Friday, April 15, 2022

Bible Verse: After this, knowing that everything was already completed, in order to fulfill the scripture, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” A jar full of sour wine was nearby, so the soldiers soaked a sponge in it, placed it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to his lips. When he had received the sour wine, Jesus said, “It is completed.” Bowing his head, he gave up his life. - John 19:28-30

Reflection: Good Friday has always been the most difficult day of Holy Week for me.  I confess that many times during my life, I just kept myself from even thinking about the significance of the day.  However, as my spiritual life deepend, I began to look forward to its meaning and impact.  As I reflected this morning..."I am thirsty" ..."he gave up his life"....these poignant phrases from this verse sum up salvation for me.  As we are days away from celebrating the resurrection of our Savior, how many of us were so thirsty before giving up our lives to Christ?  As I look forward to Easter Sunday and the JOY it brings, I also rejoice for my Lenten journey, for how grateful I am for the sacrifice Jesus made for ME.  I am continually humbled by this GIFT in my life.

Pray with me...Heavenly and Gracious Father, how can we ever thank you enough for the sacrifice your Son made for us?  Help me to continue to be grateful for the blessing and to help others who may be thirsty, find the amazing path ahead for their lives by "giving up it", as Jesus did for us.  Amen

Contributor: Janet Wheatley