Today is Good Friday. Why do we call the day Jesus was executed good? Why not Bloody Friday or Dark Friday? There are probably many reasons but one is that we recognize the ultimate good that came from such a dark and cruel day. Similarly it is important that we see the ultimate good that comes from our own trials and sufferings. Romans 8:28-29 are oft used verses to help people in times of trouble or suffering.
Romans 8:28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
Many might ask, “How can you say that God is using this evil in my life for good?” “How can God be doing good to me through the loss of my leg, or the loss of my ability to work?” This initially seems like a very good and almost “unbeatable” argument but we must consider a couple things. First of all, we must take God at His Word and trust that He is right we are wrong when our thougts conflict with His own. Secondly, we must see that our undestanding of good and God’s are not always in agreement. For one, our views of good might be diametrically opposed; there is no way the loss of a limb can be good for someone. Or we might acknowlegde some good that comes from a trial but not agree with the priority of what God determines to be the greater good. For instance, we might see that the loss of a limb has taught one humility, dependence upon others or some other valuable lesson but we still disagree with God that these lessons are better for that person than the continued use of his limb.
When we look at others around us we see exampls of this as well. How could it be good for that man to get cancer and be unalbe to work and provide for his family? Wouldn’t it have been better for him to go on working in full health able to spend time and energy contributing to his family, and his society? Or perhaps you have had a friend who died at a young age, as I have. Perhaps that person demonstrated great pontential and was in the midst of tremendous growth, pursuing honorable goals. My dear friend was taken from this life while attending Bible college in order to head out into world missions. Would’t the world have been better served if she had lived on?
To answer these questions look to Christ. There is no argiing that anyone else on the earth did more good and could have continued to do more good. But Scripture is clear that it was better for us that He die (John 16:7). The ending of Christ’s life on this earth was better than allowing it to continue.
This is one reason why Good Friday is so Good. It was the darkest day in human history in many ways but it was also one of it’s brightest. Jesus’ death wrought much more good than His continued earthly life could have. Similarly, God has tremendous good to work through your trials and sufferings. Look for the good God is working in all things this Good Friday.
