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Earlier this week I was so blessed by the realization that
we had entered one of the most special seasons of the year,
the Easter week. Of course this is the week between Palm
Sunday and Easter when all around the world people think
about the work of our Savior as he moved toward the cross
and then His resurrection. At times in western culture this
week flies by us and we land on Easter Sunday morning
scurrying to get into our special Easter dress. So I felt
like sending a note to remind us
all that this is our week as believers.
Commercialism has not completely overwhelmed this
event and it still really belongs to us, the children of
God. For the remaining days of this holy week, let's reflect
on the meaning of this week and enjoy savoring the thoughts
of our glorious Savior
and what He has done for us in the Easter passion.
Here are a few leading thoughts to draw us all along
in this spiritual celebration:
Condescension
Christ chose to leave the eternal glory to come and be
with us on earth, Emmanuel.
Incarnation
Christ not only came to us but He became one of us, so
that He could be, at all points, tempted like we are.
Humiliation
Christ did not come as royalty, but to a low state of life.
And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.
Propitiation (Sacrifice and Payment)
Christ was further humiliated by hanging on the cross,
a curse to the Jew. Yet John said, "Behold the Lamb of God
that takes away the sin of the world." He is our sacrificial
Lamb.
Resurrection
Christ rose, overcoming death, hell, and the
grave as no other has ever done before to win our victory
over the enemy and sin.
Ascension
Christ was seen of witnesses often, and
then He ascended to the right hand of the Father, where He
lives to make intercession for us now and for ever.
As we think of this week, give thought to the triumphant
entry and shout your "Hosannas" with all the saints this
week. Hosanna holds the two part prayer:
1. Praise as we mean 'Hail to the King'
2. Petition, as our burdened hearts cry out 'save now.'
The Last Supper was the fore taste of how He would
share his body and blood for the sins of all mankind, those
that believe. Consider the fellowship we have with Christ
now, like that of the disciples that night.
Gethsemane is the model of victory won before facing
the foe, through prayer. Appreciate the struggle of Christ
in the garden for us and His total dependence on time spent
in the Father's presence as His solution.
The Betrayal, Trial, Mocking, Denial, and Scourging
were all part of Christ' separation from all support to
stand alone as the 'sin bearer.' You might want to read
Isaiah 53 to reflect and honor the 'aloneness' our Lord
endured for us.
Crucifixion was the bitter cup that brought victory.
There He took the final step or separation from the Father
as Isaiah wrote, 'for a moment have I forsaken thee.' God
who could not look on sin as Christ took our sin on that
cross to be the Lamb
that was slain. Enjoy the Psalm 103 list of the blessings
won for us in a pre-Christ praise for His work on the cross.
And Resurrection was the public announcement of
the victory won at Calvary. He arose victorious, winning
back what was lost at the other garden in Eden, never to
release that dominion again. Looking toward Pentecost and
His ascension also as praise points in this journey.
So as we continue to walk toward Easter Sunday morning,
perhaps we could take these reflection points and meditate
on them; making this the most special week of the year for
we who fully believe that what happened on Calvary's cross
that day truly
did change the world and all the course of history.
R E Howard
R. E. Howard
General Overseer |
