It has been a tough year for so many people in the circle of my life. A number of friends and family have suffered physically, emotionally and circumstantially. The difficulties, along with my own struggles with health, make this Good Friday a particularly special day of remembrance and reflection.

Good Friday was a change for the world. Contemplating on Jesus and his sacrifice for us and the darkness he faced, infuses my heart with the reality that we are called to serve and to sacrifice as Jesus did. We are called to follow the passions of our heart and serve him – that we may produce ‘much‘ fruit.

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 NIV

Our sacrifices in bearing ‘much fruit‘ are small compared to his walk to the cross, and as we are on the cusp of celebrating the great resurrection, we can’t help but remind ourselves that this resurrection came with great sacrifice. If we want to be like him, let us seek him even as we are called to potentially dark hours, suffering and sacrifice in our lives.

Let us give our ‘selfish” selves today, recommit and devote our all. We will be rewarded – and though grief may come – there is a promise of joy. Pure joy. Freedom.

Consider it pure joy my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete not lacking anything. James 1:1-2

Those of us who experience and treasure this great joy are rich and without lack, and with hope, no matter what our circumstances say.

Remember Jesus. Give him your all today. Share in his suffering and his joyous reward, and if you are someone who has dismissed him, or does not believe in this great hope…I pray you genuinely would ask Him to reveal himself to you. What do you have to lose?

Love and prayers to you my friends. -Madge