Michael Harrison's e-devotion

  Grateful for Easter.  Yes, I am.  This past weekend held so many things for our church and for me that I want to share some of why I am thankful. Matthew 28:5-7  NIV   Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. 7 And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you.” The greatest and most important part of Easter is the Resurrection of Jesus.  He is alive.  He is risen.  He is more than any one else has ever been, and what this does for my faith is past, way past, anything I could do on my own. I serve a risen Savior, He’s in the world today; I know that He is living, Whatever men may say; I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer...

  Easter weekend is here.  Friday is the day of the reckoning of efforts of those who wanted to remove Jesus.  But that’s not what happened.  This is the highest place and the purpose for which Jesus to come to earth.   Sent from God the Father.  He is the Christ.  He is our sacrifice.  Without the cross, there is no resurrection.  Without the death, there is no life after death.    1 Corinthians 1:18  NASB For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.   The cross on Friday brought death.  The resurrection on Sunday brought life. The cross is the place where we fall apart and where sin is dealt with.  The beating of Jesus leading up to the cross would leave the one sent to die almost at the point of death but not quite.   Jesus gave his life freely.  Who killed Jesus?  That is the tough question and the wrong question....

  Thursday was one of the most important of the Holy Week and packed with meaning of passover and the life of Jesus.  Remembering Jesus through the Lord’s Supper and His serving those closest to Him.  It was when Jesus was arrested and what took place in the Garden.   Known as Maundy Thursday which relates to the latin word for speaking of the instruction Jesus gave His disciples during the last supper.  It is also called Holy Thursday.    Matthew 26:26-29  NLT   As they were eating, Jesus took some bread and blessed it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “Take this and eat it, for this is my body.” 27 And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them and said, “Each of you drink from it, 28 for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many. 29 Mark my words—I will not drink wine again ...

  We are in the middle of the week of one of the most important weeks of the year.  Friday we remember the cross of Christ and Sunday His resurrection.  Here we are, and how we think of the week, the influence of Jesus and what is to come make a difference.   One of the most troubling this about the Easter story is Judas, the one who betrayed Jesus.  Yet Jesus allowed and even called Judas to be with Him.  Jesus washed His feet.  Judas experienced the most exciting and intimate parts of Jesus’ ministry just like the other disciples.   Most likely Judas was stealing as he handled the money of Jesus’ ministry.  He was often angry about the way money was used or the way people were acting around Jesus. vv The only person that really knew Judas’ motives was Jesus.  Turning to the events of the last week of Jesus’ life religious leaders used Judas to get to Jesus.   Like Judas our outlook on Jesus makes a difference.  None of us wan...

  It is holy week.  Easter is ahead.  What is it we will take from Easter?  It might be something sweet.  It could be time with family and friends.  It possibly could be the special worship and church times ahead. But what we should really hold on to and treasure are the things that last.  They re part of our journey and the gifts God gives. 1 Corinthians 13:13  NLT   Now these three remain: faith, hope, and love—but the greatest of these is love. There are the things we will not find in a plastic egg or a basket.  You won’t find these in a meal or from visiting with someone.  These are the true gifts that God gives us because of His endless grace and marvelous light and eternal love for us. Cling to faith.  It is what we use to learn about and get close to God. Lift up hope.  Far beyond any physical trait this is what lets us look through situations and pain to trust God. Share His love.  This is what placed Jesus on...

  It is holy week.  That is the week that leads us to Friday’s crucifixion of Jesus and Sunday’s resurrection.  We remember what Jesus has done for us.  His purpose was completed in the events of holy week.   Over the next 5 days we look at the different parts of the Holy week.  I continue to declare that God is good.  No one compares to Him, His love for us and the price He paid for our sin.   First was Palm Sunday, the day Jesus entered Jerusalem as a king and a hero.  It was full of festive crowds and joy.  Most likely the news got around town that Jesus arrived, and there were large crowds who came to see and even to celebrate Jesus.  Let’s remember.   Luke 19:36-38  NLT   As he rode along, the crowds spread out their garments on the road ahead of him. 37 When he reached the place where the road started down the Mount of Olives, all of his followers began to shout and sing as they walked along, praising God f...