As we commemorate Good Friday, there is great theological significance contained in often overlooked events of that historical day. Sinclair B Ferguson notes two such incidents in his book To Seek and to Save: Daily Reflections on the Road to the Cross.
First, the three hours of darkness that shrouded the land at noon in which creation itself appeared to be thrown into reverse gear and God said, Let there NOT be light (in contrast to Genesis 1:3). Ferguson explains that nature itself put on the dark clothes of mourning as Christ the Creator was put to death by sinful men, and on the cross came under the curse of God (Galatians 3:13).
Second, the massive curtain of the temple was torn in two (Luke 23:45) as God Himself de-consecrated the Jerusalem temple, removing the barrier between God and man. Ferguson emphasizes that it was not merely the temple veil that was rent, but the flesh of Christ had been torn to create the new and living way into God’s presence (Hebrews 10:20).
Join us in celebrating the fact that “Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit” (1 Peter 3:18).
Take heart….for Sunday is coming!