CONSIDERING HOLY, or PASSION WEEK

SHEILA’S SHARING SHEET     TO YOU, FROM ME, BECAUSE OF HIM           Week of 3-23-16

Most of you who read these sheets are aware of this being what some call PASSION or, HOLY WEEK, though it is very ‘early’ this year. In spite of the fact of EASTER never being the same Sunday two years in a row, EASTER is still EASTER!

                                                                                                              

Before we get to EASTER Sunday, some will observe Maundy Thursday (the day before the crucifixion on which Christ led his disciples in ‘The LAST SUPPER,’ while observing the PASSOVER with them). We read, “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it. “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,” he said to them. “Truly I tell you, I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” (Mark 14:22-26) You see, JESUS knew HE was the LAST SACRIFICIAL LAMB necessary for God’s judgement to ‘pass over’ us. His blood would be the full atonement made for all who would gratefully receive His life’s blood to cleanse us all from results of our sin which separate us from HIM.  As His hours of agony approached, “He knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.  (Luke 22: 40-43)                                                                                                                               Good Friday, the day we remember the sacrificial death our Lord Jesus upon that cross, is this Friday.. I really appreciate Hebrews 12:2 as it inspires us by telling just WHAT kept JESUS on that cross! “…who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” In His agony, He was able to focus on the JOY of knowing He was about to restore man’s personal access to His Father forever!! He victoriously proclaimed, ‘IT IS FINISHED!’ (John 19:30)    

As JESUS left his grave clothes behind, HE KNEW we could read and receive, these following truths!          

‘You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. – Psalm 16:11         

Delight yourself in the Lord, and hH will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday. – Psalm 37:4-7                                       

May our LORD bless all who read this as HE alone can do! May you each desire to GO, GROW, and GLOW as you respond to His love!..shown so well through MERCY and GRACE! 

Consider praying, "LORD, I am grateful for Your intention for me to KNOW You! Thank you for making it possible for me to be welcome in Your presence through the blood of you Son, JESUS CHRIST! Help me to listen to YOU and to welcome Your transforming Power within, as I grow more Christ-like from now on!.. Praise you JESUS!"