Thank God for Good Friday

As we approach Good Friday it gets me to reflect on the sacrifice, suffering and hope we have in Jesus.

"For God so loved the world, that He gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life."

John 3:16

God put the wrong on Him (Christ) who never did anything wrong, so we could be put right with God.

"God made him who knew no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

2 Corinthians 5:21

Good Friday is the day that we remember the crucifixion of Jesus. When He took away our sins and gave us the opportunity of a new life in relationship with God. Jesus’ death was not the end of the story, but a beautiful beginning! It gives us hope that we have been reconciled with God.

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—not by works, so that anyone can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." 

Ephesians 2:8-9

So how do we extend this goodness of God to others? Is it when we things are going right in our lives? When we feel on top of the mountain or when we are in the valley?

Some people may say God's kingdom is an upside-down kingdom, as it’s only when we go through the greatest tests and trials that we receive breakthrough, healing and victory. But it’s also often times like this when God is calling us to take the focus off ourselves and do good to others.

When was the last time you did something good for someone? Paid them a compliment, spoke an encouraging word?

Christ extended His love to us by dying on the cross. When He was going through the most brutal suffering we could ever imagine, the Word says "He was even obedient to death because He saw the joy set before him."

Hebrews 12:2b

I’ve been recently helping with the Little Warriors children’s group. It’s not something I was looking to do, but I’m in a season where I have more time and flexibility from my normal 9-5 job. I was approached by someone in church to see if I would be interested and to be honest, I was a bit unsure as I was already doing a couple of other things, but said I would give it a try. It was the best decision I could have made! I have had the opportunity to meet and get to know so many wonderful parents and carers, and it has personally helped me so much to walk alongside other Mums and receive at the same time.

This is what Jesus came to do “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Matthew 10:45

Who will you share the goodness of God with today?

~ Harby Duggal