Good Friday

Once upon a time, there was one man and one woman and they walked and talked with God.
     And then they sinned. They could no longer walk and talk with God. They would die.
          But it was not the end.

There was a man named Noah. He and his family were the only ones who feared the LORD.
     The LORD instructed Noah to build an ark so save a few from the judgement that would destroy the world.
          But it was not the end.

Joseph, the favorite of his father, was sold into slavery by his brothers. Years later, the brothers were caught in a famine and had to appeal to their brother Joseph for food.
     Joseph forgave them and moved the family to Egypt to take care of them. Their children fell into slavery.
          But it was not the end.

Moses, equipped by God, lead Israel out of Egypt against great opposition. The Law was given to Moses to give to the people. Sacrifices, the Arc of the Covenant, the tabernacle, a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.
     The children of Israel complained, whined, disobeyed, and couldn't keep the Law.
          But it was not the end.

Elijah was a prophet and spoke the Word of the LORD that Ahab did not want to hear.
     He fled to the desert to avoid being imprisoned or killed. He was thirsty and hungry.
          But it was not the end.

Isaiah was also a prophet. He prophesied of a Messiah. Someone who would be the Lamb and the ultimate sacrifice.
     The children of Israel continued to fall from God and then return to him to fall away again.
          But it was not the end.

A little girl named Mary was told by an angel that she was going to be pregnant with the Messiah.
     She gave birth with her husband, Joseph, in a feeding trough to the Son of God.
          But it was not the end.

The Son grew up and began teaching. He performed miracles, discipled his followers, was baptized, and changed the lives of countless people.
     There were those who hated him, one who betrayed him, and he fulfilled his purpose when he received the wrath of God for sin that was not his own. Prophesy was fulfilled. The price was paid.
          He died. A large stone closed the mouth of the tomb where he lay. A stone so large it couldn't be moved by a single man.


But it was not the end.