Is it really a 'Good' Friday?
Scripture: Matthew 27:11-55
What do you say on Good Friday during a pandemic? I'm seriously asking because I have been staring at my computer screen with my hands resting on the mouse pad for over an hour. Everytime I start conjuring up a thought to type, I quickly dismiss it because the words in my mind aren't aligning with the message in my spirit.
How can you sit and process the weight of what this Holy day means for the world, while watching that same world be overcome with fear, concern, and worry over a virus that has demanded so much of our attention these past few weeks? I had a conversation with a friend just yesterday who has known and loved Jesus for years. I asked her what she’ll be doing for Good Friday and she replied with, “Oh my gosh. I totally forgot Good Friday is tomorrow; I honestly haven't even thought about it.” Now this doesn’t mean she’s a bad Christian for not having plans to sit with the Lord on Good Friday, but while we chatted we both realized truly how much the enemy has been distracting us, in general and especially as believers, during this time.
This isn’t all to say that I am against any of the protocols in place by the CDC (that are definitely helping to fight this illness), but as I was speaking with this sweet friend of mine I was able to fully process how much the enemy could be thriving in this season; I believe that is due to the amount of focus we have been placing on this virus.
I mean just imagine if Jesus' name was in the media just as much as Covid-19 has been for the past month… imagine if instead of headlines that read, “Covid-19 has claimed _#_ lives this week,” they read, “Jesus has redeemed _#_ lives this week.” Now, I am not trying to turn this into a strong debate about perspective or create shame in any of us who’ve been consumed with the state of the world lately; we are all struggling with that together. What I am encouraging us to do on Good Friday, more than any other day lately, is sit in the comfort of your home and really take time to center your mind on Jesus and rest in what this day means; all while ignoring the noise of everything else.
Good Friday has it’s name not because it was a good day, but because it was (and is) a Holy day. Jesus took on the weight of ALL humanity’s sin: past, present, and future.
So, with that being said, read the scripture above and allow Jesus to be at the forefront of your mind. Allow His love and sacrifice for you to be the sole thing consuming your heart. I encourage you to leave worry and anxiety behind, to leave stress and fear in the garbage, and to allow yourself to feel the weight of what He's done for you; all because of His love.
Prayer: Today I am encouraging you to pray whatever is on your heart. Whether you need to pray for hope, forgiveness, help, encouragement, strength, or whatever it is, it’s between you and the Lord - pray out loud to Him today.
Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxYxzqM6mfA
Pastor Sabrina