Monday of Holy Week
A couple of weeks ago, my children had all the family over for dinner. Following the meal, we all sat in the living area to watch the photos of Brennan’s Senior Trip. Ryan, my son, was one of the chaperones. He made sure the guys in his group saw it all. From New York to England, to Paris, Normandy, Venice and Rome. Not a shabby senior trip at all.
At this time of year, memories of my trip to Rome and the Holy Lands flood my mind. I was THERE where my Lord walked, taught, and healed. That is where He made full payment for us by sacrificing His life on Calvary. He paid our debt that He did not even owe.
The first day of my arrival to Israel, I posted this: “I walked today where Jesus walked and felt Him close to me”. That trip created real, live and in color “YOU ARE THERE” moments to that song “Were you there when they crucified my Lord?” I believe I was there, because Jesus had you AND me in mind as He hung on the cross.
I was overwhelmed with gratitude and awe that I was treading on the land of my Lord. My passion for Jesus was enriched as I witnessed, through many tears, the awe-inspiring scenery and landscapes, breathtaking seas, opulent churches, and holy sites where He had been. I know I didn’t have to go to Israel to know He lives in me, but there I felt a tangible connection with those women at His tomb — “I know He lives!”
My spiritual eyes saw Him there, but even better, I see Him every day, right here in Austin or wherever I am – in His creation, in His Word, in YOU. Holy Week, also known as Passion Week will never be the same for me.
Today is Holy Monday of Holy Week. At the heart of our faith is the passion, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ. This week, I’ll be purposely posting to remind us of what this week looked like. We’ve read those stories in the Bible. We’ve heard many sermons and messages about the events, but have we sincerely pondered and noticed ALL that Jesus accomplished in this one week?
He was on purpose with every act, healing, and teaching. If we knew it was our final week of life, wouldn’t we be taking care of “loose ends”, giving family and friends wisdom about life, encouraging and giving clear messages that encourage them to carry on? If He knew He would soon lay down His life for us, then wouldn’t He make sure that everything He did was for our good to be used as visual references for us to follow?
On this day, Jesus had gone to Bethany and returned to Jerusalem. Imagine his thoughts about what He was about to face. Then, casually he encounters the shameful practices at the Temple. Greed had altered the character of the Temple. He was passionate about His Father’s House of Prayer being abused. Cleansing the Temple was a scene of chaos, but the needy received from His touch. The blind and lame came when they heard Jesus was in the Temple.
I pray that my words awaken you with the desire to consider Christ’s journey to Calvary throughout this week and mostly, I pray you open your heart and mind to THE ONE – who loved you enough to give His all for you. On this Holy Monday, He cleansed the temple. I pray that He cleanses and purifies our hearts and minds that makes us more like Him!