What's So Good About Good Friday?
March 29, 2018 at 11:41 a.m.
By -
Add to that as Christians we believe that Jesus, the Son of God, was innocent of the charges made against Him. But he was scourged and then nailed to a tree. Add to the misery what the suffering Savior said as he looked down at the Roman soldiers who impaled his hands and feet, casting lots for his clothing. “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do” (Luke 23:34).
My good friend Pastor John B Lowe II of New Life Christian Church & World Outreach has written a book, “Forgiveness ... An Act of Violence.” In Chapter 5 he responds to what Jesus said, “Really! They didn’t know what they were doing? Reading verses like that challenge our logic. Christ’s sufferings at the hands of the Kingdom of Darkness seemed pretty intentional to a well-reasoned mind.”
Good Friday is about forgiveness, period. The greatest man to ever live was killed in the most horrible way, but his mission was to forgive, showing the heart of His Father — God Almighty.
This Friday is Good because it’s about mercy. John B. notes in Chapter 6 of his book, “God doesn’t forgive us because He is superior, even though He is. He forgives because He is love.”
With sweat and blood running in his eyes, Jesus strained to see those who meant him harm and loved them. We can be forgiven of our sins as well because the Lamb of God shed his blood on the cross.
God sent his best, His only Son, to tell us that He loves us. Good news! As we accept forgiveness we are challenged to forgive those around us as well.
Make this season a Good Friday through Jesus and the ultimate message of love.
For more information on “Forgiveness ... An Act Of Violence,” go to www.ihavenewlife.com.
Ken Locke is community ministries director of The Salvation Army in Warsaw and director of the Greater Warsaw Ministerial Association.
Have ideas for this column? Go to www.gwma.info.
Add to that as Christians we believe that Jesus, the Son of God, was innocent of the charges made against Him. But he was scourged and then nailed to a tree. Add to the misery what the suffering Savior said as he looked down at the Roman soldiers who impaled his hands and feet, casting lots for his clothing. “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do” (Luke 23:34).
My good friend Pastor John B Lowe II of New Life Christian Church & World Outreach has written a book, “Forgiveness ... An Act of Violence.” In Chapter 5 he responds to what Jesus said, “Really! They didn’t know what they were doing? Reading verses like that challenge our logic. Christ’s sufferings at the hands of the Kingdom of Darkness seemed pretty intentional to a well-reasoned mind.”
Good Friday is about forgiveness, period. The greatest man to ever live was killed in the most horrible way, but his mission was to forgive, showing the heart of His Father — God Almighty.
This Friday is Good because it’s about mercy. John B. notes in Chapter 6 of his book, “God doesn’t forgive us because He is superior, even though He is. He forgives because He is love.”
With sweat and blood running in his eyes, Jesus strained to see those who meant him harm and loved them. We can be forgiven of our sins as well because the Lamb of God shed his blood on the cross.
God sent his best, His only Son, to tell us that He loves us. Good news! As we accept forgiveness we are challenged to forgive those around us as well.
Make this season a Good Friday through Jesus and the ultimate message of love.
For more information on “Forgiveness ... An Act Of Violence,” go to www.ihavenewlife.com.
Ken Locke is community ministries director of The Salvation Army in Warsaw and director of the Greater Warsaw Ministerial Association.
Have ideas for this column? Go to www.gwma.info.
Have a news tip? Email [email protected] or Call/Text 360-922-3092