Messes To Masterpieces

Who, being in the form of God, thought it not
robbery to be equal with God:
But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Philippians 2:6-8

Good Friday – today is the day Christians throughout the world set aside to remember, reflect and meditate on the sacrifice our Lord Jesus Christ made for all of humanity. The world would never be the same after that fateful day over 2,000 years ago.

Jesus lived for “Good Friday“. The cross was the object of his mission – to seek and to save the lost. The lost like me and the lost like you.

Jesus risked everything by laying down his life. Life is all about risks. And the greater the risk, the greater is the potential for greatness.

Jesus himself validated this principle in his parable of the talents (Mat 25:14-30).
Little risk results in little reward. Great risk results in great reward.

The closer you get to God, and as the death to self intensifies, the deeper your spirituality becomes.

And with that the risk of being offended magnifies. Let’s take a look:

And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Luke 2::33

What is remedy for offenses of this magnitude? Jesus gave us the answer:

Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. Luke 23:4

The Lord knew that offense would need to be dealt with in the life of his believers. As we see in the Book of Hebrews:

For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Hebrews 12:3

When you are hanging on your own cross from the hands of insensitive and hurtful people, you have only one antidote, the same one Jesus used –

“Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.”

Today, Good Friday, is not only about sacrifice. It is also all about forgiveness.

Forgiveness is the healer of every offense, physical abuse, spiritual wound, harsh word spoken or unkind treatment.

Forgiveness.

Have a good Good Friday.