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Why

April 22, 2011 –

As I reflect on Good Friday, I am consistently more moved on this day than almost any other day in the liturgical year. It makes me stop to realize what Jesus really did for all of us. He was chosen to be put to death by his own people. He “suffered, died, and was buried”. I have read these words so many times in my life and we recite them at church every week..

Although there was controversy around Mel Gibson’s “Passion of the Christ”, it helped me visualize what these words really meant in those days. What does “suffered” really mean? What does “died” really mean? Additionally, it reminded us of the ultimate good vs. evil battle.  I remember seeing “Jesus of Nazareth” growing up and the death of Christ was always the one that hit me the hardest, even as a little boy.  Back in 2004, I remember sitting in the movie theater watching Gibson’s “Passion” with my body tightened up and tears running down my face.

How many times do I complain about my day? How many things to I worry about and obsess over things that have no real consequences? How much mental energy is taken up by things that have no relevance in the big picture? For me, the Passion story always brings me back to my spiritual roots. It reminds me of God’s Master Plan. And it reminds me to truly reflect on John 3:16

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

I have embedded 2 videos of the same song below. The song is called “Why” by Nicole Nordeman. My sister introduced me to this song many years ago and it just brought me to tears when I heard it. The first video is my favorite audio version, which is Nicole singing the song live. It is unbelievably moving as you hear her pour her heart into this song. The second video has actual footage to go along with it. Maybe that resonates more with you to see some visuals with the song. This version has 647,000+ hits and is by far the most watched video of the song on YouTube.

As I sat with my children today and we listened to the song, we talked about what today is all about. I reminded them (while reminding myself) that although today is a solemn day, we know the end of the story. WE WIN! GOD WINS! And on Easter we celebrate that Jesus rose from the dead and conquered sin and death. And through Him, we earn eternal life. We have been given a gift that cannot be put into human words. But this gift was not earned without sacrifice. And today, we remember what that was.

Have a blessed weekend all.



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