Encouraging the observance of Good Friday, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Oyo State suggests that Christians should dedicate the day to fasting and prayers.
Apostle Joshua Akinyemiju, the State CAN Chairman, conveyed this message to Christians in Ibadan in his Good Friday address.
Good Friday is significant for Christians as it marks the day when the death and crucifixion of Jesus Christ are remembered.
Akinyemiju emphasized that Good Friday should serve as a time to contemplate the suffering and sacrifice endured by Jesus Christ, as well as to express gratitude to God Almighty for His love towards humanity.
He stated, “On Good Friday, it is crucial to ponder on the suffering of Jesus Christ and the love of God towards His creations. By reflecting on this, we can empathize with the pain and reciprocate the Father’s remarkable love through unwavering obedience to His commandments.
“During our fasting and prayer, let us entrust Nigeria and its leadership across all levels to God for guidance and direction towards achieving peace, security, and economic rejuvenation.
“May the Lord enable us to acknowledge the sacrifice and respond with love,” he added.
Akinyemiju also pointed out that Good Friday is when the church commemorates various events from Christ’s condemnation to His suffering, crucifixion, and death.
“According to Heb 12: 2, Good Friday signifies the day when Jesus Christ willingly endured the Cross, knowing it would lead to His resurrection, our salvation, and the commencement of God’s reign of righteousness and peace.
“It symbolizes the day when wrath and mercy intersected at the Cross, signifying Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice for our redemption. He became the sinless sacrificial lamb offered for all mankind to partake in eternal life with God.
“For Christians, Good Friday holds great importance as it commemorates what we believe to be the most significant weekend in human history.
“Since the death and resurrection of Jesus, Christians have heralded the Cross and resurrection as a definitive turning point for all creation,” remarked the Oyo CAN Chairman.