In a world confused by which bathroom to use and who wear masks walking down the beach, it only makes sense that today is called “Good Friday” and the day when everybody goes shopping is called “Black Friday.” It doesn’t make a lot of sense, does it? Should we “celebrate” Good Friday at all?
As you know, Good Friday is the day that we recognize (maybe not celebrate) that Jesus died on the cross. Think about it for a minute. If Jesus had not willingly given up His perfect life to pay the price the Father said was due, we would still have to offer sacrifices for our sins to be right with God.
John the Baptist announced, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world” (John 1:29). More than 2,000 years before, as a foreshadowing of Jesus’ death to take away the sins of the world, Abraham had told his son Isaac, “God will provide Himself a lamb, my son.” And sure enough, when Abraham and Isaac got to the top of Mt Moriah, a ram was waiting for them there.
Jesus, the Lamb of God, died on the same day, at the same time, as the Passover lambs were being slain on Mount Moriah. No wonder then that Jesus said, “Abraham saw My day, and was glad.” (John 8:56) And we, too, can be glad today for the sacrifice of Jesus. Yes, it’s hard to celebrate this but the result of the sacrifice was very, very good. Thank you, Lord!
And if this is Good Friday then that means that this Sunday is Easter or Resurrection Sunday! And we can definitely celebrate that! Now, if you are looking for the Easter Bunny or helicopter egg drops or the pastor doing an inspirational dance…Christ Fellowship is not the place. But if you want to celebrate the risen Savior and worship in spirit and in truth; if you are in awe of the sacrifice of Jesus and amazed at the grace and forgiveness God has shown you…I’ll see you here at 10!
And I can’t wait! I love you all! — Todd
PS I have some homework for you. Look up what the word “providence” means and then be able to give me an example of it in your life and in scripture this Sunday. 