Dear First Pres,

     It's hard to imagine what it must have been like for Jesus to enter Jerusalem that day. He rode the young donkey through the city gates while the crowds cheered and threw down their cloaks for Him.  Was He pleased? Was He troubled? We just don't know.  All we know is that within the week there was a crowd shouting for his crucifixion, and byFriday afternoon an unusual darkness covered the land because the Son of God hung lifeless on the cross. 

     One thing we do know about that day Jesus entered the city so dramatically is that He was no victim. He knew what was ahead. He had talked about his suffering many times. He had even talked about what would occur on the third day. With full knowledge of the weekend ahead, and all that it would cost Him, Jesus purposefully and intentionally and symbolically entered the city in messianic fashion. This week, starting Thursday night, we remember and celebrate the events of that world changing weekend. Are you approaching it with purpose and intention?  Sometimes we get hung up on all the preparations for house guests and Easter outfits, but I encourage you to find some quiet moments over the next four days to wonder anew at the life and work of Jesus, our Christ.

     Another way to be purposeful about your worship during this week is to attend the services on Thursday and Friday. The Maundy Thursdayservice (at 7p.m.) is our communion service for the month of April. We call it Maundy Thursday because of the new command that Jesus gave them to love one another (John 13:34); "Maundy" comes from the Latin word that means command. Personally, I have come to love the MaundyThursday service as a way to calibrate my heart and mind during the Easter weekend. I think it could be the same for you.  On Friday, be adventurous and join us on the Fulton Mall for our collaborative GoodFriday service (from 12:10 - 12:50). There will be a group walking over from our parking lot at about 11:50. Finally, be mindful over these next few days about whom the Lord would have you invite to our Easter services.

     Then, on Sunday morning, come ready to rejoice in the good news of the empty tomb. Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed!

 

Blessings,