The Joy of Holy Week

 Holy Week: A Week of Reflection

We rejoice in Christ year-round.

This season brings out the ugliness of the Cross AND the joy that was set before Jesus to endure it. The exciting news is that WE are that joy that was set before Him!

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” – Hebrews 12:2 (KJV)

We’ve heard the song (or at least the phrase) “While He was on the Cross, we were on His mind….” For me, that’s the most intimate part of the crucifixion. It’s deeply personal. He looked through time and saw me, and He saw you during the most painful experience of His earthly life. And when He breathed His last breath, He said, “It is finished.” The requirement for our sin was met, He willingly paid the price, because He loves us so much.

“For God so loved the world (US), that He gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not die but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world (US), but in order that the world (WE) might be saved through Him.” – John 3:16-17

The almost-too-good-to-be-true news! It doesn’t get any better than this! All He asks of us is that we believe – that He IS and that He’s a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6) And He’s already given us the measure of faith required to believe in Him! (Romans 12:3)

So many people reject God’s love simply because they don’t believe that God made it that easy to please Him. The Old Testament covenant was filled with laws and regulations to prove to us that we couldn’t measure up. But then Jesus came to fulfill the law and bring His new and better covenant to us. He calls it GRACE and He gives it to us freely!

What are you reflecting on this Resurrection season?

Yes, it’s good to reflect on what Jesus sacrificed for us. But oh, the joy of reflecting on why He did it!