April 7, 2023 -- Psalm 9:16 -- The Psalm Series: Just judgment on Good Friday

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

The LORD has made himself known; he has executed judgment;
    the wicked are snared in the work of their own hands.
Psalm 9:16 ESV

It seems today has the oddest name of any day on the Christian calendar. It is “Good Friday”. How can it be good that Jesus died? How can it be good that the Israelites mocked Him, soldiers gambled for His clothes and the Savior of the world died?

First, as the text notes, the Father, the LORD, Who keeps His promises forever, shows there is judgment for the wicked.

Second this judgment was poured on Jesus Christ. So that all who believe in Him are forgiven and reconciled to the Father by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Third the wicked who refuse Him, who ignore Him, who trust in the lies of the atheists and mockers around them they will be snared by the work of their own hands and will face an eternity of punishment.

So this day is Good Friday because Christ fulfilled the Father’s promise to rescue a people for Himself. This is Good Friday because those who believe in Him tremble at their sins which brought the Lord of Glory to the cruel cross. It is Good Friday because believers see in the sacrifice the heinousness of their sins and the need for the Spirit’s work to bring new life to them. Finally, it is Good because wickedness and sin will be punished. So much injustice is happening in the world around us. There will come a day when the Savior will right all wrongs. Pause and think about that. All wrongs that weren’t answered at the cross will be brought to right at the Judgment Seat when Jesus separates His followers out from His haters and detractors. It is Good Friday today, believers be renewed in your holy zeal to be vulnerable to the Spirit's work in bringing your new life in Christ to be more and more evident to others around you and let your words and your deeds bring honour and praise to the Father Who has made Himself known.

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name. Let the victory You planned for this Good Friday make its way past my mental defenses and knock down the walls which surround my hardened heart. Spirit of God let the victory of Jesus, disarming the accusations of the Devil at the cross, so strengthen my confident trust in Jesus that I will, wholeheartedly, now and forever, serve Him to the honour and praise of the Father. Amen.

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