Easter is a time for reflection; a time for remembrance, a time for meditation, Thanksgiving, and worship. There were so many things going on during Easter weekend, but only one that really mattered. As you reflect on those 72 hours, have you given any thought to where you were during that period? Where were you on that first Easter weekend?
As Wednesday became Friday, the inevitable became more and more of a reality. It was to be that Jesus was going to be crucified. He had been convicted by a jury that had honored Him days earlier. Were you in that group? Did you stand with those who yelled both “Hosanna” and “crucify Him?” is it so that your relationship with Jesus runs hot and cold? Are you singing on Sunday and falling away on Friday?
Then there was the day that Jesus was arrested. Some of his disciples followed Jesus into the gallery to be mocked and ridiculed. When asked if he was a follower of Jesus, Peter denied knowing Jesus. Was that you? Do you sometimes shy away from acknowledging your relationship with Jesus? Do you stand up for Him when it’s safe, but not when it’s the unpopular thing to do?
Perhaps you were with the group that preferred cash over Christ. Maybe you were in the group who, like the rich young ruler, decided that Jesus was not a substitute for worldly wealth. Perhaps you, like so many others, see Jesus as a means for getting rich, and not for saving souls. Were your with that group?
Perhaps you were one of the “passer byes” during the crucifixion. Maybe you were amongst those who walked by, and wondered if Jesus was going to prove that He was king. This was the group of people who shy away from church, because Jesus has to “prove Himself” to them. This was the group that was still saying “if.” If Jesus would prove Himself; if Jesus would move another mountain or heal another sick person, then they might believe. (This is the group that later settled in Missouri.)
At some point in our lives, we have probably spent time with each group. We have (non verbally) asked Jesus to prove Himself over and over again. We have traded His will for gain; and have sat quietly when someone needed to hear, or say, a word.
Where was I? I, like everyone else, was on Jesus’ heart. I, like many others, was on Jesus’ mind. As he stared down at the crowd of people who were openly condemning or expecting, I’m sure that He looked at all of us and said: I’m doing this for you
Happy Easter
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http://www.sacred-texts.com/bib/kjv/mat019.htm
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