Isaiah 52:13-15
13 See, my servant shall prosper; he shall be exalted and lifted up, and shall be very high.
14 Just as there were many who were astonished at him—so marred was his appearance, beyond human semblance, and his form beyond that of mortals—
15 so he shall startle many nations; kings shall shut their mouths because of him;
for that which had not been told them they shall see, and that which they had not heard they shall contemplate.
What memories do you have of Holy Week? Don’t be surprised if your honest answer is like so many, “Well, it’s Easter Eggs, the Easter Bunny, and Easter Dinner. Oh, and we usually go to church on that Sunday too.” Those are great things – but those are not the greatest things.
I must admit that when I went into the ministry I was astounded with how many people have really never encountered Holy Week. Holy Week is the last week of Jesus’ earthly life in the flesh. A lot of the Jesus story happens during Holy Week. A lot of our faith story happens during Holy Week. A lot of your eternal story happens during Holy Week.
But too often, we over simplify it to waving palms on one Sunday and shouting, “He is Risen!” on the next Sunday.
Something happens in between those two Sundays.
The very heart of our faith happens in between those two Sundays.
Something we are to contemplate deeply happens between those two Sundays.
Yes, it is horrific in the sense that it involves a human body pummeled beyond recognition. And yes, it is so unexpected, that all who see it are startled beyond belief – but when properly understood – we begin to understand it in a good way. Kings will shut their mouths when they see it!!! We should be present as the hand of the Creator moves within the creation in an act of sacrificial love intended to save those who see something more than just the death of a “man.”
To use His own words, “Come and see.” I encourage you to contemplate the entire story this week. Attend all our worship opportunities this week. Walk the entire week with Jesus. If you do, you’ll “see” why this week is set apart as Holy.
My prayer is you see the Son of God as He has revealed Himself to us this week.
My prayer is you begin to see that we can’t see the full depth of the Father’s love.
My prayer is that there is nothing of higher priority in your life this week.
My prayer is – for you.
God’s Love,
