“Happy Good Friday!”

“Happy Good Friday!”
In the crucifixion story according to Luke Jesus, from the moment he was on the way to be crucified, he spoke four times before death. First time when the women “mourned and wailed for him,” he said to them, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, weep for yourselves and for your children…”
While he was hanging on the cross he said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
On the cross one of the thieves by his side spoke favourably about him, and then said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus replied him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Finally at that last moment, he “called out with a loud voice, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.'”(23:26-49).
To the wailing women of Jerusalem Jesus’ words are full of love, compassion, comfort and encouragement. It teaches us that even when others sympathise with our pains, we should still give them reason to prepare for worst eventualities upon themselves.
On the cross he was still asking his Father to forgive his enemies who were acting in ignorance. The evil that your enemies perpetuate on you usually have positive outcomes. Our commemoration of this day, calling it Good Friday is the result of the ignorance of his killers!
To the thief on the cross, we learn that last minute repentance has a reward of paradise.
Finally, the last words was total submission to the Father. He committed his spirit to the Father. He didn’t care whatever happened with the flesh! What a lesson!
Dear friend, even when death stares you in the face, continue to give hope to those living in an unpredictable future. Forgive your persecutors who act in ignorance and give asssurance to those who know that there is another home in view!
Above all, live in the spirit so that when it happens, you will say, “O receive my soul at last!”
Prayer: Lord Jesus, on this day out of love you sacrificed your life for my sake. Let me learn to live and die for others. Amen!
Have a blessed day! Peace be with you! Happy Good Friday!