Holy Week

Dear Editor,

As we enter this time known as Holy Week, it is important to realize every step, of every moment, was part of a divine plan designed before humanity ever began. All heaven watched as Jesus began His final, earthly journey, from Jericho to Jerusalem. To most observers it was a walk like any other, but there was nothing common or ordinary about it.

Jesus was focused on fulfilling His purpose in coming to this earth as a human. He was about to accomplish Humanity’s Mission Impossible and seal the hope of eternity forever. During this journey, Jesus spoke of things to come, including directions and promises concerning these things. His disciples were bewildered, even devastated, as they tried to comprehend His words, because they were so horrific and against their expectations of Jesus. (Matthew 20:18-19) Satan most eagerly awaited the arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem, for he had crafted THE plan that would take care of this Jesus and put the nail in the coffin of this man known as the Messiah. The devil could barely contain himself. Was he about to outsmart God? Were all the souls of mankind, at long last, going to belong to him?

What appeared to be the fulfillment of the devil’s diabolical scheme would achieve God’s plan for eternity. Jesus was about to die, but the devil had no clue that Jesus came to earth for this moment. He had no idea that Jesus chose to die … willingly and on purpose ... because we could not save ourselves from our many sins. Only sinless blood could do that, and Jesus was the only way for that to happen. This is why Jesus stepped up to lay down His life in the place of our sins (yours and mine), that we might be forgiven. He paid the price, leaving the choice up to each one individually. He made Christ who knew no sin to [judicially] be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we would become the righteousness of God [that is, we would be made acceptable to Him and placed in a right relationship with Him by His gracious lovingkindness]. (2 Corinthians 5:21 AMP; Hebrews 2:17) Jesus died and was buried in a borrowed tomb. This appeared to be the end. Had the devil triumphed?

And now, for the rest of the story … Sure enough, just as He had told the disciples, Jesus arose from the dead on the 3rd day. His tomb was empty, other than the grave clothes that wrapped His body. Jesus soon revealed himself to His followers, bringing to them the revelation of all that His death and resurrection truly accomplished.

Without His crucifixion on the cross, we would still be without hope and condemned to an eternity in hell. Without His resurrection, we would have no hope of new life with Him throughout eternity. (Hebrews 12:2; Romans 6:9-10) This Holy Week, make it your priority to spend extra time with Jesus, reading the scriptures, praying, and drawing nearer to Him. Worship Him in a way that expresses your thankfulness for what He has done for you. Share this Good News with others, most especially your loved ones. Tell everyone of Romans 3:23 and Romans 10:9-10.

This is the best time of year to fellowship with other believers. Jones County is blessed to have many anointed ministers in the abundance of churches throughout this community. Find one to attend. Do it for yourself and for Jesus, not for anyone else.

Easter is known as a time for new clothes, colored eggs, and tales of a bunny who paints and delivers eggs to children all over the world. Make sure all within your circle understand the truth and call it what it is – Resurrection Sunday! While you’re at it, praise God that we live in a land with religious freedom, where the Holy Bible is easily accessible, and praise Him for newcomers to the Kingdom. In fact, go recruit someone yourself!

Sincerely, Debra Hall