The month of April is special because of the significance of Easter and the resurrection of our Lord. But April has yet another meaning to me. Good Friday is 3 days before Easter and is often overlooked. However, without Good Friday, there would be no Easter. I believe that we tend to avoid it because it is a reminder of the horrific pain and finally, crucifixion that Jesus went through for each one of us. While thinking about what was done to Him will often bring me to tears, I have to remind myself that I should also be joyful for the sacrifice He made so that I can have eternal life.
Jesus said in John 10:10, “I have come so that they may have life, and may have it abundantly.” The Amplified Bible translates it this way, “I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].” He went through more torture than we can imagine so that we can have joy in a world that is often lacking in joy. He was abandoned and falsely accused so that we can have hope in situations that feel hopeless. Finally, He was crucified in a final act of love so deep and so intense that we can’t fathom it. Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” He gave His life in a gut-wrenching manner for us before we were ever born! He took all of our sins upon Himself so that we could have grace when we do fall into sin.
What an amazing demonstration of love for us! His desire for us is to have, not just a life of getting by, but an abundant life. A life full of blessings, joy and peace. A life of having the security of knowing we are His and He will never let us go. So, as we go about our daily lives in the days leading up to Easter, let us reflect on all the Lord did for us and how deep His love is. Then we can fully embrace the blessing of His resurrection.