SIX HOURS ONE FRIDAY
by Max Lucado
(Written Assignment 5 – Write a 500-word book report)
1 Corinthians 1:18 (ESV)
“For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing,
but to us who are being saved it is the power of God”
This inspiring book, a classic from 1989, explains the anchor points that we should hold onto in times of crisis. The anchors were firmly planted by a carpenter named Jesus two thousand years ago. Through His life, death and resurrection, a truth far greater than all the sorrows and losses of life was discovered.
‘Six hours one Friday’ delves into the meaning of Jesus’ last hours on the cross. To the casual observer, there was nothing unusual about that Friday or those six hours but they were the most critical hours in history – God, the creator of the universe was crucified. His death brought meaning to humanity, hence life is not futile. Through His redemptive work accomplished on the cross, failures are no longer fatal because those who believe in Him are justified freely by His grace. And His resurrection assures everlasting life, affirming that death is not final.
Max Lucado merged biblical events and contemporary stories together to bring fresh revelation of how people were affected by what Jesus did on the cross. All of them experienced God’s forgiveness and saw a new meaning to life. The insignificance of their lives was swallowed by the significance of time-tested truths (the anchor points of the cross).
Anchor point 1 – Life is not futile. This rock safeguards our hearts and gives us something to grip when facing the surging tides of futility. It’s a firm grasp on the truth that someone is in control and we have a purpose.
Anchor point 2 – Failures are not fatal. It’s not that God loves our transgressions, but He loves who we are and we belong to Him. Therefore, instead of condemning us, He provided the way to acquit us. We make mistakes but He doesn’t and He made us.
Anchor point 3 – Death is not final. There is one more stone – the one that blocked the door of a grave. The reason Jesus went in was to prove He could come out. And on the way out, He took the stone, turned it into an anchor point and dropped it deep into the waters of death, turning the typhoon of the tomb into a spring breeze on Easter day.
If there are any challenges thrown at us or tragedies that threaten to overturn our lives, Max Lucado tells us not to fear, just hold onto the anchor points. They are sturdy enough to sail us through the storms of life, being rest assured that Jesus will not lose His hold on us no matter what the weather is.
We are forgiven and greatly loved by a Saviour who turns our pain into peace, crisis into confidence and despair into hope. Just anchor deep, say a prayer and hold on. Don’t be astonished to see Jesus walking across the water to give you a hand.
This book is part of the Bestseller Collection with good reviews; highly recommended to all who are interested to explore the crucial themes behind Jesus’ crucifixion, and especially those who wish to take one step closer to Jesus.
Date written: 2 December 2014
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