Tag: Easter

Friday

Posted in essay, Inspiration, Life

When they were finally tired of mocking him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him again. Then they led him away to be crucified. Matthew 27:31 NLT

The Hill

I don’t like to think of the crucifixion, but then, who does? It brings up a lot of questions, not the least of which is, “Why would a loving God allow such a heinous injustice to a sinless man, his own son, at that? The Trinity is as inexplicable as it is Holy and essential. God suffered on our behalf through his human/divine self, his beloved son. We don’t get it; we never will. God “got it” that we needed saving grace and provided a means by which we could and do achieve redemption. God saw the road ahead and – I believe – wept at his Son’s suffering. I believe the Holy Spirit watched with tears streaming. Jesus. His agony laid the ground work; resurrection planted the garden of universal grace. I am not a theologian, but this is what I believe after a lifetime of trusting God.

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Easter

Posted in Inspiration

Cross

Jesus didn’t come into the world
to save the good
and decide who is bad.
He was not an obstacle-maker,
he was – and is – a bridge-builder,
the connection to salvation and freedom.
That’s the man who suffered and died,
rose again on the third day
and remains a guiding light for all.
Not just the believer,
but all who will see the way ahead
through the eyes of love and compassion.

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https://www.facebook.com/vandermeerbooks
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Holy week prayer

Posted in essay

pexels-photo-208315.jpegCome, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. Psalm 95:6

Great God of all, the beginning and the infinite, you who sent yourself into the world as a wee babe who grew up and traveled the world as a man, misunderstood by many, feared by the establishment, teacher of astounding wisdom, and bearer of transgressions and sins, we worship you and give you thanks. Holy week is lost in the secular whirlwind of the Easter bunny and chocolate, marshmallow treats, giant Easter baskets, and pretty dresses. The reality of Holy week is bleak and grim. When we stand at the foot of the cross and look up, we cannot comprehend the depth of Your suffering on our behalf. We simply cannot. We do know the cross was not the end of hope; it was the beginning of redemption. Only by the resurrection can we see how amazing you are, your grace washing out from that cruel cross and lifting all on the sea of your love. It is through that grace we can understand just a fraction of why you took this path. Just a fraction. And it is enough. Up from the grave he arose, a mighty triumph o’er his foes. (Robert Lowry, Christ Arose).

Hallelujah! Christ arose!

Posted in Inspiration1 Comment

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. 1 Peter 3:18

Empty Cross

On this Good Friday, it is important to remember: one tragic, ill-advised and cruel event changed everything. Despite all the ways God’s loved people have misconstrued it all, despite the multiple religions that claim to know it all, despite every doubting Thomas, Christ’s act of sacrifice rings through the ages. The people at the foot of the Cross did not know that in three days Resurrection would happen. They only knew their friend and teacher was dead at the hands of jealous and fearful men. The first Tenebrae service I ever attended was shatteringly emotional. I’d never seen the altar striped, the Cross draped in black, the light extinguished. The worshipers leaving in silence and reflection. Even knowing the outcome would be Resurrection Day – Up From the Grave He Arose – it brought home what was done to Christ the Savior. It brought home what He did for me.
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Happy Easter

Posted in Books

Happy EasterBut I will restore you to health and heal your wounds. ~ Jeremiah 30:17

In what ways are you wounded? Is it physical hurt? Mental? Emotional? Rejection? Fear? Neglect? Stubborn disregard for others? Hate? Jealousy? Greed? All of the above? We all have been wounded. We aren’t required to carry those wounds forever. If we’re not careful, our wounds can rule our lives. The scars they leave may be evident or hidden, nettlesome hurts that grind away little by little until we lose faith. Give up hope. Stop caring. That’s what wounds do. There is One who cares deeply about us. His care and love was demonstrated in a most profound way; His son was wounded for each of us. Christ’s death, the death of our sins. The good news is that he overcame the grave as we can overcome our wounds. The healer is waiting to heal. Trust in him. He is risen. World changing news that resonates, not with hate but with forgiveness, compassion, love, mercy, and acceptance. Nowhere does it say that Jesus died for a select few; he died – and lives – for all. Have a blessed Easter day.