iStockphoto © Ricardo Reitmeyer
By most accounts Good Friday is considered to be the most solemn of days for those who consider themselves Christians. Once upon a time, the day set was set aside for prayer and fasting. However, like most traditions, things evolve as time goes on.
Today some countries treat Good Friday as a national holiday.
Decades ago business were closed for the day, or at least idled from noon till 6pm in observance and out of reverence for the time Jesus was on the cross.
Sadly for a lot people, some Christians included, Good Friday is the Friday before Easter Sunday.
I’m not here to judge, nor am I casting stones, because for decades Good Friday was the Friday before Easter for me as well. Sales meetings had to be held, teams had to be motivated, and business had to be managed. Reverence and observance for me was ordering Salmon instead of a Ribeye on Good Friday, hardly the sacrifice on the most solemn of days.
Things changed for me after I transitioned from reading the Bible as if it were a task on a to-do list and began reading it to seek wisdom, guidance, and direction for my life. I was studying the Book of Luke leading up to Easter and I read a verse, a verse I had read often. A verse I was taught while growing up. A verse I had heard recited and preached in church every year. A verse, which when read that day, came to life because Good Friday got personal.
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34
In this personal moment, as I read the verse, Jesus wasn’t just forgiving the Roman soldiers for their sins, Jesus was forgiving Me for my sins. The very same sins for which He was dying for on the Cross that Friday.
My Sins – those not yet committed!
My Sins – washed away!
My Sins – no longer separated me from God!
The Cross is personal, Jesus’ Love is tangible, and I am forever changed!
~Tom
trusting God period!
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