It's a Good, Good Friday - Rhonda Franz

Good Friday: one of three days that bring remembrance for the salvation of all mankind. A lifetime came before the three days, where Christ walked, and talked, and told. And gave instructions and lived the example. The example of how we can live out those three days in our every day.

While Christ was on the cross, he was forgiving, at that very moment, the very people who were crucifying Him, hurting Him, yelling insults at Him, and unbelieving Him.

Jesus said, Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. Luke 23:34

Do we forgive others quickly? Do we love Jesus by showing His love to others, whether they love Jesus or not? Do we demonstrate kindness by sharing, giving, helping? Do we love by showing restraint?

(For our kids: Do I share my Legos? Do I come to the aid of the kids in school other kids are teasing?)

Do I demonstrate examples of love and service to my children in the way I speak to them, respond to them?

“A godly live should serve as a witness for the message we proclaim.” (Ed Stetzer, with Christianity Today). Have I shared the love of Christ with those around me, and told them of the hope we have in Christ? I Peter 3:15

The criminal on the cross believed in Christ, rather than in his works. He humbled himself, and knew in that instant that he was undeserving of Christ’s mercy.

Yet he received it. Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43

Do we believe that we come to Christ by His saving grace alone, brought forth from the Father through the death of His Son?

Jesus committed his spirit to the Lord.

Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” Luke 23:36

Can we commit our spirits, daily, to God? Will we take up our cross every morning? Our exhaustion, our marriages, our jobs, our parenthood, our discontent, our unhealth? Matthew 16:24

We can. Because He loved us first. And because He rose, and because He is Hope and Love.

Easter is upon us.

All Bible scriptures from the New International Version (NIV)