April 2, 2021 -- Psalm 15 -- Why it is called "Good" Friday

O Lord, who shall sojourn in your tent?
    Who shall dwell on your holy hill?

2 He who walks blamelessly and does what is right
    and speaks truth in his heart;
3 who does not slander with his tongue
    and does no evil to his neighbor,
    nor takes up a reproach against his friend;
4 in whose eyes a vile person is despised,
    but who honors those who fear the Lord;
who swears to his own hurt and does not change;
5 who does not put out his money at interest
    and does not take a bribe against the innocent.
He who does these things shall never be moved.

Psalm 15 English Standard Version

Reading this list discourages me. There is no way I can keep all these requirements so that I can sojourn (take up residence in) the place where God Himself lives. Note the second phrase though—on Your Holy Hill”. I deserve to be thrown out of the tent. I deserve to be punished for my sinfulness and the slander of my tongue and evil intentions of my heart. But God brought Jesus outside the tent. But God put all my sins on Jesus and then had Jesus mocked, whipped, carry His cross outside the city walls and there be crucified in my place. This is why today is Good Friday.

It is Good because God the Father decided, before the foundations of the world, so seek and save lost sinners and bring them to Himself as beloved sons and daughters. It is Good because Jesus Himself willingly gave up His throne in heaven, humbled Himself and became like us in every way, except sin, so that He could be punished in our place. It is called Good because the Spirit of God takes the righteousness and perfections of Jesus and applies them to us. As often as we confess our sins, as often as we recognize how great is our God for His mercies and kindnesses, which are new every morning, we are invited to live in the place where God Himself lives.

The Spirit of God is preparing us now. The Spirit of God lives in us, moves us to recognize our sins and do what seems counter intuitive, which is to confess them so that our hearts can be purified and clean. The Spirit of God is creating in us, a great anticipation of the glorious day when faith shall become sight and we live in the presence of the Triune God of Majesty and Holiness. Because of Good Friday, God the Father has declared you “forgiven”—now go and sin no more and serve your King!

Mighty God of mercy, I feel like the women at the empty tomb on that first Resurrection Sunday—they heard the message and were frightened. Perhaps thoughts like these filled them with fear: “I don’t deserve this love. I don’t know, what if I sin again? I know I’ll sin again.” Thank You for the powerful message of Good Friday—Father You are, by Your Spirit’s presence in me applying the righteousness of Jesus Christ to every part of my heart and mind so that I am wholly Yours. Oh let these glorious truths drill down deep into me. Blessed are You, O God. Amen.

https://youtu.be/MnTgleMFK14