Good Friday Word

Stations of the Cross Art- by Cynthia D. Wilson-Instagram handle @cynthiadwilsonart_c

Here we are today, Good Friday , the day that set the sobering tone for Holy Week, the days that revealed some of the most profound conversations that Jesus had with his disciples that evidenced a lonely Messiah who dreaded the reality he faced. He contained with every fiber of his faith, purpose and being in God the foreknowledge of his imminent crucifixion. So today we celebrate and revisit this time with church programs where preachers emphasize Jesus’ last words, the seven last words of Christ, while imparting to listeners the mysteries of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:13)as they stir in them a spiritual awakening that generates a connection with that final experience of Jesus here on earth as he suffered, bled and died for our sins. And Christians should take into account and always bear in mind that God intended only one crucifixion. So, in Jesus that sacrifice is finished once and for all, forever, not to be repeated over and over again(Hebrews 10:12). Neither  by way of animals as in the Old Testament nor by any additional misguided conceptualization or actualization of primitive human sacrifice espoused or advocated by demonic influences and systems. Jesus’ experience can not and should not be mocked or lessened  to the confusion, derision and misunderstanding that results when it is reduced to such a degree. Once on Calvary was all it took. As the words in the song sang so passionately and beautifully by Chandler Moore and Maverick City,…”just one look…”

Hebrews 10:12:

But this man, after offering one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God.,

Jesus prayed for the cup to be passed from him during his period of deep prayer and reflection in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:39). He was saddened and driven to tears from the behavior of those who spitefully accused him, betrayed him and clamored for his death from the mob that surrounded Pontius Pilot.

Yet through it all, his resurrection on Easter morning transformed the gloom and doom of that day, that misery and cruelty he was subjected to on Mt. Calvary and the days leading up to it into joy and victory. His resurrection from death took the sadness and agony out of his crucifixion, and the ultimate sting out of death (1 Corinthians 15:54-57)in the witness of Jesus’ triumph over it. This aliveness we experience today in the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, which Jesus promised  to send faithful believers and never leave them alone(John 14:15-17).

My prayers go out to you today as you reflect and/or speak or preach in earnest on the 7 Last Words of Christ. God bless you. 

The 7 Last Words as set forth in scripture are as follows:

1st Word- “Father forgive them for they know not what they do”

The Word of Forgiveness"

Luke 23:34

2nd Word-“Be with me in Paradise”

“The Word of Salvation”

  Luke 23:43

3rd Word-“Behold Thy Son”

The Word of  Relationship

John 19:26–27

4th Word- “Father Why has thou forsaken Me?”

The Word Forsaken

Mark 15:34

Matthew 27:46

5th Word-“I Thirst”

“The Word of Distress”

John 19:28

6th Word-“It is Finished”

The Word of Triumph 

John 19:30

 

7th Word-“Father into your hands I Commend my spirit”

“The Word of  Reunion”

Luke 23:46

Enjoy worshipping whether you are experiencing it in person or streaming services on one of your devices.

Blessings,

Rev. Cynthia Wilson

An Eastertide Playlist

 

            Stations of the Cross Trilogy(no.3)watercolor by Cynthia Wilson

                    Eastertide Playlist (Link here) 

We are still in the Easter season until May 23 Pentecost Sunday. So it’s timely to continue celebrating the hope and joy of resurrection, renewals and new beginnings with some inspirational songs. Under the image above is a link to a playlist I created on Apple Music. Please feel free to share with family and friends.

 God bless you!  Stay healthy and well while keeping yours and other’s’  spirits lifted throughout the season.

Much joy, peace and love,

Cynthia Wilson