Pastor’s Corner: “Why Good Friday?”
Isaiah 53:10 (NLT) – 10 But it was the Lord’s good plan to crush him and cause him grief. Yet when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have many descendants. He will enjoy a long life, and the Lord’s good plan will prosper in his hands.
Pastor Hamilton, why did Jesus have to die? I can hear these words of a six year old girl who asked me this question years ago going over and over in my head this morning. I could tell she had been pondering this question for some time and she was deeply distressed. She loved Jesus so much, in a way that only a six year could (with all her heart). She didn’t want Jesus to suffer, she didn’t want Him to die. Her eyes were pleading with me.
For a brief moment, I was panicked. How do I answer this question? How can I bring relief to this young girl who loves Jesus this much? Then Holy Spirit showed up and gave me the answer in such simple terms that a six year old could understand and even an adult could understand. I will never forget these words: “Jesus didn’t have to die…..He chose to die for us, because He loves us so much.” After hearing these words, the pain in the young girls face lifted and a smile broke through. With relief and joy she gave me a big hug and skipped off.
I am so thankful for that day. Not only did He answer a young girl’s heart, but He gave deeper love to a pastor’s heart as well! Isaiah 53:5 (NIV) – 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. Jesus chose to suffer for you. Jesus chose to be whipped for you. Jesus chose to be crushed for you. Jesus chose to be pierced for you. Jesus chose to be punished for you. Jesus chose to die for you………BECAUSE HE LOVE YOU SO MUCH. Because He loves you so much. You are a treasure to Jesus. Can you see the lengths He will go through and has gone through for you? Why Good Friday? Because Jesus Loves us so much.
I pray this Good Friday that a smile will break through your pain and suffering. I pray that relief and joy will replace your sadness and struggle. I Pray that His love replace your anxiousness and fear. Isaiah 61:1-3 (NLT) – Good News for the Oppressed – The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed. 2 He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the Lord’s favor has come, and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies. 3 To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory.
Let us Pray: Heavenly Father, we remember today the pain and suffering of the cross, and all that Jesus was willing to endure, so we could be set free. He paid the price, such a great sacrifice, to offer us the gift of eternal life. Help us never to take for granted this huge gift of love on our behalf. Help us to be reminded of the cost of it all. Forgive us for being too busy, or distracted by other things, for not fully recognizing what you freely given, what you have done for us. Thank you, Lord that by your wounds we are healed. Thank you that because of your huge sacrifice we can live free. Thank you that sin and death have been conquered and that your Power is everlasting – in Jesus Name – AMEN!
Remember to join us in prayer and fasting tomorrow (Saturday)! Lord, we pray that the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the good news of His great love would be proclaimed and hearts would be ready to receive this Resurrection Sunday. Lord, only You can do this by the power of Your Spirit. We pray for a might move of Your Spirit upon our land – in Jesus Name – AMEN!
In His Grace,
Pastor Hamilton