One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him (at Jesus), saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he (Jesus) said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” Luke 23.39-43
Good Friday … come be a part of considering Jesus’ last words from the cross. The cross He approached with holy humility, knowing He would bear the weight of the world’s sin and separation from God the Father. The cross He knew would bring His Father’s salvation for His beloved people. The cross that was a burden too much for anyone but Him. The cross that changed the world because Jesus bore our sins and took the disgrace and punishment due us.
Our church welcomes you to come and be a part of our evening Good Friday worship gathering, March 29, Friday evening, 7-8pm. I understand the service will be available by livestream for those who are not able to attend in person.
I remember being stunned the first time I attended a Good Friday service. The solemnity of it. The horror and great mercy swirled in my mind and heart. I understood only a little of the magnitude of the death of Jesus on the cross and the remarkable changes that took place … a condemned man pardoned, mid-day turned to darkness, the curtain in the temple torn from top to bottom.
My heart was convicted as never before to experience such depth of emotion and to wrestle with the realization it was because of my sin that that had to happen. I am that condemned person pardoned by Jesus … you will be with Me in paradise.
That Friday made the following Sunday full to overflow with the beginnings of understanding the meaning of Easter. My life was changed forever by God’s matchless, merciful rescue. Praise God!
May you know and grow to know more of such love, mercy, and forgiveness.
With tearful joy in a God who saves, Colleen