It had been a week of emotion. There was the fever pitched frenzy of adoring crowds lining the streets, shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” as they welcomed Jesus on Palm Sunday. While the excitement lingered, the crowd gathered with clenched fists shouting, “Crucify Him!” Before they knew it the sounds of cheers had been replaced with the sounds of flesh being torn and the sound of steel against steel as nails were being driven into Jesus’ hands and feet. With every blow of the hammer, devastation pounded the hearts of those who watched their Lord die in agony. Who would have ever thought that one could experience such heights and depths all in a week’s time?
Archive for March, 2002
Devastation To Resurrection
John 20:1-16
Sunday, March 31st, 2002
Our Blessed Hope
Titus 2:11-14
Sunday, March 24th, 2002
They huddled together as they watched the One they had followed, the One they had loved, ascend to Heaven and leave their presence. He had been there in so many ways, at so many times, since they first met Him. He had been there when Mary and Martha were heartbroken after their brother Lazarus had died. In the midst of their anguish Jesus said, “Lazarus, come forth!” and he did. He had been there when the woman had been caught in the act of adultery and was preparing to face execution at the hands of her accusers. Jesus silenced the crowd by reminding them of their own sin. After the crowd had dispersed, Jesus knelt down to the woman clothed in shame and humiliation and said, “Where are your accusers?” She shook her head and said, “There are none.” Jesus said, “Neither do I accuse you. Go and sin no more.” He had been there when the crowd was hungry…so He fed them with five loaves of bread and two fish. He was there when the little kids had rushed Him with smiles and hugs only to be reprimanded by the disciples. Jesus said, “Leave them alone for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.” He had been there for the broken. He had been a friend to the lonely. He had been the Great Physician to the sick. Jesus had always been there to bring in the outcast and to lift up those who were bowed down with their sin and shame.
Headin’ Home!
Hebrews 11:32-40
Sunday, March 3rd, 2002
For the past several weeks our study of the book of Hebrews has led us down many wonderful and insightful roads. We have made many visits to the Temple. We’ve become more familiar with the role of the Temple Priests than most Gentiles. We’ve examined the many ways in which Jesus is a far superior priest for those who will trust in His guiding care and ultimate sacrifice as payment for our sins. We’ve learned what it takes to please God…faith and faith alone.