Today is Good Friday.
Christians from all over the world gather at special services to ponder the cross and to thank God for what he has done for us in Christ.
He has given his life for ours. The Reformer Martin Luther called it the “glorious exchange.” We’re the ones who deserve to be up there. But in an act of loving self-sacrifice, he takes our place. He gets what we deserve (for our sin and waywardness) and we get what he deserves (for his perfect obedience and faithfulness). The eternal promises of God are ours—not as a reward, but as a gift which Christ has given to us.
As we are told in 1 Peter 3:18: “Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God…”
Some people will walk through streets in a procession carrying a cross. Some will engage in special kids’ ministries. Others will spend time in silence.
The important thing is to ponder the gravity of what he has done, and to give thanks.
Let me share four words for you to ponder as you spend time at the foot of the cross.
His pain, your gain.
-He wore the crown of thorns… so you could benefit from his eternal kingship.
-He received the flogging and beating… so you didn’t have to.
-He was pierced… so you could be embraced by God’s forgiveness.
-He experienced abandonment… so you could have fellowship with God.
There’s a reason why the cross is the universal symbol of the Christian faith.
His pain, your gain.
Notes:
–Bible quotes are from the NIV.
–The Up Devotional is published 5 days a week (Monday-Friday) and returns on April 10, 2023.
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