finishing touch
"If He gives His life as an offering for sin, He shall see His descendants in a long life, and the will of the Lord shall be accomplished through Him." —Isaiah 53:10
This Good Friday will be "good" if we repent of our sins, totally commit ourselves to Jesus, and lead others to Christ. Good Friday will be "good" if we stop "crucifying the Son of God" for ourselves "and holding Him up to contempt" (Heb 6:6). We continue Jesus' crucifixion by sinning and by not giving our lives to Him.
Most of the people who participated in Jesus' crucifixion did not hate Him. They just didn't love Him. A decision not to love Jesus with all our hearts becomes in effect a decision to continue His crucifixion. When Jesus died on the cross, He said: "It is finished" (Jn 19:30). His crucifixion is over as far as He is concerned, but is it finished for us?
Jesus' crucifixion is finished for us when we accept Jesus as our Lord and God (see Jn 20:28) by our words and our way of living. Then Jesus will no longer be left hanging on the cross of our doubt, selfishness, and lukewarmness.
Take Jesus down from the cross. Three hours is too long to be left hanging on the cross. Some of us have left Him hanging for years as He waits for us to say: "I love You. I live for You. I give myself to You."
Prayer: Jesus, You gave Your life for me. I give my life for You.
Promise: "Son though He was, He learned obedience from what He suffered; and when perfected, He became the Source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him." —Heb 5:8-9
Praise: (none)
Reference: (These upcoming retreats held on May 6, 7 Living in Reality; May 20, 21 Seek First the Kingdom of God, will aid, enrich, and deepen your relationship with Jesus. When you seek the truth you always find Jesus. Call 513-373-2397 or 937-587-5464 for information or to register.)
Rescript: †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, XXX 11, 2011
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