And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. Hebrews 10-21-22 (NLT)
This is a holy week across the world for both Jews and Christians. It seems like Easter is later than normal but the Jewish celebration of Passover sets the date.
I look forward to singing in our choir for Maundy Thursday and three times on Easter morning. Rehearsals all week mean many trips ups and down the road but music is in important part of worship and we want to be prepared.
Yet, as I think about preparation for the holiest of days, I remember the story of the children of Israel marking their door posts with the blood of a lamb so that the death angel would pass over their home and leave them alone. This plague would finally release them from the clutches of slavery in Egypt.
Some things never change. We are a wealthy nation (mostly) with everything we need to make life interesting and comfortable. Independent, capable, creative, entrepreneur, curious, industrious, but unable to change the fact that we are all going to die. Can we stop the death angel? Will heaven be our destination?
There is only one way to be sure. We must stand at the foot of the cross. I don’t know about you but if I was on the hill on that fateful day watching Jesus’ crucifixion, I’d be overwhelmed in sorrow and shame, realizing how unworthy I was to be there. Fear, darkness, taunts, and insults are everywhere. I can’t even look at Him.
Yet, in his last breath, Jesus yelled, “It is finished.” He completed the task His Father had given to Him and the transaction for my salvation was complete.
But dear one, as you stand there weeping, you must look up at his battered, thorn-crowned, bloody face so that as His blood drips down, it will find its mark on your heart washing it of all sin. Don’t look down in shame—look UP. Accept His love and forgiveness knowing that your record has been wiped clean.
We are free. Hallelujah!
He is risen. He is risen, indeed!