Thought for the Week of March 16th thru 22nd...

The 16th is Palm Sunday, or the day in which Jesus arrived triumphantly into Jerusalem, and the 21st is Good Friday. Yet I think that too often we become so preoccupied with the wonder and splendor that was and is Easter Morning, we loose sight of the turmoil and trepidation that Christ was going through during this week. He arrived and was greeted with a king's welcome into Jerusalem, riding a donkey through the city gates and having people lay palm leaves in His path. The same people that He knew were only days later going to shout and demand His crucifixion on the cross. These same people who were shouting, "Hallelujah" and "Hosanna" this day would be shouting, "Give us Barabbas" and "Crucify Him" just days later. What a feeling Jesus must have felt to see these people giving Him the honor and glory that He rightfully deserved knowing how swiftly their hearts would change and how easily their minds would be corrupted. How sad to think that the only true and honest praise that He was receiving was that of the birds that were chirping overhead. What a pity...And then Good Friday! It's good only because of what we gained from His sacrifice! If you have yet to receive Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, then it's just Friday to you. But this happens to be a National Holiday, celebrated by millions of people all across the U.S. His death, burial, and resurrection, gave us the ability to receive unconditional mercy and love, and to have an opportunity to spend eternity with Him in Heaven. The same unconditional mercy and love that you and I have the privilege of knowing and enjoying is available to everyone, but unfortunately, many have yet to take advantage of the full benefits that a deep and meaningful relationship with God provides. Jesus, the one who loved you and I so much that He took our place, the one who died so that you and I might live, the one who gave up everything to be our spotless sacrifice, without sin and without blemish. That same Jesus, will only see some people 1 or 2 times a year around His house, for His birthday and for a celebration of His death, if that...Now that's what is really a shame...