Friday, April 10, 2009

Golgotha

What was it like? The place where our Lord was taken to be crucified. We know it was the place for public execution by hanging on a cross. Bible scholars seem to describe it as a pile of rocks. It was called the Place of the Skull. Some say it was because of it's shape.

The crowd gathered that eventful day. What did they see? Could they have seen evidence of earlier crucifixions? Could they smell the stench of dead skin as they taunted Jesus? Would they have cared? Were they so bloodthirsty they would think nothing of this terrible odor?

We really don't dwell on the make-up or the environment of Golgotha. We try to focus on the crucifixion of Jesus and then aim our hearts to the event of three days later. In thinking about the site we might realize just how terrible this time was for Jesus, the sinless one.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

The Thieves

(Luke 23:32-43)

Two thieves hung on crosses on either side of Jesus. What do we know about them? One scoffed at Christ while the other defended Him.
Were they friends? Were they partners? Were they related? Were they on a “most wanted” list?

Did they have families? Were their mothers living? What caused them to become theives?

We have recorded evidence of one of them receiving forgiveness for his sins. Jesus promised the repentant one a place in heaven that day. I wonder how this forgiven man felt as God ushered him into heaven.

Sometimes we feel like the thieves on the cross. We choose to submit to Jesus and receive His forgiveness. When our time comes and we enter heaven, how will we feel—humbled, thankful, glad?

Monday, April 6, 2009

The Passover Feast

The Hebrew people, by celebrating the Passover, obeyed God's command. Once a year, the children of Israel observed it because God told them to remember what He did for them when He released them from bondage in Egypt. All men over the age of 12 were required to attend the Passover Feast in Jerusalem.

The scrolls of Moses dictated when and how the festival would be observed each year. Our Lord celebrated Passover the week He went to the cross. Jesus told the disciples what would happen if He went to Jerusalem. His disciples chose to follow Him to the city. The disciples had shown concern for Jesus as He decided to Jerusalem.

During the meal, the Mastet told of His upcoming betrayal. Most of the disciples asked the same question, “Is it I, Lord?” He knew Judas would betray him and turn Him over to the soldiers and chief priests. He told Judas to,”do what you have to do.”

God Alone

  Jesus and the children at our church's prayer walk.          I will both lie down in peace and sleep;  For You alone, O LORD make ...