Good Friday Encouragement

14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. 16 For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. 17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. (Hebrews 2:14-18, ESV)

There is much about Good Friday that encourages me. Christ being willing to suffer the penalty that my sin deserves, Him being willing to be separated from the Father and lose that sense of fellowship that He had experienced since eternity past. He did that to satisfy the Father's holy wrath against sin and display God's glorious love at the same time. I am encouraged by this. In the book of Hebrews we read that we have a Savior who has walked in our shoes. He understands our temptations, our sufferings, our pain and heartache.

I woke up this morning thinking of my friend, Dale Downing. While making the 1,000 mile move from Cape Coral, Florida, to Dayton, Texas three years ago he sent me a very encouraging personal message on facebook. He encouraged me by mentioning that he understood the pressures and anxieties that are involved in making a move of such a long distance. It was a scary time that was made easier by Dale's words. On this day let us carry someone's load, let us walk in their shoes. May we show love and compassion as we model the Gospel for others in our words and deeds.