Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord. Psalm 31:24

It is Monday morning, so may of us are hurrying to get up, get dressed, eat and get out the door to work or school.  Sometimes Mondays can be the hardest day of the week.

This morning as I was making breakfast and packing lunches, checking emails and getting ready, I thought about the day, all that needs to be done, all that should get done, all that I’d like to do to take things beyond the status quo, and it hit me; a deep “Monday melancholy”.

Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.

Perhaps your day started off like this, or perhaps your day started out wonderfully and you charge into this new week energized.  Either way be strong and take heart for He is still risen and walks with you this day.

Peace,

Pastor Bill

On Thursday, a school administrator told the students that after they turned in a survey, they were free to begin their “long weekend”. 

On Thursday, Clergy and church servants were getting ready for a special service, the second of Holy Week as well as thinking towards Good Friday and the Easter service.

Church servants have been arranging flowers, creating extra bulletins, and in many cases, putting up with their frenetic pastors who kept saying “I’m working on it”, while the emails were filled with special sales from the various retailers expecting a long weekend of business.

Clergy have been planning multiple services and events trying to present the greatest story ever told in new and captivating ways. 

And for some, it was just a long weekend off, but we must remember Jesus died for them as well. His sacrifice is for all to know that God is alive and active in our lives for Jesus is risen and that makes all the difference.

Peace,

Pastor Bill

On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. And as he taught them, he said, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’” The chief priests and the teachers of the law heard this and began looking for a way to kill him, for they feared him, because the whole crowd was amazed at his teaching.  Mark 11:15-18

This passage always sounds shocking, as “Gentle Jesus, Meek and Mild” loses his temper and goes on a rampage in the temple.  It is righteous anger, as the temple system was unjust and cheating many people.  The high costs of the animals for sacrifice and the currency exchange was oppressive, especially upon those who could least afford it.

Sometimes righteous anger is justified for us as well.  While I do not advocate turning tables and whipping people, we do need to get united when injustice is present.  Martin Luther King, Jr. said “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere” and God calls us to fight injustice.  The prophet Jeremiah says Thus says the Lord: Do justice and righteousness, and deliver from the hand of the oppressor him who has been robbed. And do no wrong or violence to the resident alien, the fatherless, and the widow, nor shed innocent blood in this place (Jeremiah 22:3).

As we walk through this Holy Week, let us all pick up our crosses and walk with justice.

Peace,

Pastor Bill

As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. Luke 9:51

Where is your mind right now?  Are you prepared to enter into Holy Week or are you still concerned with so many earthly things?

Yes a lot is going on right now, there is (still) political turmoil, (still) wars and rumors of wars, (still) economic upheaval, (still) people that care more about their own gain no matter who it hurts, (still) … need I go on?

We all have things going on in our lives that truly need our attention, we have personal issues that need attention as well as family, job, school, church and societal issues.  A lot is happening right now, but how much can be put aside for a moment?  Can we take that moment to face Jerusalem with Jesus as He approaches the final week of His earthly ministry? 

Throughout Lent we have traveled with Jesus and now we face the place where His journey leads, the cross.  Are you ready?

As you travel through this week, as you deal with the earthly things placed in front of you, turn your head towards Jerusalem, towards Golgotha, towards the cross.  Gain strength from the one who walked the via Dolorosa for you, the one who suffered for you.  Know that God is with you in this week and no matter what comes, walk with Jesus.

Peace,

Pastor Bill