The week leading up to Easter is often busy with anticipation of celebrating spring, family get-togethers, and egg hunts. As the week unfolds, we live out the plan of our preparations. If we get too caught up in these activities we risk missing out on reflecting of the reason for the season.
Our lives often imitate the pattern of that first Holy Week, from Palm Sunday through Easter. People praised Jesus with “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” on Palm Sunday, but by the end of the week they shouted “Crucify Him!” We celebrate with praise at the beginning of the week, but as the days progress we get caught up in the busyness of life, often neglecting to keep the hosannas in our heart. If we receive bad news or find ourselves in a tough situation, we doubt and wonder where God is in the midst of the struggle. We look at the daily problems instead of looking to the One who can guide us through the struggle.
God’s plan of redemption unfolds in the midst of everyday life.
Jesus resolutely faced each day of Holy Week with purpose, fulfilling the plan of redemption. The Last Supper, betrayal, crucifixion, death, and resurrection were steps of love that brought about the new covenant so we could have an eternal relationship with God.
Every action was a part of the greater plan of redemption from our sin and to secure victory for us over death.
In the darkest hours, Jesus knew the victory that was ahead. He persevered knowing that after His death, the third day— the resurrection— would come. Scripture encourages us to look to Jesus as an example.
…let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1b-2, NKJV
As you go through this week, I pray that your plan will include take time to focus on the plan of redemption and be in awe of the power of God.
