Good Friday

It seems odd to use the words "Good Friday" as we remember and reflect on the day that Christ died for the sins of fallen humanity. The Word of God reveals that the last day of Christ's life on Earth was anything but good but it was a difficult and challenging day and way to die. But His death was good in this sense; it was good for those who would choose to believe the message of the Gospel. It was good for those who chose to accept eternal life and fully realize that there was a price paid for our redemption. It was good in the sense that it opened the door for fallen humanity to be restored to a right relationship with our Heavenly Father and re-claim our opportunity to be called the children of God. Because of Christ I can rejoice in the knowledge that He gave His life on my behalf. Christ died that I might live and live a life that would be blessed and strengthened through His personal presence in my daily journey on Earth. The Body of Christ must lift our voice in gratitude and thanksgiving as we survey the wondrous cross and realize that our Savior took our sins and nailed them to the cross.

 

We will celebrate a Good Friday service tonight. I always look forward to those services because they give us the opportunity to corporately reflect, meditate, and remember our Savior's willingness to die in our place. We must remember that Christ did not die for the sins that He had committed; He died for the sins that I (we) had committed and would commit as we travel the road of life. Good Friday’s come and Good Friday’s go, but how is it with your soul? Does the cross of Christ move you to emotion—are you a grateful and engaged follower of Jesus? If not, embrace and celebrate the Cross. Ask your heavenly Father to restore the joy of your salvation, or maybe, you are coming to Him for the first time in faith and trust. Surely, this man must be the Son of God—who came to save us and all of the inhabitants (both past, present, and future) of the world from their sins.

 

It is imperative that the church take time today to remember Christ and His sacrifice on the cross. Do not let this day pass without honoring Christ for the investment that He has made in your life. Listen to these words that an unknown author shares: "Make today a meaningful memory of what your master Jesus did for you. Linger long in reflection of the love that flowed down, and mingled with His precious blood. See His hands, see His feet; oh what love that makes your joy complete. You serve a risen Savior, who’s in the world today—He walks with you—He talks with you—He gave His life just for you. Good Friday is good—because Jesus is good—and His cross is God’s loving gift."

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).