Seven Statements from the Cross

1. Forgiveness
Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do… Luke 23:34

2. Hope
And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. Luke 23:43

3. Compassion
When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! 27 Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. John 19:26

4. Abandonment
And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Matthew 27:46

5. Suffering
After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. John 19:28

6. Completion
When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. John 19:30

7. Satisfaction
And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost. Luke 23:46

As you reflect on these verses remember Jesus did this for YOU.
Praise Him for His sacrifice.

Have a blessed day,

Donna

Abiding

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. John 15:4-5

As Holy Week was coming to an end Jesus again takes the opportunity to teach the disciples. There is a long discourse of what they need to do; take a few minutes to read and meditate on John chapter 15.

I believe He is speaking to His disciples as well as Christians today. Here are some highlights:

Verse 1:
Jesus is the vine and His Father is the husbandman. God takes care of us.

Verse 4:
Abide in Jesus and He will abide in you.

Abide in the Greek means to stay (in a given place), dwell, endure, be present, remain.

We need to stay right next to Jesus. When we abide in Him we will receive all the strength we need to get through each and every day.

Verse 5:
Jesus is the vine we are the branches. To bear fruit we must abide in Him. Without Him we are nothing. Without Him is the same thing as separated from Him.

Albert Barnes says, “As the branches, if separated from the parent stock, could produce no fruit, but would immediately wither and die, so Christians, if separate from Christ, could do nothing.”

Verse 6:
When we do not abide in Him, we will wither away (or dry up). We have a choice, accept or reject Him.

Verse 8:
Jesus wants the disciples and us to bear much fruit. We need to apply the “fruit of the spirit” to our lives to show forth and share with others. (Gal 5:22-23)

Verse 9:
As God loves Jesus, Jesus loves us, continue in His love. Show His love to others in word, action and deed.

Verse 10:
When you keep His commandments you will abide in His love. Abide means to stay in a given place. We will be close to Him. Jesus is trying to stress that the disciples need to abide. Abide with Him.

Verse 12:
Love one another.

Verse 13:
No greater love than when a man lays down His life for His friends. Jesus loves us so much he was willing to die for us.

Verse 14:
We are His friends if we do what He says.

Verse 17:
Love one another.

Verse 26:
Jesus will send a Comforter which is the Holy Spirit.

This was one of the last times the disciples were with Jesus before He was killed. He was preparing them for the time after He was physically gone.

We need to abide in Him. When we pull away from the vine all strength is zapped out of us. We cannot get nourishment unless we are attached to the vine.

Abide in Him today.

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Be Ready

Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. [2] And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. [3] They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: [4] But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. [5] While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. [6] And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. [7] Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. [8] And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. [9] But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. [10] And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. [11] Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. [12] But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. [13] Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. Matthew 25:1-13

As Holy week continued Jesus taught whenever he had the opportunity. He knew His earthly time was coming to an end. He taught parables, some about His second coming. A parable is an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. Here we have a story about ten young women going to a wedding. A wedding is a wonderful celebration and a time for great rejoicing. People would dress up and get “ready” for the feast. They would also bring lamps with oil to light up the path for the celebration would last late into the night.

When we go to a wedding today we get ready before we get there. Everything is done before we enter into the church or reception. We make sure we are clean and showered, not a hair out of place, makeup and jewelry perfect. Our clothing is pressed and everything matches.

The parable tells us that five of the young women were prepared and five were not prepared. The five that were not prepared thought about it too late. Who would ever use a lamp and not bring oil to fill it. Weddings were typically held at night. The people attending knew they were held at night, and a lamp would be needed.

The foolish, or unprepared, fell asleep not thinking of the empty lamps. In the middle of a nice nap a loud cry is made, “The Bridegroom is here go and meet him”. All of a sudden the foolish realize they have no oil, the path will not be lit for them. They run to the wise and say, “Give us some oil, our lamps are dry.”

“We cannot do that”, say the wise “there is not enough for both of us. Go and buy some oil for yourself.” The foolish left and missed the Bridegroom, by the time they came back it was too late, the door was shut and they could not get in.

Are we watching and waiting for the Lord? Are we so busy in the busyness of life that we totally forget about God and His word during the week?

Are we prepared for the coming of the Lord? When the trumpet sounds, it will be too late (I Corinthians 15:52). Now is the accepted time, now is the time of salvation. (II Corinthians 6:2)

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Two mites

And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. [42] And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. [43] And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: [44] For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living. Mark 12:41-44

During Holy Week Jesus was at the temple observing the people. He watched as people placed money into the treasury. The rich men contributed large sums.

I always chuckle when I hear of some big name music or movie star donating $100,000 to a foundation. Everyone ooohs and aaahs because of the amount, but if you look at what they make per movie or song it is just a “drop in the bucket”. It would be like a common man making $50,000 a year and giving $5.00 to a worthy cause and making sure everyone knew about it.

Basically this is what the rich men were doing. Giving of their abundance or their discretionary income (the left over money after all necessities were paid for). They made sure they had plenty left over for themselves.

Following the men was a poor widow. Widows in Bible times had nothing. There were no government programs to help poor people. Whatever she had was from working a job, which was not common in those times, or someone in her family gave her some money for the bare necessities. Wherever she got her money does not matter. What matters is how she used it.

Two mites, is all she had. A mite was the smallest of all Jewish coins. It was not only small in size but also in worth. Two mites were all the widow had. She probably did not know where her next meal was coming from, but she knew what she had to do and she did it. This poor widow’s priorities were right. God was first in her heart and she showed it by being a willing giver.

Time and money are usually the items that most of us waste. The poor widow was using her time and money to give glory to God.

What are our priorities? How do we spend our money? Where do we spend our time?

Meditate and pray asking God to show you what He would have you to do with your time and money.

I will leave you with a few verses from God’s word to ponder:

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:21

So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. Luke 12:21

Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7

No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Matthew 6:24

Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Colossians 4:5

Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:16

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Cleaning the temple

And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves; 16 And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple.17 And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves. 18 And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine. Mark 11:15-18

The day after His triumphant entry into Jerusalem, Jesus visits the temple. He was extremely displeased with what He saw, men selling animals for sacrifices, people using the temple and courtyard like they would a market place. People were carrying vessels through the temple, using the temple as “a shortcut” maybe to get to another section of the city.

We are appalled when we read what the people of this time were doing. Some might say, “I would never do anything like that in God’s house”. “I am always respectful when I’m in church.”

Are you? Are you always respectful with God’s temple? Do you treat God’s temple the way He wants it treated? In the Old Testament the temple of God was referring to the physical building where the people worshiped and sacrificed.

In the New Testament the temple of God is referring to us, our bodies. We are the temple of God.

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? 1 Corinthians 3:16

If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. 1 Corinthians 3:17

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 1Corinthians 6:19

And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 2 Corinthians 6:16

These verses are very convicting. What we put on, put in, put around our bodies does affect the temple of God. It does affect our relationship with God.

What do we put into the temple today? Our temple is not meant to have “other things” clutter it up. Is the temple of our heart being shared with “idols”. An idol is anything we put before God. Do we make excuses for why we can’t read the Bible, but have time to read everything else. I know I have been there. Pray and ask the Lord to help you keep His temple clean.

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Palm Sunday

And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples, 2 Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me. 3 And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them. 4 All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, 5 Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass. 6 And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them, 7 And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon. 8 And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way. 9 And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest. 10 And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this? 11 And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee. Matthew 21:1-11

One week, only one short week and your entire life can change. In the life of Jesus, it was not only his life that changed but the lives of the entire world. Today is the start of Passion Week or Holy week. It is the week leading up to Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection.

Jesus and his disciples had been walking for a long time, having left Jericho they were now coming to Jerusalem a journey of about 19 miles. Remember in Bible times there were no “superhighways” no express ways, no fast cars, or trains. They traveled on foot or rode on animals. The roads were not smooth but rough and dangerous.

As they entered the village Jesus told two of his men to go to a certain place and get a donkey with her colt. They obeyed and accomplished the job. The disciples started to prepare the animals, by putting clothes on them like a covering so Jesus would not have to sit on the bare back. By doing this they were “acknowledging him to be their king, for this was a custom observed by the people when they found that God had appointed a man to the kingdom.”-Adam Clarke

The disciples started the walk toward the city of Jerusalem. There were great numbers of people all around, some probably had followed from Jericho. The people threw branches of trees down for Jesus’ donkey to walk on. Albert Barnes says, “The palm was an emblem of “joy and victory.” It was used by the Roman soldiers, as well as the Jews, as a symbol of peace.”

As the garments and branches were thrown down the people began to praise Jesus. They didn’t just praise Jesus, but PRAISED HIM!!. They cried with loud voices, so loud that the whole city was saying, who is this?? The people were interested in what was going on. They wanted to know who was worthy to receive all this praise. All the people were more than willing to give the answer, Jesus the prophet of Nazareth.

Jesus is more than worthy to receive our praise. As you mediate on what this day represents praise Him for all He has done for you.


Psalm 150

Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.
Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.
Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.
Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.
Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.
Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.

Have a blessed day,
Donna

He is not here ...

Matthew 28:1-10
1 In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.
2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.
3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:
4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.
5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.
6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.
8 And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.
9 And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.
10 Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.

What a long horrible weekend it had been for the disciples of Jesus. The joy of spending time with Him and learning from Him had quickly come to an end. They had stood by the cross, heard the terrible things being said about their Lord and watched as He died, suffering like no one should ever suffer. The tears finally dried, they traveled to the tomb to prepare the body of Jesus (Mark 16:1).

Earlier in the morning a great earthquake had shook the earth and an angel came down and rolled the stone off the opening at the garden tomb. The angel's face was brighter than anything on earth. The guards of the tomb were scared stiff and could not move, appearing as dead. Imagine how you would be if an angel suddenly appeared beside you.

Mary Magdalene and Mary were frightened as they inched closer to the tomb. The angel spoke and beckoned them to come near, “Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. Go and tell His disciples.”

“Fear not … He is not here …Go tell His disciples.” They could not believe the words they just heard. They ran for joy, hardly believing their legs could carry them. As they were running to tell the disciples, a man met them. Not just any man but Jesus. The joy overwhelmed them as they fell on the ground to worship Him. Praising and thanking God for His unspeakable gift. (II Cor 9:15)

Today as you enjoy Easter dinner remember what happened on this day two thousand and ten years ago. It is a special gift from GOD to you. Have you accepted this precious gift?

Have a blessed day,
Donna

The Final Hours

Luke 23:33-47
33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.
34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
35 And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.
36 And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar,
37 And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself.
38 And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.
42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
44 And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.
45 And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.
46 And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.
47 Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.

Imagine walking through the city carrying a cross, not just carrying a cross but carrying a cross after being beaten and ridiculed. Jesus endured all this for you and me.

Finally they arrived at Calvary, the place of skulls. Adam Clarke says, “probably so called from the many skulls of these who had suffered crucifixion and other capital punishments scattered up and down in the place.” It was at this place that they crucified Jesus with two criminals.

As He was hanging on the cross, suffering for your sins and mine, He said, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” The people standing around had never heard the likes of this, someone talking to God while hanging on the cross. Some considered everything that was going on, and pondered what it meant. Others were sneering and taunting, “He saved others, let him save himself.” Not realizing He was doing this for them.

One of the criminals joined in with the shouting and allegations. The second one rebuked him saying we are being punished for our crimes but this Man did nothing wrong. Then he asked Jesus to remember him. Jesus answered with “Today you will be with me in paradise.” Jesus simply and completely forgave him for his sin.

Then absolute darkness covered the whole earth. It was total darkness in the middle of the day. The people stood there in fear, they had never seen such a thing before, or since, what happened, it is only noon time. At the end of the three hours Jesus cried, “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit:” and he died. As the centurion said, “Truly this man was the Son of God.” (Mark 15:39)

Jesus died for your sins and mine. The burden of our sins killed him. Imagine what a burden it was, my sins alone would have killed this sinless Man, but the sins of the world! He did this because He loved us so much and did not want us to spend eternity in hell. If you have never asked Jesus to forgive you of your sins, do it today.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

Have a blessed day,
Donna

By What Authority

Luke 20:1-8
1 And it came to pass, that on one of those days, as he taught the people in the temple, and preached the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes came upon him with the elders,
2 And spake unto him, saying, Tell us, by what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority?
3 And he answered and said unto them, I will also ask you one thing; and answer me:
4 The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?
5 And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then believed ye him not?
6 But and if we say, Of men; all the people will stone us: for they be persuaded that John was a prophet.
7 And they answered, that they could not tell whence it was.
8 And Jesus said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.

Here we have a discourse between Jesus and the “learned men”, the men of the temple, the ones who studied, wrote and taught the word of God. They were at it again ,questioning Jesus. They were not questioning Him because they wanted to learn from Him. They were questioning Him to trick Him to get anything at all that they could use against Him.

Jesus isn’t a fool. He knows all things. He knows the heart of man. What’s fair is fair and Jesus said you asked me and I’ll ask you. You want to know where I get my authority, well where do you get the baptism of John, from God or man?

Can’t you just see them all standing around scratching their heads. How on earth are we going to answer this Man. If we say one thing we are doomed by the people but if we say something else we will look like we are in agreement with Him. What a dilemma! What do we say? Whom do we please? After a few minutes of going back and forth they decide to say “we don’t know”.

They knew His authority came from the same One that gave Him wisdom. Admitting it was the problem. Pride kept them from accepting His Authority. Pride kept them out of His Kingdom.

When we try to use our own reasoning we often fail. It is the word of God that gives us the answers and the hope that is within us.

Have a blessed day.
Donna

Judas Iscariot

Luke 22:3-6
[3] Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve. [4] And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them. [5] And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money. [6] And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.

Remember asking people, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”( I’m still trying to figure that out). We all had aspirations when we were younger. There were certain professions we would love to do and others that we would never dream of doing.

How about Judas? Did he realize that he would betray the Son of God? Did he plan this ever since he was young? I don’t think so, I believe the seed of deception started as an adult. John McArthur says, “He followed Jesus out of a desire for selfish gain, worldly ambition, avarice, and greed.” Judas wanted the power that Christ had. His motives were wrong, dead wrong.

The Bible says, Satan entered Judas, but Satan doesn’t just enter someone. One needs to entertain the thoughts of evil, mulling it over and over in the mind. This thought did not just “pop” into Judas’ mind. Remember when Mary poured the ointment on Jesus. What was Judas’ thinking? What a waste of money, this could be used for the “poor”. He didn’t care for the poor anymore than he cared for Jesus. It was all a facade. He was in it for himself. Everything he did revolved around him.

One of my grandmother’s favorite sayings was, “Oh what a tangled web we weave, When first we practice to deceive” by Sir Walter Scott . This basically sums up the life of Judas. It was a very sad life indeed.

Let’s not waste our life like Judas but use it to the glory of God. I’ll end with this poem.

Only One Life

by C.T. Studd

Two little lines I heard one day,Traveling along life's busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart, And from my mind would not depart;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one, Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in 'that day' my Lord to meet, And stand before His Judgement seat;
Only one life,'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, the still small voice, Gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave, And to God's holy will to cleave;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, a few brief years, Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its clays I must fulfill, living for self or in His will;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

When this bright world would tempt me sore, When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way, Then help me Lord with joy to say;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

Give me Father, a purpose deep, In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e'er the strife, Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

Oh let my love with fervor burn, And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone, Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;
Only one life, "twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one, Now let me say,"Thy will be done";
And when at last I'll hear the call, I know I'll say "twas worth it all";
Only one life,'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Cleansing of the Temple

Matthew 21:12-17
And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, [13] And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves. [14] And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them. [15] And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the Son of David; they were sore displeased, [16] And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise? [17] And he left them, and went out of the city into Bethany; and he lodged there.

On Monday of Holy Week, Jesus went into the temple of God to clean it of things that did not belong. I believe He did this with righteous anger. This was the second time during His ministry He overthrew the tables of the moneychangers and threw out the people selling animals for sacrifices. Jesus harshly rebuked the people with the declaration, My house is a house of prayer but you have made it a den of thieves.

Jesus continued to heal people in the temple. I’m sure the people followed Him wherever He went. As soon as He arrived at a place the word would spread, shortly thereafter the groups of people arrived. During this time of healing there were children in attendance. The children cried out in the temple praising God. Remember they were in the temple, the place where one is to praise and worship God.

Indignation rose up in the priests and scribes, Who did this man think he was allowing the children to praise Him like this. When they questioned Jesus, He answered the way He always answered skeptics, with the Word of God.

It appears that Jesus quickly left the temple and the city and traveled to Bethany. In a few short days His life would end.

What about the temple today? Where is it? Look at what the New Testament has to say about the temple of God:

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? I Corinthians 3:16

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? I Corinthians 6:19

And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. II Corinthians 6:16
There are some pretty sobering facts listed here, we are the temple of God. The Holy Spirit lives in us. This temple is different than the physical temple of Jesus’ day but it is where the Spirit of God lives.

What do we put into the temple today? Our temple is not meant to have “other things” clutter it up. Is the temple of our heart being shared with “idols”. An idol is anything we put before God. Do we make excuses for why we can’t read the Bible, but have time to read everything else. I know I have been there. Pray and ask the Lord to help you keep His temple clean.

Have a blessed day.
Donna

Palm Sunday

Luke 19:28 -41
And when he had thus spoken, he went before, ascending up to Jerusalem.[29] And it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called the mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, [30] Saying, Go ye into the village over against you; in the which at your entering ye shall find a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose him, and bring him hither. [31] And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him. [32] And they that were sent went their way, and found even as he had said unto them. [33] And as they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof said unto them, Why loose ye the colt? [34] And they said, The Lord hath need of him. [35] And they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon. [36] And as he went, they spread their clothes in the way. [37] And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen; [38] Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest. [39] And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples. [40] And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out. [41] And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,

Palm Sunday is the start of Holy Week. This is the last week of Jesus’ walk on earth, before His resurrection. This week lead up to the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Each day, I will try to do a short devotion on one of the events of the day.

Tradition teaches that the first day of that week, Sunday, Jesus road into Jerusalem on a donkey’s colt. Jesus sent two of his disciples into the village to get a donkey and her colt. Jesus knew where the animals were and he also knew the owner would ask who was taking his animals. This was prophesied in Zechariah 9:9 many years before.

The disciples obeyed Jesus and traveled into the city. Did they know the impact of what was happening? The gospel of John (John 12:16) tells us they didn’t understand at the time, but after the death of Jesus they reflected on the week and knew, this was the Lord’s Christ.

As Jesus was traveling through the city, people came out from all over to praise him. They threw down their garments and branches from trees so the colt could walk on them. As I was thinking about this I realized it was a sacrifice for people to put their clothes on the ground for a donkey to walk on. People in Bible times did not live like we do.

I live in New England, our winters are very cold so I have a few winter coats. It would not be a great sacrifice for me to give up one of them. Think of the people in Jesus’ time, most had only one coat or one set of clothes. They didn’t have a few hanging in the closet. This was a sacrifice for them. They were worshiping and praising God and were willing to give all, even the coat off their back.

A multitude of disciples were rejoicing and praising God too. Not only the twelve but a large group of followers were praising God. Where would these followers be in one week?

On the sidelines stood the Pharisees, seething in anger, as they asked Jesus to rebuke his disciples. One of the things the Pharisees despise was for anyone, other than themselves, getting any praise. They always remind me of the verse in Romans which says, “Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools.” Jesus calmly answered, “if they held their peace the stones would call out.”

As Jesus came near the city, He wept. He is so compassionate. He loved the people so much but it was not reciprocated. The people witnessed the healings, water turning into wine, food being multiplied, and miracle after miracle, but they did not believe this was the Savior. They chose not to follow the Lord.

People today also have a choice to follow Jesus or not to follow Jesus. Life is made of choices. The outcome of our life will be a reflection of the choices we made during our life. What choice will you make in regards to the Lord Jesus. Will you follow Him? Will you turn and go in the opposite direction? I pray you will follow Him.

Have a great day.
Donna