Good Friday

Edward F. Lundwall, Jr.
      
A preacher introduced his sermon by crying out: “Fish for sale!”

He did so to get the attention of his listeners. He went on to explain how words can convey meanings that seem contrary to their usual meaning. When thinking of the terrible death of our Lord Jesus Christ on the cross most of us do not associate the event the word good. In fact, we think just the opposite.

“Good" Friday is exactly that because of the forgiveness His death accomplished for sinners.

The day is called good for other reasons also. To God the Father it is "good” because the Son fulfilled the Father's will. It is "good” because Jesus showed His infinite love for the Father and for the world.

Christ’s death was infinitely “good” because it made eternal life a reality for all who put their trust in Him. It makes us heirs as God’s redeemed children.

“Good Friday” was good because redemption’s price was “finished.” God’s solution that was proposed in the past eternity was now accomplished! There was no more that needed to provide for the propitiation for the sins of all mankind even though relatively few would appropriate it (1 John 2:2).

Even the Jewish leaders who demanded Jesus' death considered the day "good" because they thought that they has gotten rid of Him. What a surprise when Christ rose from the dead!

The Devil thought of Jesus death as a good thing. But the gratification was short lived as Satan got a splitting head ache (Gen. 3:15) when he bruised Jesus' heel (Gen 3:15).

Therefore, let all true believers rejoice!  “Good" Friday is the turning point in God’s redemptive plan. Jesus said, "It is finished" and that marked the beginning of eternal blessedness to be accomplished in our lives and in the world to come. Rejoice and give Jesus the honor and praise He deserves because of that first “Good" Friday.