God’s amazing love, that He sent His Son to be the Savior of the world!
Holy Week: On what we now call “Palm Sunday”, many greeted Jesus as He came into Jerusalem, crying out “Hosanna to the Son of David. Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Matthew 21: 9). Then, we read of Jesus’ demonstration of righteous anger towards the money changers in the Temple (Matthew 21:12-13). Knowing well what was to come, Jesus continued to teach and heal those who came to Him.
Jesus demonstrated His servant heart and ultimate purpose for coming, as He instructed His disciples during the “Last Supper” (Matthew 26: 20-29; Luke 22:14-38; John -- chapters 13 through 17)), then He proceeded to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray with anguish and wait for the betrayal of Judas, and final condemnation and death on the cross. Many of the same people who excitedly greeted Him a few days earlier were now part of the angry mob demanding His crucifixion. “Good Friday” . It is hardly “good” in our common perspective of things, but infinitely “good” in God’s eternal plan of redemption for the lost!! His death was the required payment for the sins of all the world, for those who believe. He did what we could never do for ourselves, in order to be forgiven and restored to a right relationship with our holy and just God.
Resurrection Day. Inspite of being forewarned of these events, Jesus’ disciples and followers were fearful and grieving His death. But, on the third day, the “first day of the week” (our Easter Sunday) Mary Magdalene and others went to the tomb, and found that He had risen, just as He said! (Matthew 28: 1-2; Luke 24:1-10; John 20:1) For many of us, this is a story we know well. But, sometimes the familiar becomes less important or significant to us because it is so familiar. If this true for you, it is SO important to pray that the Lord revive and renew your thinking and understanding of what He did for us on the cross, and in His resurrection!
Jesus also told His followers, that He will come again. At that time He will not be humbly riding on the back of a donkey, but returning with a blast of the trumpet, and meet His own in the sky. (I Thessalonians 4:16) In a “twinkling of an eye” all those who believe in Him will be caught up with Him! Those left behind will face the wrath of God against evil, and suffering from the Antichrist to such a terrible extent the world has not yet seen.
Every promise of Lord does come true! Today is the “day of salvation”, and while we still have this earthly life, let this story of the Holy Week bring you the eternal life with Christ, that only repentance and belief in Him can bring! (John 3:16-19)
The ultimate question that faces each of us is:
“Three days changed the world, how has it changed you?”
Dear Lord, how can we ever thank You enough for Your love which paid the penalty of our sin? May our response to Your dying for us and saving grace be that we will believe and LIVE for You! May we live in Your strength and in the same power of Your Holy Spirit that raised You from the grave! (Ephesians 1: 18-20) To God be the glory! Amen!