Jeremiah 3:11-13
‘What’s so good about Good Friday?’
‘’The best decision anyone can ever make, at any point in life, in any circumstances, whoever they are, wherever they are, whatever they are, is to become a disciple of Jesus Christ. There is no better decision for a human being in this life, any human being.’’ Justin Welby: Archbishop of Canterbury
‘’If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.’’ (1 John 1:9)
This message in Jeremiah was specifically directed to the northern kingdom of Israel. God said that Israel was ‘’more righteous’’ than Judah (11). Judah had the opportunity to learn from Israel’s demise, but the ten tribes in the north didn’t have the same chance. We saw yesterday that Judah should have learned from their brothers in the north. (This reminded me that somebody once said that although there are no excuses for sin, if there are extenuating circumstances God is aware of them and takes them into consideration.)
This ‘sermon’ to the Israelite exiles scattered throughout the Assyrian Empire was about repentance and forgiveness. In a sense, it’s an Old Testament version of 1 John 1:9. God always responds in mercy to true repentance.
‘’Just admit your guilt. Admit your God-defiance. Admit to your promiscuous life with casual partners, pulling strangers into the sex-and-religion groves While turning a deaf ear to me.’’ The Message.
A friend of mine had been praying for his neighbour. He knew that time was ticking by, and that the opportunity to share the good news about Jesus with him was limited. Suddenly, one day, this man asked him, ‘Hey, what’s so good about Good Friday?’ What an opportunity! My friend told him.
This is what is so good about Good Friday. Jesus died on the cross in our place. He received the punishment we deserve for our sins. He willingly took it on our behalf. As a consequence:
‘’…if we admit our sins – make a clean breast of them – he won’t let us down; he’ll be true to himself. He’ll forgive our sins and purge us of all wrongdoing.’’ The Message.
What do you need forgiveness for today? What is on your conscience? It can be washed clean. Just ‘’Return’’ to your ‘’merciful’’ Lord and ‘’acknowledge your guilt’’. To confess means ‘to speak the same thing.’ Agree with God about your sin. Get on the same page as Him. Then trust Him to forgive you because of the cross.
Discover for yourself what is so good about Good Friday!
‘’When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.’’
The best decision anyone can ever make, at any point in life, in any circumstances, whoever they are, wherever they are, whatever they are, is to become a disciple of Jesus Christ. There is no better decision for a human being in this life, any human being. Justin Welby: Archbishop of Canterbury