When the cherry blossoms bloom, I can’t help but smile. What appeared dead most of the year was alive all along, taking its place at just the right time.
In the shadow of Easter, here we are on Good Friday. it was good because of what was to come. It was good because the sacrifice made would give life to us all. It was good because he was willing to follow through on the plan of redemption for every soul, both past and present. It was good.
Today, with ravaged nations, terrorist attacks, millions enslaved, fatherless babies, heinous acts committed in the name of hate, lust, racism, and fear, I remember that it’s not over. It wasn’t over on Friday. So many thought evil won but it wasn’t that simple. Redemption was always the plan. We wouldn’t have the glory of Sunday if it wasn’t for the affliction of Friday.
Today, we recognize his suffering and on Sunday we’ll celebrate his freedom that he freely gives for those who call on his name. To know both is to know life.
Paul shares in Philippians 3:10-11
I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.
Oh that we would know his death and resurrection, accepting the treasure of them both, looking for death in ourselves so we can know the resurrected life tucked in Christ.