Good Friday

Last year, the Holy Spirit prompted Sharon White to have devotions for the Passion Week in song. There were some beautiful songs with words that spoke directly to our hearts. As I was praying about what God wanted us to say this year about Good Friday, He brought those devotions back to my mind. The next 2 days are from last year’s book. The words hit a cord deep in my soul again this year. I hope they do for you too.

Some may wonder what is “good” about such a dark and bleak event. We have reason to celebrate “Good Friday” because Jesus willingly suffered and died by crucifixion as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. We receive divine forgiveness, mercy and peace because Jesus willingly took our punishment.

For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:2

Good Friday led to Jesus’ resurrection and our salvation! The words of the following songs speak for themselves about what the cross has done for us.

Via Dolorosa

Down the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem that day, The soldiers tried to clear the narrow street. But the crowd pressed in to see a man condemned to die on Calvary.

He was bleeding from a beating there were stripes upon His back And he wore a crown thorn upon his head, And he bore with every step the scorn of those who cried out for his death.

Down the Via Dolorosa called the way of suffering Like a lamb came the Messiah Christ the King. But he chose to walk that road out of His love for you and me Down the Via Dolorosa all the way to Calvary.

The Old Rugged Cross (1873)

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross, The emblem of suffering and shame; And I love that old cross where the dearest and best for a world of lost sinners was slain.

Oh, that old rugged cross so despised by the world, has a wondrous attraction for me; For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above, to bear it to dark Calvary.

In the old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine, a wondrous beauty I see; For ‘twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died, to pardon and sanctify me.

To the old rugged cross I will ever be true, Its shame and reproach gladly bear; Then He’ll call me some day to my home far away, where His glory forever I’ll share.

So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross. Till my trophies at last I lay down; I will cling to the old rugged cross, and exchange it some day for a crown.

Pastor Julia Scott and Sharon White