AFRITUNES WEEK 57 | As I Look up to the Cross (The Good Friday Story)

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The Greatest Love Story is recorded in John 3:16:

For this is how God loved the world: he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. - (NJB version)

Truly, God does not want His children to be lost and that's why after the Fall of man, he took the initiative to bring back man into communion with him. He established his covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and established Israel as His chosen people, a holy nation.

In the days of Old, he sent his prophets and messengers to speak to his people and put them along the right path, but in our days he has spoken to us through Jesus Christ, who is the word of God, and who dwelt amongst us.

In Christ Jesus, we see the full manifestation of God’s love for humanity. He came down from heaven and became one like us, for the purpose of redemption. He offered himself for the salvation of humanity; to lead humanity back to God. And believing in Him is the free flight ticket to the board the plane.

FRIDAY

According to the Scriptures Jesus was crucified on the day of Preparation, before the Passover and feast of Unleavened Bread, and this Passover fell on the Sabbath Day (cf. Mk 14:1, 15:42). Saturday is Sabbath Day, and the day before Saturday is Friday.

The Scriptures also records that he died around the ninth hour (which in our modern time is 15:00 or 3:00pm), (cf. Mk 15:34).

On a day like this, we are called to reflect on Jesus's Passion and Death; as it is through this terrible yet beautiful experience, humanity won salvation.

You know, Jesus died a Shameful death. He was beaten mercilessly, he was disgraced, stripped off his garment and off his dignity, and finally crucified on a cross. The cross was a sign of humiliation, and Death on the cross was indeed a shameful one that was only accorded to hardened criminals.

In our today's world, this kind of day will be termed as Bad Friday or Black Friday because of the terrible loss. However, it has become a Good Friday because the Cross which was once a sign of humiliation, has now become a sign of Victory. Christ's death which was a shameful one, has wrought the salvation of humanity. Hence, for us Christians, it is a Good Friday, infact a Great Friday!

So yes, I'd be playing one hymn that greatly expresses this wonderful mystery; one that speaks about Salvation being won through Christ's death on the Cross.

I remember hearing this song in my home Parish at time like this, and it was actually sung in a somewhat solemn and reflective mood. To inspire people to reflect on Christ's sacrifice for humanity.

Well, for me, I'd be using my guitar to play it. If there were enough time, I'd have created some background instrumental giving me some sweet African percussion. However, I hope you enjoy this piece.

LYRICS OF AS I LOOK UP TO THE CROSS

Verse 1

As I look up to the Cross on which he died,
I can hear him say it is ended.

Chorus:

I know I know Christ is my Lord,
I've come to know he died for me,
I say goodbye to the evil world,
I know my Lord will care for me.

Verse 2

By the blood of Jesus I know I'm saved,
I know He doth love me He always says.

Screenshot from choirscript.com

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I AM KSAM