We admire people of action. We make movies about action heroes, be they fictional superheroes, laconic cops, or the crusading Erin Brockoviches of the world.
Good Friday is about the ultimate action, Jesus Christ’s work on the cross. As Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane shortly before his arrest, he sought relief from the terrible work that had to be done. But once that work was underway, “He never said a mumblin’ word.” By that, we mean nothing he said could be construed as complaining or reluctance.
Today calls for a simple response from Christians. Give thanks for the work that has been done. It is the ultimate action story. In it Christ gathers us in his arms, yanking us from death’s tight grip and delivering us to eternal life. As you pray, try to come alongside Jesus as he walks to the cross. As he hangs on the cross, some ultimately run and some stay for the burial, but remain with him for as long as you can.
And remember, good action has good consequences. That’s a story for Sunday, though.
Charles W. Griffin III 