Not-So-Fast Friday

“God shows his own love for us in this:  While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

It’s Friday…but Sunday’s coming!  But don’t rush to get there.  The delirious delight of the empty tomb can tempt us to skip past Calvary with only brief (though sincere) acknowledgement and heartfelt (but not heartbroken) gratitude.  So don’t let today go by so fast.  Granted, stopping at the cross is never comfortable.  The brutal reality that another is suffering because of us is hard to swallow. The truth that we are so bad that such a price must be paid is humbling.  But don’t hurry away.  Psalm 107:43 says, “Whoever is wise, let him heed these things and consider the great love of the Lord,” and at no time in history or eternity is God’s love so obvious as during those six hours that Friday.  “God shows his own love for us in this:  While we were still sinners, Christ died for us”(Rom 5:8).

The first time I remember observing Good Friday I was in third grade.  I was excited because I volunteered to read Matthew’s account of the crucifixion to my class and was quite sure I could correctly pronounce Jesus’ cry of “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?”  I am rather certain I did not, and I am not convinced I get it right now, but the translation of the question is clear—“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

The answer is clear as well—us.  We are the reason for the ripped flesh, dripping blood, anguished breath, searing pain, desolate darkness, and ultimate agony as the Father turned away from the Son. Our sin and separation from God was the cause of His severed soul.  And He hung there because He wanted to.

Last night during practice for our Good Friday service, the choir rehearsed the hymn “Blessed Redeemer,” and from my spot on the side of the stage I started to sing along—but the words I knew by heart could hardly make it out of my mouth, so I mumbled them in a reverent whisper.

Up Calvary’s mountain one dreadful morn
Walked Christ my Savior, weary and worn,
Facing for sinners death on the cross
That He might save them from endless loss.

Blessed Redeemer, precious Redeemer,
Seems now I see Him on Calvary’s tree,
Wounded and bleeding, for sinners pleading,
Blind and unheeding, dying for me.

The scene of the cross is at the same time revolting and riveting, so take the time to stop and see.  And then in a reverent whisper, say thanks.