BONUS BLOG: a prayer for Good Friday

From a friend, colleague, and seminary professor in the Reformed tradition, Scotty Smith, today —-

Lord Jesus, that you had to die for us isn’t at all “good.” But that you were glad to do so is “goodness” without parallel, generosity beyond measure, and love above all loves. No one could take your life from you—not an angry mob, legion of demons, or conspiracy of mere men.

You freely gave your life for us—not as a brave martyr to be remembered, but as God’s Lamb to be worshipped. Everything you endured, you endured for God’s glory and for our salvation. You disregarded the shame of the cross because you regarded us above yourself (Phil. 2:1-11). Oh Jesus, maybe we apprehend about 3% of what this actually means.

You took the judgment we deserved, and gave us the righteousness we could never earn. This is the Gospel—make it more real to us than ever. By the cross you crushed the devil once and for all (1Jn.3:8); and by the cross we are cherished now and forever. Hallelujah, and thank you. So what joy awaited you on the other side of the cross, Lord Jesus?

Most definitely, you looked forward to the joy of reuniting with your Father (John 17:5). And in time, the joy of ushering in the new heaven and new earth (Rev.21:1-22:6). But—wonder of wonders, having us as your beloved Bride is a great delight of yours we can barely imagine (Rev.19:6-9). We believe, help our unbelief. We love you, Jesus, but intensify our love more and more. So Very Amen.