ON THE Island of Patmos the exiled apostle John had a revelation from Christ concerning future occurrences and precise instructions to communicate them. His visionary experience not intended as a private showing but given to be shared.

Details of what John heard and saw when the Spirit took control of him set out in the book of Revelation. He believed that God would soon intervene in human affairs and direct the way forward.

In his supreme vision of overwhelming joy and splendour John saw a new heaven and a new earth with God’s final victory through Christ overcoming the evil powers of society. In life regardless of what happens to people on earth everyone’s final destiny is in the hand of the Lord.

It was after Christ’s arrest that Good Friday dawned and still remains so today. This is a day to watch and pray and to wait and worship.

Good Friday falls on the Friday prior to Easter day and called ‘good’ despite the Son of God crucified like a common criminal. The Cross a vital part of God’s plan.

Christ died paying the ransom price for human failure then turned disaster into victory. His triumph not restricted for select groups nor meant for only one moment in history but for people of all ages.

The true meaning of the Cross puts everything else into perspective and cannot be ignored. Though the death and resurrection took place over two thousand years ago it is still meaningful and effects today’s generation.

Christ’s crucifixion on the all inclusive corporate Cross with its dynamic power highlighted the shabby ways of those in authority wishing to be rid of Jesus. The Cross not a symbol of defeat but of self-giving victory, the key to peace, healing and the everlasting promise of eternal life for those who remain faithful to the end.

It discloses how far God will go to save those who are “lost”. This is what makes Good Friday special and is ‘good’ after all.

The Easter message calls for a deeper commitment to the crucified Christ so at this time think of Him in a glorified state in heaven but joyfully celebrate the Living Lord by reiterating His words “I am alive for evermore”.

Good Friday not the end as signified and ratified in John’s vision because Resurrection hope quickly... followed on Easter Day.

“We may not know and cannot tell, what pains Jesus had to bear,

But believe it was for us He hung and suffered there.”

June Pooley