Why doesn’t Good Friday feel very “good”?

Every year I find myself compelled to go.I know it will probably feel painful and even a bit dark.I know I will once again sit in a pew with tears streaming down my face as I recognize how unworthy I am to be treated as someone of worth. To be valued, treasured, sacrificed for.
If this is Good Friday, why doesn’t it feel so “good”?

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It all seems backward doesn’t it?
What could be good about the unspeakable pain he suffered?
What could be good about the shame and betrayal?
Easter Sunday is so joyful, bright and cheery.The songs are upbeat, hands are clapping and everyone is dressed in their Easter best.Shouldn’t that be the day we call “good”?
It feels so much better!
But, I don’t know how to sit in the pew on Easter Sunday and rejoice over His resurrection, unless I have felt the pain of His death. I have realized that in life the sweetest victories are the ones which were realized after a pain-filled journey.
And, so it is with Good Friday.I know there will be victory over death and I will sit in that pew surrounded by my family and celebrate with the best of them! But I can’t skip ahead in the story.
“After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: ‘Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.”John 17:1-5
He knew what was ahead.He knew what he would experience.And he knew why he would go through it.
He did it for me.He did it for you.
Do you know that?
It is hard to comprehend isn’t it?
Sometimes it makes me squirm a bit.

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Why would anyone do that for me?
Well, because, I can’t do it for myself!
There is nothing I can do to earn that kind of love and mercy.
That is why it is called GRACE.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”Ephesians 2:8-10
His grace is freely given.We don’t have to pay for it.He paid the price for us already.
Do you remember that movie from years ago called “Ransom”?
A couple’s young son was kidnapped and the parents went to hell and back trying to find him and pay the “ransom” demanded by the kidnappers.
Well, Jesus is our “ransom”. (1 Timothy 2:6) His life was the payment.
“Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, ‘I am thirsty.’ A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”John 19:28-30
Why is it called “Good Friday”?Because that wasn’t the end of the story.
It was just the beginning!
As a family, we are preparing our hearts for this coming week and we will be reflecting on the “goodness/holiness” of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection.
One way we are doing that is by making all of it seem more tangible to our children.
My son made this little Resurrection Garden when he was in kindergarten.

I just love how real it made it all to him.
And, if you come back tomorrow, I’m going show you how to make one when we participate in this fun party! We hope you will join us by sharing your own Spring and Easter projects, crafts, decor and recipes.

And as always, thank you for joining us for this Simply Sunday at the Fence,
Vanessa

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Comments

marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says:

April 1, 2012 at 1:47 PM

Beautiful post. So perfect for the season. God Bless. Marty

LDH says:

April 1, 2012 at 1:56 PM

It is hard to comprehend! This would be perfect to share on my Think on These Things today.

http://gratefulprayerthankfulheart.blogspot.com/2012/03/think-on-these-things-7-pierced.html

LDH says:

April 1, 2012 at 1:58 PM

It is hard to comprehend! This post and your words would be perfect to share on my Think On These Things today!

Hibiscus House says:

April 1, 2012 at 1:59 PM

You have put into words what I could not, thank you.
Dolly

NanaDiana says:

April 1, 2012 at 3:14 PM

What a heart wrenching post. How lucky we are and how unworthy…and we go merrily on our way sometimes without a second thought of what was done for us. Beautiful Palm Sunday post– xo Diana

Lori says:

April 1, 2012 at 3:19 PM

Just got back from Palm Sunday mass. The teens did a presentation of the passion play, always brings tears to my eyes. I love holy week.

Michele @ The Nest at Finch Rest says:

April 1, 2012 at 3:24 PM

A stunning post in every way.

All I can say is AMEN, sister!

This was really beautiful, heart-felt and extremely well written.

It is a gift, and one I gladly receive. Thank you so much.

God bless you and yours this most Holy of seasons.

~Michele

Carol says:

April 1, 2012 at 5:33 PM

Hosanna!

Gypsy Heart says:

April 1, 2012 at 6:23 PM

Beautiful ~ thank you so much for sharing! I, too, sit in tears and wonder how He went through the crucifixtion…and He did it for each of us. There is no love like it.

Brightest blessings for you and yours,
Pat

andrea@townandprairie says:

April 1, 2012 at 8:44 PM

I sobbed today when we sang, “Were you there when they crucified my Lord?” I do every.single.year. I feel like a quiet heart sometimes in a mob-action filled world. I think that is the way with most true Christians. I made a post today on how to braid your Palm Sunday palms. I’ll share it tomorrow at your bunny hop!

Vicki says:

April 1, 2012 at 10:03 PM

Amen! Amen… I too sit in tears, tears of joy, to be forgiven, no questions asked. No love could be bigger or more joyful! Thank you for sharing, you said it beautifully!

Angela says:

April 1, 2012 at 10:28 PM

It’s so true about Easter. It’s humbling to think the sacrifice he willing made us!!! Thank you so much for sharing this today!
Hugs,
Angela

Thoughts for the day says:

April 1, 2012 at 10:30 PM

I just loved your honesty… the questions, the raw open feelings, very beautful … may we always remember HE DID IT for us…!

Michelle Paige says:

April 1, 2012 at 11:45 PM

Such a truthful, lovely post! Thank you!

chateau chic says:

April 2, 2012 at 1:20 AM

Amazing Grace! Amazing Love!
Thanks for this wonderful post, Mary Alice

Debbie says:

April 2, 2012 at 11:54 AM

Beautifully expressed.
Resurrection is impossible to experience if we don’t involve believe that first there was/is a death. It’s the death that makes it all so “good”.

Isn’t that the way it is for all flesh? If we don’t really believe we were once dead but now live, maybe…just maybe… we’re like the Bruce Willis character in that movie (can’t remember the name) who doesn’t know that he is among the dead himself?

Anyway. Rambling.
Great post, Vanessa.

Debbie says:

April 2, 2012 at 11:56 AM

Sixth Sense. That’s it.

(and I don’t know where that word “involve” came from in my comment. Must have been one of the dead people.)

Sue says:

April 2, 2012 at 12:47 PM

The traits of unselfishness, caring, and love are everything we should emulate from His sacrifice. It isn’t always easy to do. We tend to be self-centered and greedy quite often. What wonderful food for thought, Vanessa. Hope you enjoy a wonderfully special Holy Week. xo Sue

Tammy @BeatriceBanks says:

April 2, 2012 at 1:43 PM

Loved this post! The reason for the season! So thankful for God’s grace.
Happy Spring and Easter!

Jillian's Bella Rosa Antiques says:

April 3, 2012 at 2:06 AM

Wonderful post…I’m so glad you did this for the link party. Maybe it will touch someone’s heart today!

Aimee - ItsOverflowing.com says:

April 3, 2012 at 12:43 PM

Thanks for sharing your heart. His redemption is the greatest gift for sure!!!

XO, Aimee

Sarah says:

April 4, 2012 at 6:38 PM

Thank you for such a moving post. It made my day I’m so glad I found your blog!

Anonymous says:

April 4, 2012 at 9:40 PM

This post is beautifully written, Vanessa. It warms my heart that your Grandmother will spend her first Easter in heaven.

Love you,

Mom

sneakypie9 says:

April 5, 2012 at 12:10 AM

Love this post, thank you for sharing the amazing love of someone dying for us!

Laura Ingalls Gunn says:

April 7, 2012 at 1:14 PM

Praise be to God! How thankful I am. I just adored your resurrection garden.
This past Tuesday I featured vintage inspired resurrection eggs that I made. If you have a moment take a peek.