April 5 through April 11--Holy Week

Palm Sunday, Luke 19:30,31; Today, as we begin the final week of our 2009 pilgrimage that goes over a hill with a bloody cross toward Easter Sunday, we remember the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. But before that great parade could happen, Jesus told his disciples that he needed a donkey colt that had not been saddle broke. It doesn’t matter how long we’ve been on our spiritual journey with Jesus, we all have areas in our lives that haven’t been saddle broke. These are the things we need to untie from the hitching posts of rationalization and bring to Jesus. Why? Not just so he can make us better people, but because he has need for them. You see, when we bring our weaknesses and our “besetting sins” to Jesus he not only tames them, he also uses them as a vehicle to “ride” more fully into our lives, as well as into the lives of others (as they see the transformation of our attitudes and actions). Ponder what area of your life is not fully saddle broke, it might be anger, jealousy, an unforgiving spirit or something else—whatever it is, “The Lord has need of it!” Untie it and bring it here; if anyone ask you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ just say this, ‘The Lord has need of it!’

Monday, Luke 23:34; One of the most difficult things we have to deal with is when people we’ve trusted turn their backs on us, when people we’ve tried to help mistreat us, cheat us or lie about us. When this happens, the natural response is to either do the same thing back to them or try to do something worse. But the Christian response is to follow Jesus example and pray for them! But how can we pray for someone who has really done us wrong? Jesus prayer from the cross provides a clue. Even in the depths of his pain, Jesus tried to understand those who were doing him wrong, “they do not know what they are doing”. While it is true that there are times when people deliberately set out to hurt us, many times they are simply acting out of ignorance or are relying on incomplete information. Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.

Tuesday, Luke 23:43; In the busyness of our lives, people seeking our assistance can sometimes be an annoyance. This annoyance is magnified when we are having personal pain or going through a crisis. From a human point of view it would have been understandable had Jesus looked at the thief on the cross and told him, “Hey, with your track record you’re got no right to ask for anything, besides, can’t you see I’m preoccupied with my problems right now!” But that’s not what he did. He gave us an example of how to respond to people in need, even when we are in the depths of despair and trouble. He took time to listen to the man’s request and respond to it. Secular and Christian counselors agree that one of the best way we can help ourselves through the dark days of our lives is to get outside of our problem and help someone else. Truly, I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.

Wednesday, John 19:26,27; I read recently that people in the business of helping others (ministers, psychologists, counselors, physicians, social workers, etc) ranked in the top five professions with the highest divorce rate. While there are many factors that contribute to this tragic statistic the common thread would seem to be that these people became so involved in following their calling that they neglected their families. Of course, this problem isn’t limited to those in the helping professions. We can become so involved in our work, our hobbies and other pursuits that we neglect those closest to us. We all agree that Jesus agony on the cross was the highest calling anyone could have—he came to die for all humankind, yet while doing this most important work he still found time to remember those closest to him. Regardless of how busy we get or involved in helping others, we need to follow his example and take time for our family and friends. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved…he said…’Woman, here is your son…Here is your mother.’

Thursday, Matthew 27:46; Many years ago, I became acquainted with a Jewish Rabbi. Out of that acquaintance came a better understanding of many things in the scriptures. One of the interesting things he taught me was that during the time of Jesus (and even today), Jewish children are taught to recite or pray certain portions of the Psalm which are appropriate for the different situations they faced. As an example, he cited today’s passage. These words are the opening words from the twenty-second Psalm. Early readers of this gospel (being familiar with the Jewish practice) would automatically understand that Jesus was drawing on his religious training during his darkest hour and that he probably quoted more of the Psalm than just those words. To me the great lesson this teaches us is that in times of uncertainty and personal darkness we need to draw deeply from our faith as a means of finding strength and courage. By doing so, we not only affirm our faith but we remind ourselves that God can bring good from evil and give us the best outcome. My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?

Good Friday, John 19:30; It is worth noting that this passage is the concluding passage from the twenty-second Psalm (see discussion above). Jesus has endured several hours on the cross and now he can bow his head with confidence that the outcome desired by God is assured. There’s an old song that says “He could have called ten thousand angels” while he was on the cross and stopped the entire process; but he didn’t—he endured the sufferings of the moment in order to realize the ultimate victory! I often wonder how many times people rob themselves of the greater triumph they could have had because they quit when things became too difficult? Just as there could have been no Easter resurrection without the process of the cross, many times we cannot fully appreciate the joys God has for without going through the valley of the shadows. It is finished!

Saturday, Luke 23:46; Once again we find Jesus turning to his religious training from childhood as he quotes from the thirty-first Psalm. Whether he recited the entire Psalm or just this part of it, we know that its message was on his mind as he suffered on the cross. Let’s look at some of the phrases that either crossed his lips or where running through his mind, In you, O Lord, I seek refuge; do not let me be put to shame. In our language that means please don’t let this thing I’m going through be for nothing, bring good from it. You are indeed my rock and my fortress; Even though the way is difficult, I know I will not sink in the mire of self-pity because I stand on my faith in your eternal goodness; even though I feel defenseless, I will not despair because you are the fortress that protects my minds and being. Into your hands, I commit my spirit.