Good Friday

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, 

so that everyone who believes in him may not perish 

but may have eternal life.

We gather in quiet churches and we remember his great sacrifice...
except for this year.  This year we will sit alone in our homes, isolating and physical distancing, probably much like the first disciples. 
...Scared, lonely, and missing someone they loved greatly. 

If we take some time to sit with the sacrifice made more than 2000 years ago, we will recognize that it was a sacrifice made entirely for our benefit. God sent his only Son to live and die for us. 

Today, if we can unite our sufferings and sacrifices, in these scary Covid-19 times, to Christ's suffering and sacrifice, then we can see that there is more to it. 

The crucifixion was not the end. If that was it, if there was no victory over death, then we would have given up this whole thing long ago. 
But it's more...

It's more than one man's death on a tree.  

It is love in it's purest form.
It is forgiveness.
It is freedom.
It is redemptive suffering.
It is the ultimate example of commitment.
It is selfless sacrifice.
It is grace.
It is for us 
    ... and all who believe.

We must believe that when our daily sufferings and sacrifices are over, there is 'more' in the days to come. We have been so loved by God that He gave us His only Son. His Son gave His life so that we might live ours to the fullest.