Good Friday is today, and like every other year on this day, my mind is on the Crucifixion. Also, like every other year, I find that thinking about it creates a paradox in me. Half of me is grieving while the other half is rejoicing.
Years ago, when Mel Gibson's The Passion came out, I was not yet a Christian, but I went with friends to see it anyway. I found myself bawling into my coat the entire time, nearly thoroughly soaking it. It broke my heart that anyone would have to experience such an execution. Now that I am a Christian, every Good Friday brings the memories of that movie back to my mind. I don't necessarily agree with each and every bit of that movie, but I find it is a good portrayal of all that Christ endured. It still breaks my heart, but now even more, knowing that the Son of God went through all that, and willingly, all because of my sin...I don't even know why I'm trying to write a blog for it because no words can say what that does to my heart.
On the other hand, every year at this time, I find myself slightly giddy because the cross also provokes joy. The cross is not just where I get my better life now, get help with little stresses in life, or gain happiness. The cross is where I am washed by His blood. It's where my scarlet sins are made white as snow. It's the place where I receive redemption, forgiveness, and grace. It's the place where I am made new. It's the place where I receive salvation. It's the place where I am made in right standing with the Father.
And it's the only place I can go.
Years ago, when Mel Gibson's The Passion came out, I was not yet a Christian, but I went with friends to see it anyway. I found myself bawling into my coat the entire time, nearly thoroughly soaking it. It broke my heart that anyone would have to experience such an execution. Now that I am a Christian, every Good Friday brings the memories of that movie back to my mind. I don't necessarily agree with each and every bit of that movie, but I find it is a good portrayal of all that Christ endured. It still breaks my heart, but now even more, knowing that the Son of God went through all that, and willingly, all because of my sin...I don't even know why I'm trying to write a blog for it because no words can say what that does to my heart.
On the other hand, every year at this time, I find myself slightly giddy because the cross also provokes joy. The cross is not just where I get my better life now, get help with little stresses in life, or gain happiness. The cross is where I am washed by His blood. It's where my scarlet sins are made white as snow. It's the place where I receive redemption, forgiveness, and grace. It's the place where I am made new. It's the place where I receive salvation. It's the place where I am made in right standing with the Father.
And it's the only place I can go.