Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury. Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid. There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews' preparation day; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand.
- John 19:40-42
To ensure they could move on with their preparation for the Passover, the Jewish priesthood slew our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Little did those who slew Him realise that in their haste to prepare, they slew the true Passover Lamb that God had already prepared.
Easter is a symbolic time, with an incorrect date and days that do not fit the actual event, but we can use it as a time of both reflection and then preparation of ourselves.
The 2020 annual Passover commences on the 15th Nisan on the Jewish Calendar, which, for Australia, is today, beginning last night at sundown. It was originally held in Egypt by the Lord’s people, in recognition of the manner in which the Lord released them from the tyranny of Egypt. The blood of an innocent lamb was placed on the doorposts and lintels of every house that desired to be saved from the death to come. In like manner, let us make sure that the blood of Jesus Christ is over our hearts to save us. Make sure we have asked Him into our hearts to bring the peace and freedom of a future led by God.
What CAN this Easter mean to you?
COVID-19 has turned our Easter holiday into a special rest for many of us. Instead of driving or flying to a holiday destination or visiting friends, or even going to Church, we're at home. Despite this being a very strange time in our lives, we can use it for getting closer to the Lord.
We have been given a very special Sabbatical. How will you use it?
At this time of Easter, we can think about what Christ’s obedience did for us. The soothing balm that Jesus applies to our hurts and wounds occurs only through His obedience. The overwhelming joy in our hearts is only due to His obedience. The blessed future we hold through salvation is all due to His obedience.
Jesus' life was one of sacrifice; the sacrifice of His thirty-three and a half years of life in preparation for that Passover of our scripture, and then going to the slaughter itself — the death of an innocent human lamb.
My Elder, John, wrote to me in prison 28 years ago (and I still have the letter). He said, “…I guess you’re learning the discipline of prison life. I hope you will be able to tell others of this way of life: the way someone else dictates every part of every day. So it is with our life in Christ, we must learn to be willing prisoners. You will be able to relate this experience to the rest of the Church. Think on this, add some meat, and send some thoughts onto others”
Have you ever thought of how your obedience will help others?
We are preparing for a day to come; perhaps not to be slaughtered on a cross as Jesus was, but for our Lord to do with us what He will. Let us make this special Easter a time of thinking more about the death of Christ, a time of more prayer, a time of reflection, and a time of self-preparation.
May the Lord bless and enrich you all in the coming days...
Today's prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for this odd time we are going through. It is strange to us and a little bit eerie. Please help me to use this special time to worship you and enjoy a deeper connection.
Commenti