Chapter 13- Black Friday

We are on the brink of another "Black Friday"or "Good Friday" as it is traditionally known. Ever since reading C.J. Mahaney's The Cross Centered Life, I have been in love with the cross. I find that it isn't just a symbol to me. My heart gets so full when I think about that day. The Journey has a Good Friday service and it is one of my favorites in the year. It means something to hammer a nail in the cross and realize that we are the ones that put Him up there. We are also the ones that kept Him there. He endured the worst pain imaginable so that my life would be immeasurably better. I'm always humbled thinking of this.

It's easy to wear a cross. It's just as easy to say that we would die for His sake. But none of us have actually had to do it, so we don't know how hard it was for Him. I haven't had to give up anything (that was important) but He gave all He had, down to the last drop of blood. He hung there praying for us, praying for me . . . and everyday I rub His image in the dirt. It's a habit that has to be formed, to wake up everyday and remember the reason that you are still alive. The cross was His end, now it is my beginning. He was humiliated so that I could lift Him up.

The cross is more than a symbol. It's the death that I deserve, but was spared from. He will forever bear those scars, the least I can do is share those scars and wear His name on my heart.

How Deep the Father's Love for Us- Phillips Craig & Dean

How deep the Father's love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
And make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the man upon the cross
My sin upon His shoulder
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom