For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 (NKJV)
Today I am sure everyone is talking about Jesus dying on the cross and what it means. This day is called Good Friday and even though Jesus was being tortured and died on the cross for us, so much good came from His sacrifice.
He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5 (NKJV) He was wounded for our rebellion, He was bruised for our sin, the physical punishment or beating for our peace was upon Him. By His stripes we are healed physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." (Luke 23:34a, NKJV) Jesus forgave the very people who punished Him and put Him to death. This is a very important message that reminds us to pray for our enemies and forgive them. In His case they didn't know who He really was; they didn't believe He was the Messiah because He didn't rescue Himself. He was also asking the Father to forgive the criminals on each side of Him.
There were two criminals one on each side of Jesus. One of them said, "If you are Christ, save Yourself and us." But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, "Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation?" " And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong." Then he said to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom." And Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." (Luke 39-43) Once Jesus said, "forgive them for they know not what they do." The Father answered the prayer by turning the heart of a thief into a believer who would always be known as the the believer on the cross. What perfect timing! This is also proof of the power of prayer.
After everything was accomplished according to Scripture Jesus said, "I thirst!" When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" Bowing His head, He gave up His Spirit. (John28;30)
That was beautiful! Today he would be in the belly of the earth snatching them keys! That try and hold us in bondage to our old ways. And all I know is I don’t want my old self my old passion. I would love God’s vision and a breathe of fresh new PASSION!! Lord thank you for always forgiving us when we come in repentance and ask for forgiveness. Oh how I love you🥰