Why This Friday Is Good

Good Friday. Thunder rumbles above us and the blessed rain falls.

I’ve often wondered why this day before Easter is called “Good”. Perhaps it is because it was good for mankind that God’s plan of Salvation was completed as Christ died on the cross that day. But in actuality it was a most horrific day, a day of intense suffering by One who was absolutely without sin. He had done no wrong; we had. And He paid the penalty of death for us. So, in that sense, it was a day that was eternally good for us.

The earth as God created it was beautiful; clean, pure and bright. And, whimsical as I am, I believe that when Jesus walked upon it, all nature must have responded in adoration. Perhaps the flowers were a little more beautiful, the shade trees a bit more sheltering. I imagine  those wild animals  the Lord created were completely unafraid as their Master strode by them. The little children loved  Him. They, so newly come from the hand of God, recognized His love and acceptance. They mirrored  His joy and delight as they climbed upon his knees.

But sin held sway that day and horror gripped the earth Jesus had created. Darkness covered everything and everyone. Not the darkness of a spring thunderstorm but a thick, suffocating darkness. Candles must have been lit in homes as people groped about as if they were blind. I believe the earth shook and perhaps groaned as the veil in the temple ripped apart, top to bottom. And a deep, abiding sorrow filled the hearts of those who loved Him; His mother, His followers; their hope was gone. Their Lord had died.

They could not know at that time that their grief would be replaced with amazement and joy. They did not know that the Lord would rise from death bringing hope to them and generations to come. But we know. On Good Friday, we look back with gratitude that Jesus suffered and died for us and we look forward to Easter, a new and glorious day dawning and we  praise our Savior who is alive!