Passion defined:

• intense, driving, or overmastering feeling or conviction
• the sufferings of Christ between the night of the Last Supper and his death

Last night, on Good Friday, I took myself to a quiet place in the house to watch The Passion.  In the rush of the day, an intense, driving feeling or conviction washed over me to remember–truly remember what He did for us.  Over 2000 years later, somehow, as His daughter, I’m drawn to remember, and I would find myself worshipping with tears throughout the day.  I would pause, close my eyes, and the reality of why I’m really here on this Earth became overwhelming.

I look back to my younger years in the 60s and 70s and we were open about the sacrifice of Jesus. We did not shy away or dismiss because it was uncomfortable.  Discomfort is not popular unless you are seeking a goal, but to surrender to the author of salvation and His love seems a little old fashioned and outdated. As I watched what Jesus did for us on the Hill of Calvary, I wondered if I truly understood the magnitude of such a gift. He called us “friends”, and shared, “No greater love than for a friend to lay down His life for you”.

I am His friend.

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.  Isaiah 53:5

Any ounce of the following thwarts my thinking.

Shamed

Bruised

Denied

Abandoned

Mocked

…But God, in His mercy and love, took every sin and negativity and nailed it to the cross, so that I would not have to face this life without a perfect friend and Father. Every moment of my life, regardless of my circumstances, I can say, “It is well with my soul” even if all seems lost or hopeless. The Saturday after the cross has always been a reminder of the time we spend in the awaiting of Jesus’ second coming, and the new heaven and earth that will exist.  My youngest asked if Jesus was afraid.  We talked about how God gave us emotions.  We agreed that Jesus experienced so much emotion that His sweat, according to scripture, was mixed with blood. Jesus trusted the Father and took one step at a time in intense agony while also providing for His mother, offering forgiveness, and telling the thief, “Today you will be with me in Paradise.”

Beautiful friend, every step you take is filled with the Glory of God–He is with you. In the waiting…

• Provide for others and serve
• Forgive
• Share the love of Jesus

I pray you wake up tomorrow early and imagine yourself at the tomb. The stone has been rolled away, and Jesus walks with you in the garden.

He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee… Luke 24:6

Remember how He told you and rejoice!

Today is a great day for a new beginning…

Video to inspire you:

Click on the words, “a brand-new day”.

A Brand New Day from worshiphousemedia on GodTube.