a cross in the way
It's holy week.
Jesus knew what was coming. He knew all along what it was going to take to live. For us to live. There was just no other way but through a cross,
a broken body
a laying down
and looking up.
We see it coming too. Sense it's breathing on our backs yet wanting to avoid,
look away
deny.
It's what we do when the hard things press in and presents itself. Searching for another route, opinion or relief often causes panic. Seeking to fulfill the void our fears leave with anything and everything to ease it. The pain of the truth.
Jesus prepared well all along for the truth to reveal itself. This week we reflect the very essence of our celebration that is Easter. How to even prepare for it. For the truth. His preparation was
purposeful
intentional
relational.
In his preparation Jesus even begs the question, "Is there another way for this hard thing?"
We have moments and situations when there is another way.
Another choice, another answer.
Life saving eternity hung in the balance and there was no other way
except through a cross.
Centuries have passed and the question still begs;
God ~ any other way? Can I get around this hard thing?
I am believing in You my creator. You can take this from me.
And sometimes He will.
Yet in Matthew's gospel (ch 16, verse 24) he quotes Jesus ~ "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross and follow me."
I am broken by the awareness of my own selfishness, wanting Easter without the cross.
The celebration before the laying down
The looking out before looking up.
Me too Jesus.
Break down the truth of my selfishness,
my own way.
Search my heart, my intentions
and line them up with yours.
Prepare me.
The only way to Easter is through the cross.
Jesus knew what was coming. He knew all along what it was going to take to live. For us to live. There was just no other way but through a cross,
a laying down
and looking up.
We see it coming too. Sense it's breathing on our backs yet wanting to avoid,
look away
deny.
It's what we do when the hard things press in and presents itself. Searching for another route, opinion or relief often causes panic. Seeking to fulfill the void our fears leave with anything and everything to ease it. The pain of the truth.
Jesus prepared well all along for the truth to reveal itself. This week we reflect the very essence of our celebration that is Easter. How to even prepare for it. For the truth. His preparation was
purposeful
intentional
relational.
In his preparation Jesus even begs the question, "Is there another way for this hard thing?"
We have moments and situations when there is another way.
Another choice, another answer.
Life saving eternity hung in the balance and there was no other way
except through a cross.
Centuries have passed and the question still begs;
God ~ any other way? Can I get around this hard thing?
I am believing in You my creator. You can take this from me.
And sometimes He will.
Yet in Matthew's gospel (ch 16, verse 24) he quotes Jesus ~ "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross and follow me."
I am broken by the awareness of my own selfishness, wanting Easter without the cross.
The celebration before the laying down
The looking out before looking up.
Me too Jesus.
Break down the truth of my selfishness,
my own way.
Search my heart, my intentions
and line them up with yours.
Prepare me.
The only way to Easter is through the cross.
