A reflection: Good Friday 2014

It happened to be my final day working at the HCDI office. It's work from home - from now onwards. Till the baby comes and beyond.

Anyway, it's Good Friday.

For the umpteenth time this week, I wondered why God had allowed me to face the challenges that I yet face today. Some heart-breaking ones even - when it comes to relationships with people. Today, reading through Psalm 42-51 in light of my reflection on Christ's crucifixion (and resurrection), I was comforted - and struck somehow by the irrevocability, sovereignty and grace of God's sacrifice. The following verses especially, had me humbled and mesmerised :

(Taken from the ESV, Psalm 50, emphasis mine):

The Mighty One, God the LORD, speaks and summons the earth 
from the rising of the sun to its setting.
Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth.
Our God comes; He does not keep silence; 
before Him is a devouring fire,
around Him a mighty tempest.
He calls to the heavens above and to the earth,
that He may judge His people:
"Gather to Me My faithful ones, 
who made a covenant with Me by sacrifice!"
The heavens declare His righteousness, 
for God Himself is judge! Selah
(vs 1-6)

Who are we to make a covenant with God? But Jesus first died for us while we were yet sinners. God made the first sacrifice - and because of that, we, the grotesque terrors and rascals we are, savour the fruits of His righteousness while we are found in Christ.

But what sacrifice shall we give God in return?

For You will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; 
You will not be pleased with a burnt offering. 
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise."
(Psalm 51:17)

"Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving,
and perform your vows to the Most High,
and call upon Me in the day of trouble; 
I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me..."
"The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies Me;
to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God..."
(Psalm 50:14-15, 23)


Lord Jesus ~ You are indeed the perfection of beauty.

May I know You in my sufferings and brokenness - and as I offer You the sacrifice of thanksgiving, may I be imbued with the joy and life of Your gracious, permanent covenant.

Thank You for the cross, Lord. You are my God, forever and ever. In Your name, amen.