a strange friday
Updated: Jul 8, 2020
It's a strange Good Friday thanks to the upheaval of COVID-19, but the same thoughts strike me nearly every Good Friday. In the midst of so much confusion and despair all around the world, I recall these lyrics by Stuart Townend:
"How deep the Father's love for us How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son To make a wretch His treasure...
Behold the man upon a cross
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers.
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished."
On Easter (which, by the way, does not have pagan origins despite the weird ramblings on Facebook claiming otherwise) I'm struck by the realization that the people who followed Jesus most closely and loved Him most dearly watched Him die three days earlier. They must’ve felt so incredibly sad and hopeless and stupid and heartbroken after spending years following Him and expecting so many good things...unaware that His death (and Resurrection) would actually bring about the ultimate good thing and much more than they expected.
To achieve justice, evil should not go unnoticed and unpunished. And everyone falls so woefully short of their potential goodness. So thank God for being a God who takes on the punishment of sinners and sets them free. And thank God for His glory bursting forth from tragedy.
Good Friday and Easter remind us of many things, but most importantly it reminds us that the most tragic event in the universe–the death of Jesus Christ–also brought about the greatest celebration of the universe–His resurrection. Such a glorious event will only be rivaled by His return, so let us pray for it.
He is alive 🌷
