The Holiest of Weeks

By Pastor Mark McAdow
Holy Week is almost here! It begins this Sunday, March 29, with Palm Sunday and concludes next week with our celebration of our Lord Jesus’ resurrection on Easter Sunday morning. There is no more significant week in the life of Jesus or the world.

As I shared at our 11:00 worship service last Sunday from John 17:3, Jesus told us why He came: “Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom I have sent.” He came that we all might have eternal life. He also said in John 10:10, "The thief (Satan) comes only to steal, kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it more abundantly!” Jesus came to die for us, so that we can experience genuine life with Him here and now and for all eternity. Praise His Holy Name!

Many people you know and love are not experiencing the abundant life only Jesus can bring. They are alive physically but dead spiritually. What a tragedy! They could be living a full, satisfying life in Jesus, but instead are merely existing. They don’t know The Good News. Or more specifically, they don’t know The God News – God became one of us in Jesus so we could become like Him. Jesus put a “face” on God for us.

We were visiting with out-of-state family members on the phone last evening inquiring about their Easter plans. They indicated to Robin that they will have an “Easter” brunch with their extended family, but that simply means they will get together for lunch and hide Easter eggs for the grandkids. No mention of Jesus. No worship service together. No acknowledgement that Easter is all about Jesus. No Jesus. No Easter. How sad.

Six years ago, all churches in the entire world were closed due to the COVID 19 pandemic. That had never happened before in the history of the world. Easter was still celebrated by Christian believers – we did it on our parking lot! – but many people never returned once the church doors had been closed. People need the Lord. People you and I know and love. We have several worship opportunities this next week. Who will you pray for and invite to a worship service or our Maundy Thursday Dinner Theater next Thursday evening? Which events will you participate in to express your appreciation to our Lord for his incredible sacrifice? You can’t really appreciate Easter Sunday without experiencing Good Friday.

Come be The Church this Holy Week and invite someone to come with you.

Love you,
Pastor Mark
 
Thanks to all who have signed up to read scripture on Holy Saturday in the sanctuary. There are still about 15 time slots available. Sign up this Sunday. You will be blessed to spend some quiet time with the Living Word – Jesus – as you read aloud the written Word.