I read the story of that day, 2000+ years ago, every Good Friday.
It was a day that started with betrayal, and quickly spiraled downward from there, to include an arrest by the authorities, denial by the closest of friends, a call and sentence to murder, bludgeoning, humiliation, public flogging, mocking, nails hammered into flesh and thorns worn as a crown. It was a day where the sun was hidden by a darkness like night and a Father allowed the final blow to a Son by an unprecedented separation of heart.
That day was anything but “good.” And yet, without it, where would we be?
As I was thinking about this, I remembered a friend of mine whose son broke his leg while they were on vacation. It was a pretty bad break, but the only medical facility available was very small and seemed ill-equipped. Still, they had no choice, so they had it cast and went on their way. After they got home, instead of getting some relief, their son was still in terrible pain. They got him in to their own doctor who discovered that the bone had been improperly set. He told them, frankly, that if they didn’t re-break and reset the bone, their son would very likely always walk with a limp and suffer pain with it for the rest of his life.
No parent wants to see their child suffer; but there are times, of course, when they know it’s in their child’s best interest, as the initial suffering is necessary to produce health and wholeness. The suffering is “good”, and it was certainly so with regard to my friend’s son and his future well being.
But, what if the parent had said, “Please break my leg instead. I’ll take that pain on for him if you can just heal him through it.” I know a lot of parents with sick children who would sign on for that RIGHT NOW, if it held the promise of their child’s restoration. However, they’re human and broken themselves. It’s just not possible. Broken can’t heal broken. Sin can’t stand in to cover itself.
So, on that day 2000+ years ago, One who was unbroken and without sin was sent to cover not just one sufferer, but ALL sufferers. With Him it was POSSIBLE.
That initial day of torment, and excruciating pain of body, mind and soul – lo, that day of death – was indeed a GOOD day. A GOOD day for you and me and every other broken human on the planet, as in His perfection, He took on the suffering for us so that we could be spared and healed.
Indeed, it’s Friday…and it is GOOD.
May this Good Friday be a day of reflection on the undeserved grace we were given in a price that we never could’ve paid ourselves. And may it be a thoughtful prelude to the day that death itself was trumped forever! Easter…or as I like to call it, “GREAT SUNDAY!”
Blessings to you and yours,
Indeed, friend. It is way good!
Last night we started a new tradition in our family…the Passover Supper. What a way to approach the cross.
By the way, I have missed you. 😉
Blessings.
Yes it so wonderfully horribly Good!
Ah, the unbroken healing the broken… And love your idea of calling Easter "Great Sunday"!
Have a wonderful Easter weekend, Melinda!
Read something today that said early on today was called God Friday, but the orthodox Jews did not want to utter the name of YHWH so they changed it to Good Friday. Not sure if that is true or not, but it was a nice story.
The sacrifice HE made astounds me!! Just astounds me, my friend.
Leah
What a beautiful reminder! This post blessed my heart. Thank you!
Happy Easter!
Melanie
~ melscoffeebreak.blogspot.com ~
Humbled, indeed, for what He did for you and I and all that Believe upon His Name.
With love,
Yolanda
More and more I find myself standing at the empty tomb; less at the cross. While I treasure (and abhor) what was wrought in Jesus' death, I am simply overcome by what was wrought when He mocked death — the enemy's ONLY remaining weapon.
Indeed, Friday is good, and all of the days following it for all time.
Blessings,
Kathleen
Melinda:
I attended an area Good Friday Service my denomination had. It was truly wonderful.
I am always amazed at the gift that He gave to all of us. Humbled and amazed.
I have missed you around here!! Here meaning blog world and TAMPA!!!!
Love you!
I've heard about rebreaking badly set or badly healed bones before. I'm so thankful that when Jesus died on the cross, there is no resetting and with Jesus, we are set for good in Him. Yay!
I hope you are having a beautiful Monday!
He is indeed risen, so Monday should be Live Like It Day! LOL
Another good post. You are a good writer.