Today, Good Friday is a day of stillness and reflection for me. When I was a young girl, and first learned about Jesus’ death on the cross, I didn’t believe that He had suffered and experienced great pain. It was Jesus, right? My Sunday school teachers read me fascinating stories of His healings and supernatural powers, surely He could have helped Himself and turned down the degree of pain He felt.
I don’t know why I thought that way. Maybe I was naive or it was a coping mechanism I developed to lessen the harsh reality of my Saviors’ sacrifice. Somehow I was able to keep His suffering at a superficial level for awhile–not allowing the depth of His sacrifice to penetrate my heart.
While I matured in faith and got deeper into the Word, I realized, through the power of the Holy Spirit, that the scriptures and their meanings carried deep emotion and depth. It was as though the Words had life! Psalm 119:18 describes what happened to me perfectly: “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law” (NIV). Physically my eyes were open. However, I wasn’t seeing everything there was to be seen in God’s word. It’s like seeing everything in black and white vs. TECHNICOLOR. An amazing thing happens when we ask the Holy Spirit to be present in every aspect of our lives. He is.
I encourage you to take some time today to pray and be still in the presence of God. Pray for a fresh renewing of the Holy Spirit as you reflect on the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and His death at Calvary.
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I’d like to share a favorite song of mine: “This Man” by Jeremy Camp. (Click on “This Man” to see the powerful video).
Fire Bible: Global Study Edition. New International Version, Life Publishers Edition, 2009.
Camp, Jeremy. “This Man.” Restored album. 2004
Heaven Sent Sentiments 