As I left the Good Friday service today, I was struck with the thought, “what is so good about that.” A day set aside to mourn the crucifixion of Christ, it’s not exactly a day of celebration by any stretch of the imagination. The service was a very tight, thoughtful service, and very intentional (I LOVE intentionality, songs that flow with each other and the themes of the day etc).
Later that afternoon, I was watching some t.v and heard several times people making jokes about the word ‘Good.’
“The best TGIF (thank goodness its friday) of the year”
“We should be pumped up (talking to the audience) it is GOOD FRIDAY!!”
It got me thinking…we have lost the meaning. I did some research and found out that the word “Good” was put in their because people weren’t enthused with the options offered in the original translations. Some translations called it “Holy Friday” or even “Mourning Friday.” The thought was that both focused to much on the underlying sadness of the cross, and brought out the negatives of the day with not focus on the upcoming Sunday.
That’s when I realized. Friday is a sad day. Don’t get me wrong, we know a secret…Sunday’s going to be sweet! It’s kind of like when you rewind the TiVo to watch a big play. You feel like you know this secret of the play to come…I guess that’s how God feels when He watches everything down here on earth unfold (minus the rewind). That said, we know a secret about the coming Sunday, but that shouldn’t change our opinion of Friday. It should keep us from being in utter despair and panic, but it should not compromise our mourning for the sacrifice on the cross.
Psalm 51:11-12
Cast me not away from your presence,
and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and uphold me with a willing spirit.
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