When words fail me, this is where I turn…

***

Genesis 1:31

God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.

***

Luke 22:41-44

He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” An angel from heaven appeared to Him and strengthened Him. And being in anguish, He prayed more earnestly, and His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.

***

Luke 23:39-43

One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at Him: “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!”

But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”

Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”

***

Philippians 2:5-11

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:

Who, being in very nature God,

did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,

but made Himself nothing,

taking the very nature of a servant,

being made in human likeness.

And being found in appearance as a man,

He humbled Himself

and became obedient to death–even death on a cross!

Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place

and gave Him the name that is above every name,

that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,

in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.

***

God looked on all Creation and, knowing it would turn and betray its maker, named it Good.

Jesus looked into the abyss of pain and suffering and death…and walked down in humility to meet what He feared most.

The bloodied, broken thief looked at the dying man beside him and knew this was the path to paradise.

A God who fights and defeats evil with nails tearing apart His wrists. A king who sells Himself into slavery to death, as we are.

For this we look on the cross, and name this day Good.