Sitting here having my devotions this morning and I began to reflect about this amazing weekend. In Denmark today is called, the "Long Friday" - how appropriate is that! Thinking back to the agonizing pain and brutal beatings that Jesus bore on this day - it probably did seem like the longest day to not only Him, but those that truly loved Him.
This weekend has taken on a whole knew meaning to me over the past several years. I have had to quote the scripture "by His stripes you are healed" for not only my life but other family members and friends as well. The power of the cross became not only for salvation, but for complete healing from stage 2 breast cancer as well as my daughter who had stage 3 brain cancer. I remember watching the movie The Passion during the Easter season while on treatment and thinking Jesus you did that for me - for my healing, my salvation, my peace and my hope.
A few years ago, on this very day, my aunt who was like another mother to me passed away with cancer. As hard as that was on all of us and still is to this day, the end of her story with us is only the beginning of her story in eternity. What an amazing promise the resurrection brings! To be absent in body is to be present with the Lord.
My friend, let's not rush through another holiday ritual of easter eggs and ham dinner, but pause for a moment to truly thank Him for the cross. No matter what you are facing today He came to save, heal and deliver - won't you trust him today - He is the hope of the world.