I'm sure I've read the Biblical accounts of what transpired during Holy Week chronologically in times past. For some reason, this week it's as if I'm doing so for the first time or as if they are penetrating my mind and heart in a whole new way.
On Monday I read of how Jesus cleared the temple of the money changers and how He declared that His house is to be a house of prayer. I'm reminded that I am the temple of the Holy Spirit and that all too often my heart is full of the stuff and nonsense of this world. I'm reminded of the priority that prayer needs to have in my life.
On Tuesday I read of Jesus' own words about the end times. These are the words that should most steer our end time theology, in my opinion, the words of the One Who is the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the One Who is coming again and Whose reign will be forever and ever.
On Wednesday I read of how Mary of Bethany, the sister of Lazarus, spent her life savings, her alabaster flask of precious perfume, and anointed Jesus with it. I read of how He called her worship beautiful. I'm reminded that my poured out life, my poured out heart of love and adoration and worship, is the desire and delight of God's heart.
This morning I read of the events of Maundy Thursday. I read how the Lord shared the Passover meal with His disciples, the event we know of as the Last Supper. I read how He washed His disciples' feet, the Lord of glory willing humbling Himself and taking the role of a servant. I read His words that one of His followers would betray Him and His disciples declaring that they would never do that, (yet knowing from the Biblical account that they all forsook Him as He was betrayed, beaten and crucified). I read how, to conclude their Passover meal they would have sung together Psalm 118, the Hallel, as is the Jewish tradition. Reading that chapter in light of all Jesus was about to suffer on my behalf was a powerful thing. Then I read of Jesus' prayer of intercession for us in John 17, and of His struggle, His sweating drops of blood and His full surrender to the Father's will.
Tomorrow, Good Friday, I will read about and ponder the fullness of all that Christ suffered for me, as He took the punishment for all of my sins, as He was wounded for my transgressions, bruised for my iniquities and whipped for my healing.
Saturday, I will ponder the in-between, and the hopelessness of the disciples as they didn't yet understand yet what God was up to. I will ponder my own in-between time, the things I'm not seeing the fullness of God's resurrection life in yet. I will remember that the dark, gloomy in-between times are not the end of the story.
Sunday, I will wake up with the words, "Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed!" ringing in my spirit. I will gladly join with my brothers and sisters at church and celebrate the truth that we serve a LIVING SAVIOR! I will spend the afternoon with family and friends sharing good food and the joy of knowing that we share a hope that this life is not all there is. Hallelujah! Christ is risen, indeed!
still following,
Last Sunday, I confess to have been thumbing beyond the triumphal entry account in Matthew during the sermon and being amazed at how much activity and teaching Jesus crammed INTO that week! I was challenged to maximize whatever time I have left in life.....Then a day or so again, someone tweeted that 10 of the 21 chapters of John's Gospel are dedicated to this "Holy Week", confirming the challenge I'd already accepted on Sunday morning....
ReplyDeleteIt's been a blessing to read all of the events chronologically this week. I love how it's spoken to both of us in a fresh way.
DeleteI have been reflecting a lot these past weeks on what this season means. My heart has grown in the past few years to truly recognize & understand what Jesus did for a sinner like me. I am continually humbled when I think of what He endured so that I could be set free. There is such hope & promise of His resurrection for our redemption. Worthy is the Lamb!!!!!
ReplyDeleteWe have so much to be thankful for! Even in the midst of life's challenges we have HOPE!
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