We call today Good Friday. But remember – the very first Good Friday was anything but good!
The Biblical story goes like this: Just a few days prior, Jesus had ridden into Jerusalem and been hailed as a King. Children were singing His praises. Blind and lame people were made well. The religious rulers who had been exploiting the people had been exposed and routed. Yesterday, those who were with Jesus thought this might be the time Jesus would usher in God’s Kingdom, and their problems would soon come to an end. Hope was at a fever pitch!
And then today they watched Him die.
We know the end of the story. We know what happened Sunday morning. But imagine for a moment what it was like for those who loved Jesus on that Friday. They had finally dared to hope, and now that hope was gone.
Can you imagine any higher hopes than those of Jesus’ friends a week earlier?
And can you imagine any deeper devastation than how they felt when He died?
We may feel that same devastation when our hopes are disappointed. What have you hoped for – and then had it taken away? Perhaps a marriage you thought was the answer to your prayers? Or a career that would make a difference? Or a child you had longed and prayed for?
Perhaps you believed God had promised you an answer – your child will come home, your body will be healed, your finances will be fixed, your marriage will be restored. And then nothing happens. Your hope is gone. You feel like Jesus’ friends on Good Friday.
At moments like this there’s only one thing to say. In the words of the old gospel preacher:
“It’s Friday. But Sunday’s coming!”
If this Good Friday is anything but “good” for you, remember, because of Jesus, Sunday’s coming!
Your turn: What does the Easter story mean for you today? Where is hope for you? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
P.S. This is a little different than the usual content of these posts. I hope this speaks to your heart in some way. May God richly bless you this Easter season!
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