Friday Really is a Good Day!

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Every year around Easter time, an intriguing question comes up in conversations. Invariably someone asks, “Why do we call Good Friday ‘good’ since that is the day that Jesus died?” On the surface that question seems very logical. Somehow it seems wrong to call the day that Jesus died good. And yet that is exactly what it is, and this question is a great opportunity to share more about the work of Christ.

When I ponder the answer to the question, “Why do we call Good Friday good?” there are several reasons that come to my mind.

It is good because…

 1. It is the day that Jesus completed His mission on earth and He declared that fact. John 19:30 – “Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”

2. It is the day when the debt we owed for all of our sins was paid in full - with Jesus’ blood. Ephesians 1:7 – “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.”

3. It was the day of salvation for one of the thieves hanging on a cross beside Jesus. Luke 23:43 – “Jesus answered him, 'Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.’"

4. It was the day when prophecy was fulfilled. Isaiah 53:12b – “For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.”             

5. It was the day that non-believers proclaimed that Jesus was the Son of God. Matthew 27:54 – “When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, ‘Surely he was the Son of God!’”

6. It was the day when the temple veil was torn in two. Matthew 27:50-51a – “And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.”

7. It was the day that we no longer needed a high priest to repeatedly offer a sacrifice for our sins. Hebrews 10:12, 14 - “But when this priest [Jesus] had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God. For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.”       

8. It was the day that we were given the freedom and privilege to go directly to God for forgiveness. Ephesians 3:12 – “In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.”

In considering all these 'good' things that were accomplished on that memorable Good Friday, I am reminded of many songs that speak of the veil being torn and Christ's work on the cross. One that specifically comes to mind is Chris Tomlin's song, 'Jesus Messiah'.

 Jesus Messiah, name above all names
Blessed redeemer, Emmanuel
The rescue for sinners, the ransom from Heaven
His body the bread, his blood the wine
Broken and poured out all for love
The whole earth trembled, and the veil was torn
Love so amazing, love so amazing, yeah

 As this Easter week unfolds, I encourage you to celebrate all the goodness that surrounds Good Friday – as well as the ultimate celebration of Christ’s power over the grave on Easter! And, if you are given the opportunity to share why Good Friday is good with someone who is curious, enjoy sharing the goodness of God's gift that was given on that dark but incredible day. Christ’s work on earth was finished and the veil was torn. How amazing!

 "Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:14-16

May you take time to come humbly before your God this week in prayer, thankfulness and remembrance! We serve an awesome Savior!

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 If you have a few more minutes today or later this week, take time to worship by watching one of these thought-provoking videos (cut and paste the links): 

 'Jesus Messiah' by Chris Tomlin at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdxSC1tHJn0 

 'At the Cross' by Hillsong at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkRudaBidHc

 'I Belong to God' by Big Daddy Weave at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKHS9p91uKY

...and/or for a bit 'lighter' celebration of our freedom in Christ you may want to check out this version of Mercy Me’s “All of Creation”

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkdniYsUrM8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkdniYsUrM8

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yokemates.blogspot.com

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