The Good in Good Friday

God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. – (2 Corinthians 5:21, NIV)

For God took the sinless Christ and poured into Him our sins. Then, in exchange, He poured God’s goodness into us! – (2 Corinthians 5:21, TLB)

For God made the only one who did not know sin to become sin for us, so that we who did not know righteousness might become the righteousness of God through our union with Him. – (2 Corinthians 5:21, TPT)

 

This. This is the good that we celebrate on Good Friday. Jesus Christ, who had lived and served and loved without sin, willingly took all sin upon Himself and bore it on the cross, so that we would have a way to be right with God. Our sinfulness was exchanged for Christ’s righteousness. His sacrifice made the way for all who seek Him to become righteous before God. This holy exchange is the very thing that empowers God’s goodness to be evident in us. Christ’s love that made the way for us all to be restored unto God, is the good in Good Friday. May we each recognize with reverent awe, the enormity of the exchange that took place on our behalf.

 

One horrific day,

A long time ago;

Christ went to the cross,

To make goodness known.

Upon that old cross,

Jesus bore all sin;

The wrongs of the world,

Were nailed upon Him.

The weight that He bore,

Was for you and I;

Though we were sinners,

He still chose to die.

Such a painful death,

So we could be free;

Covered with goodness,

Righteousness to see.

This is what is good,

On this dreadful day;

Death of our Savior,

Cause for Good Friday.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son to take our place upon the cross. Thank You that His goodness covers all of our ugliness in Your eyes. Forgive us for not recognizing the enormity of the burden You bore on our behalf. Help us to see just how good, Good Friday is because of Your incredible love. Show us how to embrace the goodness You have given to us and empower us to love well, all those whom with we cross paths. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we become aware of the incredible exchange of our sinfulness for Your righteousness, that make Good Friday so good. Amen.

 

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

 

But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. – Romans 5:8

Reflect His Radiance

After spending time in the presence of God, there was external evidence of the internal exchange that had occurred in the heart of Moses.  “When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord.  When Aaron and the Israelites saw Moses, his face was radiant, and they were afraid to come near him.  But Moses called to them; so Aaron and all the leaders of the community came back to him, and he spoke to them.” – (Exodus 34:29-31)  The time Moses had spent in the Lord’s presence had been so powerful, that his very countenance reflected the radiance of God!

How are we changed after spending time in His presence?  Can people see an outward expression of an inward change?  Our faces do not have to glow with God’s glory, to demonstrate an internal difference that people can see.  The kindness we extend to others, our ability to offer mercy and grace, even when none is deserved – these are opportunities to reflect His radiance, and draw others into the light of His love.  Often, it is without ever saying a word, but rather with how we act or react, that we most clearly demonstrate an internal difference.  Ultimately, the difference displayed in our behavior, opens opportunities for discussion.  God creates the openings, we just have to be willing and available to move as He asks.

Time with the Lord,

leads to a vast change;

inside to out,

great holy exchange.

Intentional,

to listen and pray;

worship and read,

give honor each day.

As we choose Him,

our hearts will be changed;

difference seen,

a life rearranged.

Glory given,

to Him, who it’s due;

as His light shines,

and we are made new.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we spend time in Your presence, we cannot help but be changed from the inside out.  May we embrace Your grace and allow You access to all, so that Your radiance may be seen in us.  Forgive us for neglecting to make You our priority, or for not slowing down to listen as life becomes chaotic.  Help us to turn to You in all things and at all times, trusting and relying completely on You.  Thank You that You are worthy of all of our trust, and that in You, the impossible is made possible.  May we go forth in Your love, allowing Your light to be seen through us.  May many come to know You as Lord and King, and may they embrace the peace that Your grace brings.  Be glorified, Lord God.  Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.

Answer me, O Lord, out of the goodness of Your love; in Your great mercy turn to me. 

– Psalm 69:16