Thoughts on Good Friday: What Hardship Can Birth

Darkness.

It was over the land.

“And about the ninth hour

Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying,

“Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?”

that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

Matthew 27:46

As He hung on the cross, Jesus quoted from Psalm 22 which prophesied His death. The people nearby would say He was calling for Elijah; would fill a sponge with sour wine. But it wouldn’t be the last time Jesus cried out.

“And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice

and yielded up his spirit.”

Matthew 27:50

It sounds like childbirth. The delivery is painful, but life arrives as the cry goes out. As Jesus cried out, He yielded up His spirit and birthed things that have no rival.

• The veil of the temple was torn in two.

We gained access to God through the only mediator, Jesus Christ.

• The earth quaked.

Everything was shaken up. Heaven and earth would never be the same, as Satan was defeated and salvation was made possible for all who trust in Jesus.

• Rocks were split.

Many things in this life are beyond hard. But when we cry out to God, He can bring life and wonder from anything. He can pierce through our hardships and bring hope and life to His glory.

• Graves were opened.

Jesus would triumph in resurrection as He gave a deathblow to death itself.

• Those guarding Him declared Him the Son of God.

For those who seek truth, they receive eyes to see. For those who receive Him, He gives the right to become children of God, filled with the Holy Spirit, to serve Him in this life and gain eternal life.

Lord, thank You for birthing such wonder! Please birth wonders from our darkest seasons as only You can.