We hear it often: “TGIF” (Thank God it’s Friday!). Although many people use this phrase carelessly, without reverence for their Creator, they’re grateful because Friday marks the end of the workweek. It opens the door to 2 days when they can relax and just do their own thing.
On this Good Friday, millions of Christians around the world are especially thankful because it reminds them of what God accomplished through His Son nearly 2,000 years ago.
But why do we call this day good? Was not this one of the blackest days in history? God’s sinless Son, who went about doing good, healing the sick, and bringing hope to sin-ruined lives, was nailed to a shameful cross by self-righteous religious leaders. That’s evil at its worst. That sounds more like God’s day of defeat. Where is the good in that?
Paul gave us the answer. On this day centuries ago, God demonstrated “His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8). Such love is too profound for a genius to fully grasp, yet so simple that a child can accept it. And this love is experienced by all who repent of their sins and receive Christ by faith.
TGIGF—Thank God it’s Good Friday!
— Dennis J. De Haan
See, from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down;
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown? —Watts
Christ endured the darkness so that we can enjoy the light.