I hadn’t planned to post today. But after our Palm Sunday service this past weekend I changed my mind.
In that service, we read quite a bit of Scripture. As I mentioned in my post on Sunday, the readings were an interesting mixture of Jesus’ celebrated entry into Jerusalem and a focus on the crucifixion. The juxtaposition in the service was even more striking than when I wrote about it.
Why was it so striking? Because we were visiting a church that had the entire congregation (admittedly a small group) come into the sanctuary singing and waiving palm branches. We experienced in a very small way the joy at Jesus’ arrival.
The service didn’t end with that joyous entry, though. Just a short while later the pastor and several other people gave a dramatic reading of the events of Gethsemane, Jesus’ trial, and the crucifixion. But we all participated. The congregation read the parts of the crowd.
After celebrating Jesus’ arrival, we all cried out “Crucify Him!” Twice.
I don’t know about anyone else, but it had an impact on me. It reminded me that one moment I can be praising God and the next I can be betraying Him, whether in thought, word, or deed. Sometimes it is by what I don’t do instead of what I actually do.
One moment I can be praising God and the next I can be betraying Him.
We all fall short. But our Father knows this. So, He sent His beloved Son, Jesus, so “that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). God knows all about our unfaithfulness, but He loves us anyway. And He made a way for our relationship with Him to be restored.
Today, maybe we can consider the high cost of our unfaithfulness. And maybe we can consider how great a love God has for His people.
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© 2019-2024 Jennifer Brown Jones
Life Beyond #Blessed 
Jen, wow! This post hit me pretty hard. I had the surgery we spoke about not to long ago. I have been in some pain and have pain meds, but when when I am on them I get short with everyone – including Jesus. After reading what you wrote I had a lot to think about concerning relationships.
Thank you so much for reminding me of my place in the kingdom and the King’s love for me! You are awesome.
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Joe – thank you so much for sharing! It is such a gift that his grace is more than sufficient. I’m praying for your recovery! I can certainly imagine how pain would make things so much harder. May you experience the Lord’s grace and presence in the season
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