Good Friday

‭In the Messiah, in Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade. Through us, he brings knowledge of Christ. Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation—an aroma redolent with life. But those on the way to destruction treat us more like the stench from a rotting corpse.

2 Corinthians 2:14b-16a MSG‬

Below is the image of a victory parade. This is not what comes to mind when I think of victory. This looks more like defeat. 

Wasn’t he God?

Was this the day that God died?

Is this why darkness covered the earth?

The pain.

The agony.

The suffering.

This is God. This is what God does for us. God suffers long, as long as it is necessary.

God waits for us with incredible patience.

God loves us with everlasting love.

This is the fragrance that draws us.

This is the victory we are invited into. It is not defeat. It is love.

To give your life for another.

To set the captive free.

To bring light to dark places.

Is this the victory you imagined? One of humility,  suffering,  and everlasting love extended even to those who curse and mock you?

Even if this is not what we imagined, it’s ok. God goes with us. What a delight to journey with God, who is the cloud by day and fire by night.

This God, whose name is Jesus, did all of this for us. He was the sacrificial lamb, the scapegoat that didn’t stay dead! The one who blew the minds and hearts of everyone around him.

This is the exquisite fragrance of victory!