'Great Friday'?

"Why do we call it 'Good Friday' if Jesus died?" I have heard this question asked before, and even wondered about it, myself, when I was younger. The short answer?

Well, BECAUSE Jesus died, he took our place of punishment, pardoning us of what we truly deserve... making a way, by faith, to be reconciled to God the Father.

I'd say that's not just a 'good' thing... it's a GREAT thing!!

Thankful that Jesus "considered the joy set before him" and endured in obedience.

Thinking about Him today... How did He feel as he awoke this new day knowing what the day would hold?

"For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, SO THAT YOU MIGHT FOLLOW IN HIS STEPS. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed." 

-1 Peter 2:19-24

Maybe we should all start calling it 'Great Friday'!!

Thank you, Jesus, that you had me in mind as you faced the darkest day of your life on earth! I'm so thankful you endured such hostility, suffering, shame, and torture for the sake of the future joy (and hope) it would bring about in MY life... Help me not forget the example you left for me. Thinking of you, especially today...