Good Friday (what Is Good?)

What is Good?

Good: when we think of this word, we immediately think of behavior or flavor. In our standard, everyday speech, we say things like “That was good” after a meal. We see someone and ask how they are, and they say, “I’m good.” We ask the children, “Were you good today?” The word (good) is one of the most common parts of our communication.

A time to consider (Good)

The Friday before Easter is Good Friday. It is this day that believers all around the world think about the Crucifixion of Christ. The horrifying beating, the torture of the Cross, the wicked hearts of those who determined their actions were just, the darkness that filled the sky, the mocking crowd it would seem that none of this is “good.”

However, if we consider the nature of all that was wrong, evil, and unforgivable, Jesus took each of those and nailed them to the Cross. Indeed, nothing seemed “good” at that moment. It is the whole picture that needs our view. Yes, many things did not seem “good.” But, on the other hand, it was good that prevailed that fateful day. Everything created by the enemy, everything he meant for harm, ended that day. Jesus conquered it all. Early Sunday morning at daybreak, the last part of things would fall as He arose from the grave, and death, too, saw demise. The enemy learned that day that he is not all-powerful.

God loves me? (But I’m not good)

As we reflect on this most incredible event, may we consider how much God loves us? It can be overwhelming to comprehend. To imagine that God, the Creator of all, loves us is incredible, but then to make it personal and say, “God loves me,” is life-changing. Embracing this fantastic truth should change our perspective on life. Yes, it is true that not all things that are holy are seen as such. As a result, the Cross has become seen as a novelty item, yard ornament, or even jewelry. However, we must realize that Jesus fully paid our sin debt on that old rugged Cross, and we were forever set free. May we never forget the price paid. No balance is due, no strings attached or small print with a hidden agenda. Jesus paid it all. We are loved more than words can describe.

Sad or celebrate?

While Good Friday can be a somber time of reflection, may we also celebrate the victory we gained because of Jesus and His willingness to take on the Cross. He did not have to, but that is how much He loves each of us. May we never forget that mankind created this horrifying means of death, torture, and destruction. It came from the bowels of an evil heart and depraved mind. But, rather than remove or avoid it, God embraced and defeated it. Because He lives, we can face tomorrow; we indeed can do all things through Christ if we will allow Him to strengthen us.

He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!