Without Good Friday, We Could Not Be Celebrating Easter

It is today, Good Friday, when we remember the Crucifixion of our Lord.

Why is it Good? It is the day planned by God to redeem us, His people.
The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit had a plan from the beginning.
Atonement for sins always involved sacrifice and the blood of a lamb or other unblemished animal as is recorded in The Old Testament.
Jesus is The Lamb of God, the final, perfect sacrifice.
God choose to send His Son into the world to die for the sins and pain of imperfect man.

The thought of a parent choosing to sacrifice a child is overwhelming to me.
The suffering which Jesus experienced is overwhelming to me.

When two of my children were taken back from me…. the loss was overwhelming.

I have come into a place of deep faith but I would never have chosen to give up my children willfully. Richard, Erica, my extended family, and I suffered greatly. But through my suffering I have learned that I will also share in Christ’s glory. Because of the promise of The Resurrection I will be reunited with Elisa and Carrie and be with My Lord throughout eternity. This is the hope of the cross. It is a promise which I believe.

The churches will be filled on Easter Sunday. What about Good Friday?, because without Good Friday we wouldn’t be celebrating Easter.

I have a memory which I want to share with you. It was Good Friday in 1979. I was getting ready to go to church. Richard would be home with Elisa and Erica. Elisa insisted that she wanted to go with me. I couldn’t persuade her to stay home with her Dad and sister. She started to cry and of course I brought her with me. I remember listening to the song “Were you there when they crucified my Lord?”. Elisa and I had a special time together. She was supposed to be with me.
She turned 9 that Spring on May 11. On June 27th, one month later, she died suddenly in her sleep. She knew The Lord and was a very special sweet child. She is waiting for me. My baby Carrie joined her in October of 1980. I know where my treasures are and we will join them someday.

Lord, Thank you for the gift of faith which you have given to me. I will remember your sacrifice on this Good Friday and your Resurrection on this Easter Sunday.

I love you Lord. Thank you.