“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.”
2 Peter 1:3
“Daddy, why do they call it Good Friday?” I whispered as I sat next to my father in church. Up front the Communion table was covered in black, the hymns were all somber and in the minor key, and there was absolutely no happy chatter permitted in the narthex of our little Reformed Episcopal church. My sisters and I even dressed in dull, colorless jumpers — not the pretty, frilly things reserved for Easter Sunday. If Good Friday was so good, then why be so solemn and glum?
There’s a good reason. I learned early on that the cross was not a play thing; it was not to be made light of. Jesus paid for our sins and, yes, that’s a wonderful thing; still, the cross of Christ was an obscenity — it was brutal torture, a mock trial, hammering hatred, blood, tears, and hard spikes driven through hands and heels. On that breathless day, the Father snubbed His own Son so that our sins could be wiped out. God turned His back on Jesus so that He could say to you, “I will never turn my back on you; I will never snub you; never leave nor forsake you.” This is the goodness of God. This is kindness with a crown of thorns crunched down on it. And it’s all for you.
Romans 2:4 says, “God’s kindness leads you toward repentance.” Stop to consider the extraordinary kindness of God on your behalf. His love covers a multitude of your sins, whether not-so-innocent daydreams, the fudging of facts, puffed-up pride, or the subtle slander of a neighbor. These are the things that separated the Son from the Father. It’s why Good Friday is, indeed, good.
Lord Jesus, help me not to take Your cross lightly. I humbly bow before You, confessing my sin. Thank You for Your goodness toward me.
Blessings,
Joni and Friends
