Charlie Brown comes to mind every time the words ‘good grief’ are heard or read. When Lucy would get under his skin, his expression would be ‘good grief’. Giving thought to the expression, the words good and grief hardly go together, but we have accepted it as an expression of frustration or surprise. Oxymoron is used to describe words that contradict one another.
“And when they came to the place that is called ‘The Skull’ there they crucified Him.”
Luke 23:33 ESV
The Grief
What about Good Friday? Seems to be an oxymoron. What is good about the day Christ was crucified? The pain and suffering He endured! The grief over the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. The imagery of what He went through. The pain and suffering that saddens our hearts to read and consider. Even more, is the thought that He endured the pain and suffering for us.
“They went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. And it happened, as they were perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments. Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them, ‘why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen! ‘“
The Good
Following the grief, comes the good. By Jesus’ death, Jesus became the final sacrifice for our sins. His death completed all sacrifices. On the third day, He arose from the dead. The tomb was empty. The angel told Mary that Jesus was living. The fact that Jesus was resurrected from the dead has great significance to our lives. Because He lives, we can face tomorrow. Because He lives, there is hope for an eternity with Jesus.
Good Friday
Christ took our place and did for us what we could never have done for ourselves. By dying for us on that first Good Friday, we can indeed call that day a good day. My prayer is that this Good Friday may be a good Friday for you. As we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us. Put your faith and trust in Him this Easter week.
Paula Wallace
