Today is “Good Friday” sometimes called “Holy Friday”. It is a sad but joyous time for Christians. What does Good Friday mean for the Christian? How should we reflect on this holy and spiritual day? For the Christian, Good Friday is more than just another day. It marks the day when Jesus was tried and crucified on a shameful cross. But, it is also a day that you and I were provided redemption from our sins. What a glorious day it is! So, on one hand, we see the gruesome death of Jesus on the cross. On the other hand, it provides for you and me salvation! Think about it like this: Jesus carried the cross willingly. He subjected Himself to public mockery, severe beatings, and one of the most horrific deaths the world has ever devised. As the Son of God, He didn’t have to endure anything. Even in those last excruciating hours nailed to the cross, He could have opted out, but He endured the cross willingly to give us salvation. As we reflect on this day and just what it means, it reminds me as a believer to continue to “take up my cross and follow Him” wholeheartedly. We should be thankful for the opportunity to have salvation, but we remember what it took on the cross for you and for me. I’m also reminded of Simon from Cyrene who took up that cross to help Jesus carry it to His impending death. I hope these words from Jesus will help you as they have helped me as we reflect on this day. Luke 9:23-24 “And He was saying to them all, If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it.”
Prayer: God give us the courage, strength, and endurance to follow You every day. No matter how tough the obstacles, how long the dark night, and how our plans might be disrupted, may we never forget real life starts when we give ourselves to You. Lord, thank you for the cross where Your love poured down and lead us to our knees as we think of what You have done for us. AmenPlease join us on Easter Sunday for Sunday School at 9:45AM, followed by our Morning Worship Service at 11:00AM! Please invite your friends and family to join us in worshipping our risen Savior!