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              Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing. Luke 23:34

Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?”—which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Matthew 28:46

     Lord Jesus, it’s the day in Holy Week we call “Good Friday.” I’ve always felt conflicted about calling the day of your crucifixion “good.” That there had to be a day when you, the God who made us for yourself, would be made sin for us is not good at all.

     On the other hand, that you so freely and fully gave yourself for us on the cross is never-to-be surpassed goodness. It is quintessential goodness, for out of the same heart came these two cries from the cross: “Father forgive them…”, and “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” The first required the second. The second secured the first. Together they buckle my knees in wonder, still my heart with peace, and loose my tongue for praise.

     Jesus, how can we even begin to express the depth of gratitude, love and adoration we feel in response to your death for us on the cross? It’s like wanting to capture the glory of spring on a canvas, but with a palate of three colors and both of arms in a cast. It’s like having a passion to compose a great symphony, but knowing we’re just a kazoo players who don’t read music. It’s like desiring to cook you a great banquet, with only a microwave oven, a loaf of white bread and a can of cheese whiz. So like everything else we have to offer you, take our humble praise and purify it, magnify it and cause it to rise as a sweet aroma of worship.  

     No one could ever take your life from you and we could never find life apart from you. Because you were fully forsaken, we are forever forgiven. Because you exhausted God’s judgment against our foul sin, we now live by the gift of your perfect righteousness. Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! So very Amen, we pray, in your all glorious, all gracious name.

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