Forgiveness Flows Freedom
The final days of Lent have come and gone. We recently celebrated what is called “Good Friday.”
“Good Friday”?
Friday is when Jesus experienced all of the pain and agony described throughout the Stations of the Cross. Even though, by now, Easter Sunday and the joy of the Resurrection are the reality, I would encourage you to slow down and actually engage in the devotions and artistic expressions of various creatives. Open yourself to receive and reflect upon how they shared Jesus’ walk. Here are three suggestions:
Stations of the Cross for our Times
Praying the Stations of the Cross
Each of these links represents different facets of the same journey. As you ponder, do not forget that Jesus chose to take this path. This sacrifice was needed to make amends for our unrighteousness. Because of Jesus’ deep love for us, He said YES.
This ultimate sacrifice, which nothing else could ever reach, demands our attention and response. As a creative Enneagream Four, I also looked at this walk through another lens. If you go through my last post, you will see Jesus saying “I know and understand,” as He walks the path to the cross. Jesus chose to identify with all humanity and every feeling we experience, and yet He did not sin.
Jesus’ Love is a Forgiveness.
As Jesus hung on the cross, there were specific words spoken that day that affect the innermost part of how we are able to live, breathe, and create in freedom. These words come from one rejected, betrayed by a trusted friend, and then unjustly murdered. Jesus experienced emotional and physical pain beyond any we can imagine, Jesus looked into the eyes of His accusers, holding no anger in his heart and, with authority, grace, and mercy, asked His Father to forgive.
This forgiveness flows freedom to all of us. We did not use the hammer or hold the nail, but Jesus accepted the crucifixion for all humanity, which includes you and me. As Jesus died, He lived the very words He earlier shared,
44 But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! Matthew 5:44 NLT
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This Forgiveness Flows Freedom to all.
As we receive the freedom from the forgiveness Jesus requested, we then have the capability to ever so slowly crack the ice in our own surroundings. We can move slowly, as a boat traveling through chunks of ice in late winter or early spring. Give yourself permission to recognize the pain that has slowly built up through the quarantine and Covid. A deep longing is calling to establish (or reestablish) a connection that becomes severed each time a wall is put up. Jesus’ death broke all of the barriers on His end. He says “I understand, and continue to understand,” but in Love demands a choice of obedience.
This is where forgiveness flows freedom for all to
