Good Friday, When Hope Began

This is Easter weekend, which in our home begins with a day off from work/school and a full weekend ahead which will include church and family celebrations.

The Easter weekend begins with Good Friday. As a Christian, Good Friday is a significant day of the year because it celebrates probably the most profound weekend in the history of the world. Ever since Jesus died and was raised, Christians have proclaimed the cross and resurrection of Jesus to be the decisive turning point for all creation.

On Good Friday we remember the day Jesus willingly suffered and died by crucifixion as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. It is followed by Easter, the glorious celebration of the day Jesus was raised from the dead, heralding his victory over sin and death and pointing ahead to a future resurrection for all who are united to him by faith.

Beginning with Good Friday and why it is called 'good', lies the basis of our faith. Our sinful nature, God's redeeming plan, the Resurrection of our Lord is the foundation of our faith. Romans 8 explains it so well...

"So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. 2 And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. 3 The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. 4 He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit."

With the realization that we are all sinners, which is the reason Jesus came to earth to die. Through that death, sin was defeated, forgiveness and a bridge to a Holy God was made. "Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe. Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow."

As Good Friday begins the weekend of great celebration and joy, may we ponder and reflect with thanksgiving the death on the cross that began our life in Christ. May your Easter weekend be one blessed with the spiritual blessings of God and your hearts and homes be filled with His presence.

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