Good Friday sounds like an oxymoron, a figure of speech emphasizing two contradictory words. According to the English language “good” means something useful or desirable, so why would Christ’s death on the Cross be considered “good?”
When we reflect on the crucifixion day, we envision:
-The terrified, fleeing disciples
-A heartbroken, grieving mother
-A confessing, repentant thief
-The callous, lot-casting soldiers
-The mocking, inflictive crowd
We hear the sounds of that afternoon:
-Steady thumping of the hammer
-Taunts bellowed at the dying man
-Whispered final words of Jesus
-Thunder rumbling across the ground
-Ripping of the veil of the Holy of Holies
Our thoughts wield a plethora of emotions: sadness, grief, anger, sorrow, gratitude, and guilt. In our own way we feel responsibility for the death of Christ. Our sin drove the nails into His flesh.
How can we feel “good” about this day?
Good Friday is the perfect name in relation to our souls. What day is more useful to us? It destroyed our chains of sin, bought our freedom, and offered us eternal life. What day could be more desirable? Because of the agony and suffering of Christ, we will spend eternity with Him. We should want nothing more.
Even though it is a day of mourning for the death of our Savior, there is a jumping of joy in our heart because Sunday is on the horizon.
About Shelley Pulliam
Howdy! (A girl from Oklahoma has to use this as her greeting) I’m Shelley Pulliam, executive director of Arise Ministries and former teacher of hormone-filled 8th graders. But my real claim to fame rests in my award as second grade spelling bee champ and my recent gun-handling skills as I train to competition shoot. It helps me be on guard when Satan comes knocking. I’m a voracious reader and can frequently be found at the theater enjoying movie marathons where my record stands at six in one day. I’m a single, never married, who loves to pour into children at every opportunity. Let me know if you have any for sale. You can connect with me on social media. https://www.instagram.com/shelleypulliam/