The Past is Dead Because He Died

Holy Week Meditation on Wednesday

Death to Life                                                  Luke 24:1-12

Grave yards are places we bury the past. We bury a lot more than bodies these days. We bury bad memories. We cover over hurt feelings, fears, anger, disappointments and shame. We bury them and roll a stone in front of the tomb hoping not to see them or hear from them again. Jesus wants to roll away the stone.

Some of us are alive physically, but we are dead emotionally. We look for life and the living among the dead. Old memories, past hurts and fears. We have pushed down so much that we don’t even know everything that is in there. We want to bury all the secrets of our life and forget they exist.

Jesus wants to give us new life. He wants to heal us and raise us. He wants to empty the tomb so there is nothing to hide, nothing to dread, and nothing to fear. He wants to release the death within us and breathe new life into us.

We cannot change the past but, in His strength, we can face it, so that He can release and cleanse us from it. It is the only way we can be truly free, and alive. The decision before us is whether to stay in our self-made tomb or rise with Christ to New Life.

Joe Valentino

God's Word Speaks

Jesus said, "Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.’” (Mark 11:2-3)

This is a fascinating passage. Jesus told his followers what to do, in fact, He told them what they would see and encounter while completing the task.  And, guess what. It all came to pass. It is stories like this which encourage me to keep reading God's word every day, just looking for something like this. 

When I bring a problem, or question to God, I am confident He will respond, in some fashion. He will direct me in the correct direction, or He will put someone in my path to speak into my life with a kind word, or a comment or question. It always amazes me how He works in my life.

Just as the people lined the path to Jerusalem to praise and honor a King, we can also line the road and expect the same Jesus to pass by. When we expect Him to show up, He does. When we turn to Him for praise or worship or conversation, He shows up.

I am faced with an important decision right now and I am looking forward to my quiet time with Him tomorrow morning. I will be praising and worshiping and scouring His Word for guidance. I know that He will answer me. He always leaves me excited and feeling so blessed because I know He hears me and cares about the big and the small things of my life. He is like no other. 

Mark 11:1-11 

Monday - Holy Week

There is a verse in the Bible many will recognize and claim: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11) This was a favorite with both my husband and me. We had both attended a weekend retreat at our church (at different times) and this was the verse each of our groups adopted.

There is such comfort in these words, especially for a new believer, a fresh follower who has just accepted the challenge to grow a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. At such a vulnerable time as this, to hear the words of Our Lord saying His plans include Hope and Future, will cause many begin a faith journey of a lifetime.

When Jesus was giving instructions to Peter and John regarding preparations for the Passover Meal, it became obvious He had planned this event ahead of time. The scene was set and all the characters, right down to the man carrying water, had an important role to carry out. Jesus commands and the faithful trust and obey.

He replied, “As you enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him to the house that he enters, and say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ He will show you a large room upstairs, all furnished. Make preparations there.” (Luke 22:10-12)

The fact that our LORD created a plan for us makes it possible for me to carry on in the face of adversity; it gives me a reason to move forward when things aren't as I think they should be. God has a plan, Jesus has a plan and I know that is all I need today.

Luke 22:7-23

A Spring Experience

This is the day the LORD has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it...Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever." (Psalm 118:24,29)

After a particularly long winter, the first day we walk outside and breathe in spring air, we might actually say, "This is the day the LORD has made, let us rejoice..."  I know I think these words if I don't say them out loud.

When we work our way through a winter season, one with lots of pain and heartache, we often ask ourselves, "Will we ever smile again?"  It is the spring sunshine that brings new hope to us.  It is the colorful landscape which fills us with fresh feelings laced with peace.

As we approach Holy Week, we often think on a deeper level, all Jesus has done for us.  Even when we just experienced an intense winter, the thought of Jesus on the other side of this season, helps us to "Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good." Contemplating the happenings of Holy Week starting with the joyous celebration on Palm Sunday we are mindful of pain and suffering.

I prepare to travel in my mind, the dark road to the Cross, memories of years gone by surface and I am reminded of the many Lenten and Easter Seasons observed with my husband.  I reflect on the fun we had hiding Easter baskets and the family dinners shared on Easter Sunday.  They all mean something different now. When I attend worship service on Easter Sunday, the experience is different and meaningful in a brand new way.

I know that my Savior, who made the ultimate sacrifice for me, also made that sacrifice for my husband and I am assured that I will see him again.  The Good News doesn't get any better than that for me!  Alleluia!

Psalm 118:19-29

The Story - Chapter 27- The Resurrection

Matthew 27:51 (NIV) "At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split." 

Dear God,

Holy Week is a time for Christians the world over to pause. This week is set aside as one to be pondered. Most weeks we busily go about our business, we may not even take a moment from our day to consider Your Son and the gift He gave us. But this week is different.

Father, remind us each day this week of just who Jesus was and is to us today. Open our hearts and our minds to truth and show us the light of Jesus' goodness and love.

Give us boldness to proclaim as did the centurion, "Surely he was the Son of God!" (Matthew 27:54) Amen.

Read Matthew 27:51-61 here

Listen to Matthew 27:52-61 here