It is Good Friday, the day once a year when Christians all over the world pause for a moment to consider what Christ did for them when He gave His life on the cross.
It is good that we take this time to remember, but my question is, “Why only once a year?”
Consider the following advice from the book Desire of Ages, p. 83:
“It would be well for us to spend a thoughtful hour each day in contemplation of the life of Christ. We should take it point by point and let the imagination grasp each scene, especially the closing ones.”
The Center of our Faith
The Cross is the very center of our faith, the foundation of our hope, the surety of our salvation, yet we too often relegate it to a once a year celebration. We go about our busy lives, rarely considering “…him who endured such opposition from sinners” and, because we of this, we instead “grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:3.
What would happen if we took the advice above “to spend a thoughtful hour each day in contemplation of the life of Christ” taking it “point by point and let the imagination grasp each scene, especially the closing ones”? I think it would transform our lives.
Look again at Desire of Ages, p. 83:
“As we thus dwell upon HIs great sacrifice for us our confidence in Him will be more constant, our love will be quickened, and we shall be more deeply imbued with His spirit….Beholding the beauty of His character, we shall be ‘changed into the same image from glory to glory.’ 2 Corinthians 3:18”
Consider the Cross
Why not give it a try it between now and next Easter? Set aside a little time each day to just think about what Jesus did for you, to consider the Cross:
- Kneel by His side in Gethsemane, as He, “…being in anguish…prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.” Luke 22:4
- Hear His plea, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me…” as His humanity drew back from the suffering which lay ahead. Luke 22:42a
- Listen, as He, thinking of you and all who be saved by His sacrifice, whispers, “…yet not my will, but yours be done.” Luke 22:42b)
- Feel your hand swing the whip which scars his back, form the crown which pierced His brow, and strike each blow that drove the spikes through His hands and feet.
- As life ebbs from His body, hear His triumphant cry, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” and realize anew He did all this for you.
We Shall Be Like Him
The glory of the Cross cannot be contained in just one day, once a year. It will be our study through all the ages of eternity. Start today to make it your daily study. As you “contemplate the Lord’s glory” in the light of the Cross each day, you will be “transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory.” 2 Corinthians 3:18. If we do this then, “when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.” 1 John 3:2.
God bless and have a wonderful Easter Weekend!