We are slowly but steadily walking away from a year of loss, devastation, lament, and fear of the unknown. And now, we are embracing a new year full of healing, renewal, normalcy and hope.
***
But today we find ourselves right in the middle of Holy Week. A week that is the keeper of an array of emotions. This week, as Christians, our emotions will scatter all over the spectrum. We have gone from sheer excitement and joy on Palm Sunday, as we remember how the streets of Jerusalem were lined with people shouting “Hosana” in celebration that their Messiah had come, to today where we’re not sure what to feel as the Scripture does not speak of what Jesus or His disciples did on this day, the Wednesday of Holy Week.
***
Oh, the joy Jesus must have felt as He made His triumphant entry into Jerusalem, and palms were waving in reverence to Him. But, He also knew that betrayal, denial and His death were coming, for that is why He came. During this Passion Week, we often experience an overwhelming sense of grief, and maybe even anger, when we think of Judas’ betrayal and Peter’s denial of Jesus. But would we say Jesus’ name or claim Him as our Lord and Savior if we knew we would be arrested or killed?
***
I have a beautiful family and am blessed with amazing friends. If I were faced with imprisonment or even death for claiming Jesus as my God, I do wonder and question if I would be strong, confident, and declare my faith. I can only hope and pray that He would give me the courage to stand up for my belief in Him. The betrayal and denial of Jesus came from two of his very own beloved disciples. They were there when Jesus said, “love each other”; they heard him say, “you are the light of the world and salt of the earth.” Peter said, “I would never deny you.” But, he did. The betrayal and denial of Jesus took place on Thursday of Holy Week also known as Maundy Thursday or Holy Thursday; Holy because, in the end, it is good. Jesus experiences great grief and anguish; so much so that He goes off in the Garden of Gethsemane and pleads with God, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.”
***
This brings us to Good Friday. I don’t know about you, but I’ve always struggled using the term “good” to describe a day as brutal as the day Jesus was flogged and ordered to carry the cross on which He would be crucified and put to death. But then I remember, it is good because it is holy. Jesus’ death on the cross was the final step of breaking the chains of sin that enslave us. His crucifixion was the last step toward His resurrection.
***
We know how this story ends. We know that Christ defeated death, and so we wait in anticipation of the joy that will burst out of our hearts on Easter Sunday.
***
The stone was rolled away. The tomb was empty. Jesus had risen from the dead. He was resurrected.
***
He is risen. He is alive. If we invite Him, He will live in our hearts, and we will have life eternal with Him in Heaven. May we live with faith strong and bold enough to stand firm and say, “Yes, He is my Savior. He is my King.” For you see, friends, the best part of the greatest love story ever written is yet to happen. He is coming again. Will you be ready?
Comments