Today is considered "Good Friday."
Two days before the traditional Easter holiday, I find myself lost in a world of college papers and thoughts of future tasks that need to be accomplished. And yet, I cannot help but stop to think: what is it about today that makes it "Good Friday" besides the small footnote on the calendar and the reminder in the church bulletin?
Certainly, it's those moments of habit that can lead you down the path of religiosity and away from the truth of the matter. The instant I decided to read my Bible this morning because I felt that "it was the right thing to do" I realized how cold my heart was and how much it was in dire need of a flame again. It was then that I came to understand the truth behind today's title. There has and will be days that I find myself needing to "come back to the heart of worship" as Matt Redman would say, worshipping God and spending time with Him because it's a joy of mine, and not necessarily because it's a job that has to be finished. As Paul says in 2 Corinthians 6:2,
"....I tell you, now is the day of God's favor, now is the day of salvation." And as written in Hebrews 4:7,
"...Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts."
Over 2000 years ago, Jesus' death on the Cross was only the beginning of God's reformation plan. Imagine, waking up to a beautiful sunrise and stepping outside to what seems like an ordinary day, the heat already humid and the sand dry against your feet. All of a sudden, a whirlwind of commotion is heard in the distance and you glance out your window to see a mob of angry people marching forward. Soldiers walk emotionless in front, glaring at you as they pass your home.
Another prisoner, you suspect. Another lowlife in society. Yet, before you turn back to your business you catch a glimpse of the traitor, his eyes suddenly locking with yours.
It's then that your heart sinks in confusion and your eyes seem frozen in time. Jesus. It's Jesus who's about to die.
Now your thoughts are flooded with images and stories that you'd heard before of this man's life. He had done things no one else had done before, giving people a second chance at life through the healing and raising of the dead, and providing food for thousands from small loaves of bread. He had taught of love and God, claiming to be God's Son and the Redeemer of all men. Yet, how can that be? His words, now, have been challenged as his life is about to end.
As the crowd passes by marching further down the road, you step outside your door to watch them walk away. There, the so-called Messiah is walking on the path leading to his death. His words of new life have faded away against the reality of the inevitable: Jesus is going to die, and the hope that he professed is about to go with him.
How is it, that such a remarkable man could become like every other religious figurehead? At this point, he's no better than any other liar in the past. He's no greater than a teacher or rabbi, a giver of ideas and instructor of wisdom for a short time before another comes along and takes his place. The evidence is in the crown on his head and the blood pouring out of his sores: he's only human. His life--every word he said, and person he touched--will soon be nothing but a nice story to tell.
Certainly, the death of Jesus Christ brought about much confusion for God's people. At the point when they were certain God had answered their prayers after hundreds of years, their hope began to fade as the nails were pressed into his hands and the spear was impressed on his side. Jesus was gone.
So often, this is where I find myself dwelling: at the cross. My dresser itself is covered with cross-necklaces of many colors, matching most outfits of my wardrobe. Certainly, the cross exemplified Christ's love for mankind, making it a beautiful symbol. Yet, how often is my mindset fixed on the death of Christ? "Yes, I know Jesus did this, and I've seen him do that...but he can't overcome my situation now," my thoughts will say. Frustration and fear take the place of what was once hope as I gaze, staring at a motionless Jesus and burdening situation. And yet, in the midst of my disbelief, a quiet voice reminds me of the everlasting Word of God:
"Do not harden your hearts."
and "Today is the day of salvation."
How beautiful is the truth in the Cross: that at the moment when the world was hopeless, depressed, and angry, Jesus brings the first words of salvation:
"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."
It was the moment of Jesus' ultimate pain, and yet he still spoke of words of hope. Daily, when I find myself stuck in the mire of condemnation or hopelessness, I can think back upon Jesus' words of hope. Even in his death, life was spoken through his lips.
Today may be the official "Good Friday" of the year, but the truth is, everyday is "good" with the forgiveness offered in Christ's sacrifice. And it's on "Good Sunday" that will understand the hope even more as we celebrate the resurrection.
