Saturday, April 8, 2017

"Holy Week - Celebrating the Eternal Gifts of God's Saving Love!"



Dear Members and Friends of St. John,

 

During the past month or so our family has celebrated the birthdays of 2 grandsons, a granddaughter, and, oh yes, my wife, Kathy.  With all those important days coming so close together it led me to the question, “What is the most important day in my life / in our lives?”  In addition to birthdays, you might also consider graduations or wedding anniversaries, or other special occasions.  So, “what is the most important day in your life?”

 

The Scripture reading for my devotions on Friday, April 7, came from Deuteronomy 5, as Moses speaks to the children of Israel before they enter The Promised Land.  As you consider what the most important day or time in your life might be, consider Moses’ somewhat surprising words in Deurteronomy 5:1-4.  1 Moses summoned all Israel and said: Hear, O Israel, the decrees and laws I declare in your hearing today. Learn them and be sure to follow them. 2 The LORD our God made a covenant with us at Horeb. 3 It was not with our fathers that the LORD made this covenant, but with us, with all of us who are alive here today. 4 The LORD spoke to you face to face out of the fire on the mountain.”

 

What Moses told the Israelites seems strange.  Actually, at Mt. Horeb, or Sinai, in the book of Exodus, God is speaking to the parents of these people in the book of Deuteronomy.  These were not the same people.  But, God is telling them that the Exodus experience has permanent blessings for the people of God.  It is not just the people who came out of Egypt who were blessed.  ALL God’s people received blessings through the Exodus event.  So, God’s words at Horeb, or Sinai, spoke to ALL His children.

 

Let’s ask that opening question again. “What is the most important day in your life?”  This week we have the privilege of observing Holy Week, beginning with Palm Sunday, including observance of the Last Supper on Maundy Thursday, somberly remembering the death of Jesus on Good Friday, and finally joyfully climaxing with Jesus’ resurrection on Easter Sunday.  These events were not just for the disciples.  I believe Scripture tells us that what we will observe and experience as we celebrate Holy Week is the most important event of all time, and the most important even in our lives. 

 

Some may think of the observance of Holy Week is just another holiday.  But, the historic events which we celebrate during Holy Week are the center of human history!  Listen to God speak through St. Paul.  3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

 

You see, what Jesus accomplished during this last week of His life gives eternal blessings to all who receive God’s grace through faith in Jesus.  Our selfishness and sin separate us from God and we deserve punishment.  But, Jesus’ death pays the price for our sin and offers us forgiveness and the righteousness of Jesus.  Our pride, and rebellion, and sin lead to death for everyone.  But the resurrection of Jesus defeats death and guarantees eternal life for all believers.  The events of Calvary, where Jesus died, and the empty tomb, where He rose, are the most important event in my life and in yours, even if we weren’t physically there.

 

What do you do on your birthday?  I expect you recognize your birthday or celebrate it in some way.  Perhaps you celebrate with a party, or a cake, or just by receiving a card.  So, if Holy Week is the most important event in our lives, how do you plan to observe this gift of God which gives eternal life?

 

A Child of God, Celebrating the Eternal Gift of God’s Saving Love This Holy Week,

Pastor Rockey

 

P.S.    Please see a list of worship and celebration opportunities for this Holy Week at St. John below

 

P.P.S. Here are some pictures of the celebration last Sunday as Jamie received her “Lux Christi Award.” https://goo.gl/photos/Jw3g6A5TFReWrp1h9

 

Also, Here is the slide show, showing pictures of Jamie, which was shown after worship and during the reception last week.  https://goo.gl/photos/7Z1WQoUAU7Uiym4F9

 

P.P.P.S.  Here is an interesting story about St. John member and elder, John Lee.


 

 

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