Good Friday

The death of Jesus as it is told in the book of Matthew:

45 From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land. 46 About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ""Eloi, Eloi," "lama" "sabachthani?""--which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" 47 When some of those standing there heard this, they said, "He's calling Elijah." 48 Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. 49 The rest said, "Now leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to save him." 50 And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. 51 At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. 52 The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. 53 They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus' resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people. 54 When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, "Surely he was the Son of God!" 55 Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs. 56 Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's sons.

I shared yesterday that Resurrection Sunday is my favorite religious holiday. I thought I might need to explain myself...The acts that took place over Holy Week were terrible and the very thoughts of them make me want to cringe. But the self-less love showed by Jesus was immeasurable and what He did for us to this very day amazes me. Celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus is my favorite holiday because it causes us to pause and realize what was REALLY done for us. I can't believe my King huge dying on a cross for me before He knew me to save me! I promise that is the ultimate love! As we observe Good Friday I almost want to hold my breath until Sunday when we all celebrate the empty tomb and our Risen Savior. But He rose ( the miracle of all miracles) as followers we should realize every day is worthy of celebration just for that reason...Because "We sing for the glory of a risen KING!"