Have you ever wondered why we call the Friday before Easter “good?” What’s good about humiliation, crucifixion and death? We don’t call it good Friday because we want to celebrate suffering. No, we call it “good” because, were it not for Friday, we wouldn’t have Easter Sunday.
In order for Christ to conquer sin, death and darkness, he first had to enter into it – wholly and completely. He took all that ugliness and pain on himself so that we don’t have to. What Jesus suffered was bad – unimaginable. But what it means for you and me is good because he was motivated by a love so deep, so complete, and so all-encompassing that’s it’s almost impossible to comprehend.
As we reflect on His sacrifice today, I urge you not to rush ahead to the celebratory tones of Easter Sunday. Spend some time meditating on the very real love-motivated sacrifice of Christ on the cross.
This morning, I watched a music video on YouTube by Chelsea Moon. She was singing “What Wonderous Love Is This.” The lyrics challenge us to linger at the foot of the cross as we remember that through His death we have life. That liberating truth allows us to release our burdens and gives us the confidence to reaffirm our trust in the One who loves us so much that he was willing to give up his own life for you and me.
Thank you….a quieted heart worships.
Thank you for this video. Amazing how a simple 5 minutes of worship turns into a powerful time at the foot of the cross.
Thanks for the reminder to slow down…not rushing into Easter before considering the cross. We always want to get to the glory and speed past the pain. Thank Mike.