Good Friday

Fasting for a day helps us center our hearts and minds on the Lord. We set aside one of our daily activities — like eating or scrolling through social media — and replace that time with prayer. The discomfort we feel throughout the day reminds us to seek the Lord in prayer. And as we connect with the Lord, we understand why Scripture so often encourages to fast from time to time.

 

Fasting on Good Friday can be a moving experience, as we pause throughout the day to pray and thank the Lord for his sacrifice for us. Every pain of hunger or discomfort reminds us of his sacrifice in our place. Fasting forces us to slow down, reflect, and think deeply about the work of Jesus on the cross.

 

This year on Good Friday, I invite you to join me in a time of fasting. We will fast through the day, spending more time in thankful prayer. We will break the fast Friday evening with communion in the Good Friday service, then enjoy a nice dinner with our families. 

 

Easter weekend is a time to remember the cross, then celebrate the empty tomb. Notice how Peter speaks of both the crucifixion and the resurrection in Acts 2:

 

“This Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for hime to be held by it.” Acts 2:23-24.

 

I look forward to our time together this Easter weekend: fasting and praying on Good Friday, then feasting and celebrating on Easter Sunday. He is risen!

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Pastor Mark