We held our annual Good Friday service earlier this evening. It is always a very solemn, stark time as we “journey to the cross.” It is an experiential service with readings, sharing and reflection on different meditations related to the last hours of Jesus’ life. The meditations include sharing the Lord’s Supper, being with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, waiting with Peter at the fire and carrying the cross with Simon of Cyrene. When we stand at the cross we listen as Deke sings “Were You There When They Crucified My Lord” and then we “nail our sins” to the cross. Afterwards we come back inside to close out the service. At the conclusion we have a ritual we call “The Candle Of Hope” where we shut all the lights to signify the darkness of sin and the terror of that day. Then we light a single candle believing Jesus is the Light Of The World and each person is invited to come forward and light their candle in belief we hold on to the hope of Jesus’ resurrection.
S. M. Lockridge (1913-2000) was a prominent African-American preacher known for his dynamic, passionate, and fervent sermons. One of his most famous sermons was “He’s my King” which we frequently show a clip from at our Easter Celebration Service. Several years ago author and speaker Tony Campolo was so impressed by Lockridge’s sermon on “It’s Friday. But Sunday’s Coming!” that he began to deliver the lesson himself and even wrote a book with that title. In this sermon Lockridge outlines all the reasons for despair and fear but reminds us, that it is Friday…the story has not been written, the book has not been completed…because Sunday’s Coming.
It’s Friday. Jesus is praying. Peter’s a sleeping. Judas is betraying. But Sunday’s comin’.
It’s Friday. Pilate’s struggling. The council is conspiring. The crowd is vilifying. They don’t even know That Sunday’s comin’.
It’s Friday. The disciples are running Like sheep without a shepherd. Mary’s crying. Peter is denying. But they don’t know That Sunday’s a comin’.
It’s Friday. The Romans beat my Jesus. They robe him in scarlet. They crown him with thorns. But they don’t know That Sunday’s comin’.
It’s Friday. See Jesus walking to Calvary. His blood dripping. His body stumbling. And his spirit’s burdened. But you see, it’s only Friday. Sunday’s comin’.
It’s Friday. The world’s winning. People are sinning. And evil’s grinning.
It’s Friday. The soldiers nail my Savior’s hands to the cross. They nail my Savior’s feet to the cross.
And then they raise him up next to criminals.
It’s Friday. But let me tell you something Sunday’s comin’.
It’s Friday. The disciples are questioning. What has happened to their King. And the Pharisees are celebrating that their scheming Has been achieved. But they don’t know It’s only Friday. Sunday’s comin’.
It’s Friday. He’s hanging on the cross. Feeling forsaken by his Father. Left alone and dying.
Can nobody save him? Ooooh It’s Friday. But Sunday’s comin’.
Can nobody save him? Ooooh It’s Friday. But Sunday’s comin’.
It’s Friday. The earth trembles. The sky grows dark. My King yields his spirit. It’s Friday.
Hope is lost. Death has won. Sin has conquered. and Satan’s just a laughin’.
Hope is lost. Death has won. Sin has conquered. and Satan’s just a laughin’.
It’s Friday. Jesus is buried. A soldier stands guard. And a rock is rolled into place. But it’s Friday. It is only Friday. Sunday is a comin’!
Remember that regardless of what today brings, regardless of today’s problems and tomorrow’s uncertainty, challenges, or even failures and defeats…remember that Sunday’s coming! And that you will enjoy the privilege of celebrating the resurrection of Jesus and communing with Him and fellow believers. Good Friday reminds us that we can lose sight of hope if we don’t keep our faith in the promises of Jesus. As any Friday bears down on us, with all the challenges, worries and struggle, let us with renewed vision and faith abandon ourselves to Him…Because we know…it’s only Friday, but Sunday’s Coming.”
Shalom
What do you think? How does it make you feel?
Blessings,
Steven