Good Friday is upon us. It is a celebration of what Christ Jesus our Lord did on the cross. Sadly most Protestant Churches neglect this part of Passion Week, focusing on Resurrection Sunday (Easter). The problem is you cannot celebrate “He is Risen,” if you don’t acknowledge “It’s Finished,” and His death for sin. I am alarmed how Good Friday is either omitted or if acknowledged its a dirge and depressing in our Protestant Churches. We are told by the apostle to remember thw Lord’s Death not once a year, but every time we partake of the Lord’s Supper, “For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.” (1 Corinthians 11:26). Sadly due to Eucharistophobia, there are few Protestant churches except for Lutherans, who practice Communion every week. In fact, even worse many Protestants have apprehensions over Crucifixes, which are simply depictions of Christ’s sacrifice for sin. And yet the apostle Paul said, “So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say its nonsense, But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:23-24). In fact the apostle Paul emphasized Christ’s Crucifixion in many of the epistles, and this makes sense because he was doing battle with false apostles sho wanted to add fo the blood of Christ.
The Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ is meant to be a focal point. For upon the cross He opened paradise to us. We should be passionate about the Passion, that our God allowed Himself to be broken, and pierced for our transgressions. We should celebrate Good Friday as loudly with hymns and shouts of joy as we do Resurrection Sunday! He is Risen must be after It Is Finished! We should not let the Roman Catholics monopolize this holiday that belongs to all Christians!
Since this Good Friday is happening during COVID-19 quarantine. I have some recommendations of how to celebrate. Firstly, rent or get out your copy of Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ,” watch it. Then I suggest some hymns and worship songs:
“His love ran red.” (At The Cross, Chris Tomerlin)
“Beautiful the blood,” (Kutless)
“Where You There”
I suggest you read the Passion narratives in Scripture like John 19, mediate on the Lord’s Sacrifice for you. Take Communion with family or those you are allowed to be close to. And finally if you have the bravery, wear a crucifix for Good Friday to draw attention to His sacrifice and love when you get essentials like gas or groceries. Amen.
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