Easter is arguably the most important holiday of the year for Christians. Signifying the end of the Lenten season, it marks the time when Christ paid for our sins with his life. This was not a casual act. It was labored and deliberate, warranting endless amounts of praise and thankfulness from believers alike. I’ve often contemplated the heaviness of “Good Friday.” In very real terms it wasn’t good at all. The crucifixion of Jesus was brutal. Stripped of his garments and hung between two thieves, the Savior would go on to suffer and die an agonizing six hours later according to doctrine. It is said in the Gospel of John that a solider pierced his side with a spear to be certain that he was dead. If we are to think of this in real terms, as Jesus was a real man, how then are we to settle that this Friday is good?
Psalm 22 “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
In my own attempt at understanding, I look at the “Good Fridays” of my own life. I point to my diagnosis of Chiari Malformation. It is said that during Jesus’ suffering, within the last three hours darkness fell over the land. I think about the suffering I felt in the days leading up to the initial diagnosis. The headache, nausea, loss of balance and sleep served as my darkness. When the condition was confirmed I didn’t see a way out. I imagined this period a foreshadowing for my quality of life going forward. I recall a distinct feeling of betrayal. My body had betrayed me by not operating as it had been designed to. Not to mention, I was a person who attempted to live by the book. Kind, generous, and loving, why was I being punished in such a way? Had I made a misstep that wasn’t pleasing? Had God betrayed me? There are plenty of souls that are worthy of such suffering. I questioned what would cause me to be the unwitting recipient of this fate. This was an eclipse in my life. An unexpected period of darkness that would hush my soul.
Mark 15:37 With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last breath.
With this cry, Jesus released his spirit from his body in complete submission to God’s plan. This began a period of mourning for those followers of Christ. I try to imagine the anguish in the days that followed the crucifixion.Those having witnessed the touring, death and ultimate masking of Christ had to have been in a state of disbelief. In that day following my diagnosis, I would mourn the normalcy I thought I’d lost. There was an unsettling dread of what was to come; the unknown of having to accept a new normal for my life. Grief can be paralyzing. In the confusion of those moments can have you questioning which way to turn. The Apostles and disciples did not attempt to leave Jerusalem following Jesus’ death. They would stay still for three days with full knowledge of the prophecy of resurrection. Like the apostles, I didn’t completely understand how the healing would take place, but my faith led me to believe it would coming. It was during this mourning that I decided to stay still and wait on the deliverance.
Luke 24:6 He is not here; He is Risen
On the third day, they would find the stone rolled away and discover an empty tomb. God had resurrected His son to sit at His right hand in heaven. And it was with this action that we were freed from our sins; the greatest gift given to mankind. Through this act, we’ve been granted free will and God’s perfect peace in exchange for our belief and devotion. God’s sacrifice and Jesus in His innocence and perfect righteousness, have given us a perfect blueprint on how to gain access to His kingdom. In the years following my diagnosis I have been perfected in His image. I am more self aware, more dedicated to my health and living with a greater intention and purpose. The darkness of my "Good Friday," awakened a heightened sense of being in me.
If you are to reflect on your yesterdays, I’m sure you will find a few “Good Fridays” of your own. Events that have shaken you to your core, only to give way to the dawn of new possibilities. A personal resurrection; an ascension into a higher version of yourself. Jesus did not die for His sins, as he was sinless. But he did die for the sins of others. It is during this season that allows us to reflect and give thanks for this selfless act. And to encourage us all to see the hand of God plainly in everyday events and act accordingly. As achingly heartbreaking as it was, I am forever grateful for Good Friday and wish you all a blessed Easter.
