Crucifix
I’ve always struggled some with the darkness of Good Friday. I mean, it’s a super important day in remembering the death of Christ for our sins. Without the cross there would be no resurrection, and as Paul says, if the resurrection is not true we should be pitied.
“For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.”
—1 Corinthians 15:16-19
My problem with Good Friday isn’t the significance of what we celebrate, but it’s a dark day. Christ had to suffer God’s wrath on the cross. He bore our iniquities. It’s a brutal day. The movie The Passion of Christ, somewhat captures the brutality that Christ endured. If it weren’t for the resurrection maybe Good Friday would be the worst day in history. It surely is the worst as far as man’s sin sinking to its lowest in crucifying the son of God.
Crucifix and Calgary on the Charles Bridge in Prague (Inscribed in Hebrew from Isaiah 6, Holy, Holy Holy is the Lord of Hosts)
The best thing about Good Friday is knowing that Sunday is coming. The resurrection is coming! We can celebrate again that He is Risen! The darkness turns to light. Christ is the light of the world!
Good Friday is a somber day. It reminds us that Christ called upon us to take up our cross and follow Him. There is sacrifice in the Christian life. If I’m honest, this too is probably part of the reason I struggle. I don’t like to be reminded of the sacrifice. We live in a self-indulgent culture.
My prayer as I enter Good Friday: “O, Lord, thank you for the sacrifice you made. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. Work in my heart, and wean me from my unwillingness to follow you in this way. Thank you for dying that I might have life. Praise you for your grace, and your tender mercies.”
I pray the Lord deepens your walk with Him on this Good Friday, and that you have a wonderful Easter. There is power in the blood of Jesus. Amen. He is Risen! Amen!
In His Grip, Dave
P.S. I will write about our intern Emily Gryder after Easter. I thought I should reflect on the importance of what we celebrate this week in this post.
P.S.S. Just sent out our April E Newsletter, if you haven’t had a chance to read it check it out here…
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