Reflections from my "Good" Friday

I drove back to my Arizona birthplace this morning from my current home, Biola University. Today has been such an abnormal day it has been hard for me, until now, to sit back and reflect on what happened when the God-man was crucified.

I just got back from watching the film Religulous. This is a documentary, hosted by the comedian Bill Maher, about how religion is irrational and unhelpful for modern society. I find it ironic that I watched this movie on Good Friday (I did not think of this until after I watched it). The movie did a great job of pointing out the evil religion has done/is doing. I do not give Bill Maher credit for doing this since its entirely too easy. Religion, in America especially, is moronic sometimes and Bill Maher was great at pointing out the stupidity on the parts of people who follow Christianity and other religions. Again, he is good at what he does but it doesn't take much searching to find idiotic people who name the name of Christ. To be blunt, I wish Bill Maher would get some balls and actually interview someone who has done scholarly work in answering the questions he had (maybe William Lane Craig or Lee Strobel?). His questions were not new or unique, they are the ones people have been asking ever since Jesus went back to heaven. I do not think he ever once-that the final film cut revealed-talked to someone who had intelligent answers for his questions. This made the movie somewhat frustrating for me.

All this behind me, I turn to the task of considering on the death of God-incarnate. What love does this black night reveal? What pain would have been heard in the voice of Jesus when he uttered "Father forgive them for they know not what they do"? I can only imagine. Yahweh in all his mystery decided to come as a man and die a shame-filled death. This death served the purpose of atoning for the sins of mankind but also as our example. That of seeking the good of others before our own. Jesus said that the greatest love that one could have for a friend would be to die for them (John 15:13). Then Jesus goes embodies this statement. As far as the atonement and the ugly beauty found in it, I feel unable to find words to describe it; Instead, I will post the words to a hymn that has helped me in my reflections.

O come and mourn with me awhile,
O come ye to the Savior’s side
O come, together let us mourn,
Jesus our Lord is crucified.

Seven times He spake seven words of love;
And all three hours His silence cried
For mercy on the souls of men;
Jesus our Lord is crucified.

O love of God! O sin of man!
In this dread act Your strength is tried;
And victory remains with love;
Jesus our Lord is crucified!

O break, O break, hard heart of mine!
Thy weak self-love and guilty pride
His Pilate and His Judas were:
Jesus our Lord is crucified.

A broken heart, a fount of tears,
Ask, and they will not be denied;
A broken heart love’s cradle is:
Jesus our Lord is crucified.

And victory remains with love;
Jesus our Lord is crucified!