I must admit that from my young adulthood when I first became a Christian up to now, I have always wondered why the day that Jesus died is called Good Friday.

Did someone have a strong sense of irony?  Were they as sarcastic as my youngest daughter?  What’s up with this?  

I’m sure I could do some research or just google it, but I’d rather just sit with the paradox.  Hmm.

I remember the story of Joseph.  Joseph was Jacob’s favorite but hated by his brothers!  They conspired to kill him but quickly determined that selling him as a slave was more palatable.  

Years later and in the middle of a famine, these brothers would have to rely on the same brother they betrayed for their daily bread.  When Jacob later died, the brothers feared retribution.  Joseph refused retaliation and offered grace that foreshadows Jesus’ grace from the cross. This is what Joseph said:

Even though you intended to do harm to me, God intended it for good, in order to preserve a numerous people, as he is doing today. 

Genesis 50:20 NRSV

What makes this Friday good? Only God – only grace to save many lives.

Good morning, I love you all!

ihs,

just adam