S. M. Lockridge (1913-2000) was a prominent African-American preacher known for his dynamic, passionate, and fervent sermons. His most famous sermon was “He’s my King.” Several years ago author and speaker Tony Campolo was so impressed by Lockridge’s sermon on “It’s Friday. But Sunday’s Coming!” that he began to deliver the sermon himself and even wrote a book with that title.
In the early 1980’s I was blessed to hear Tony Campolo preach this sermon at the Oklahoma SBC Evangelism Conference in Del City.
It was an amazing message then and is still just as powerful today. So on this Good Friday and in honor of the great victory of Easter Sunday, I want share just a portion of this great sermon … And now, Dr. Lockridge:
“It’s Friday. Jesus is praying. Peter’s a sleeping. Judas is betraying. But Sunday’s comin’.
It’s Friday. Pilate’s struggling. The council is conspiring. The crowd is vilifying. They don’t even know that Sunday’s comin’.
It’s Friday. The disciples are running like sheep without a shepherd. Mary’s crying. Peter is denying. But they don’t know That Sunday’s a comin’.
It’s Friday. The Romans beat my Jesus. They robe him in scarlet. They crown him with thorns. But they don’t know that Sunday’s comin’.
It’s Friday. See Jesus walking to Calvary. His blood dripping. His body stumbling. And his spirit’s burdened. But you see, it’s only Friday. Sunday’s comin’.
It’s Friday. The world’s winning. People are sinning. And evil’s grinning.
It’s Friday. The soldiers nail my Savior’s hands to the cross. They nail my Savior’s feet to the cross. And then they raise him up Next to criminals. It’s Friday. But let me tell you something Sunday’s comin’.
It’s Friday. The disciples are questioning. What has happened to their King. And the Pharisees are celebrating that their scheming has been achieved. But they don’t know it’s only Friday. Sunday’s comin’.
It’s Friday. He’s hanging on the cross. Feeling forsaken by his Father. Left alone and dying. Can nobody save him? Ooooh ,,, Its Friday. But Sunday’s comin’.
It’s Friday. The earth trembles. The sky grows dark. My King yields his spirit. It’s Friday. Hope is lost. Death has won. Sin has conquered and Satan’s just a laughin’.
It’s Friday. Jesus is buried. A soldier stands guard. And a rock is rolled into place.
But it’s Friday. It is only Friday. Sunday is a comin’!”
The Biblical account of Jesus crucifixion is one of betrayal, denial, cowardice, envy, hate, brutality, suffering, despair, defeat and death. There was nothing “good” about that Friday for Jesus. Yet, Christians celebrate the cross because the story does not end on that fateful Friday. It does not end at the cross. The irony of the cross is that the very instrument Jesus’ enemies used to defeat Him became His greatest victory. Little did they know when Friday ended what would happen on Sunday. I know its Friday. But thank God that Sunday’s coming!
Worship our Risen Savior on this Good Friday with this Easter Medley by Anthem Lights:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f26P1ftbCco
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Official Anthem Lights Easter Medley including the beloved hymn “Because He Lives,” “My Redeemer Lives” by Nicole C. Mullen, and “Arise My Love” by Newsong | Get this …
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David Archer
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