Last week we were in Kansas. The sky was blue with some puffy white clouds and trees were beginning to unfurl their leaves. Blossoms were opening. This morning (back home) I woke up to the ground covered in snow and snowflakes still falling. The joy of spring. The return of winter.
This weekend we will celebrate Palm Sunday. The people rejoiced as Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey (sign of coming in peace). Less than a week later the disciples experienced shock and pain. Jesus was arrested and crucified.
As I meditate on Holy Week, I see amazing truths. Jesus, Son of God, chose to take on human form and live in a broken world. He sacrificed himself to pay for the sin of the world. He took the blame.
But there is more. After he rose again and ascended to heaven, he is still available to us if we seek him. He hears our prayers and is an advocate for us.
My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 1 John 2:1
We were visiting our daughter’s family in Kansas. We have prayed often for them, as they have been going through a stressful time period. It was encouraging to see the children’s health improving. Jesus hears our prayers.
The children took delight in three chicks that they are raising. New life brings joy!
As we celebrate Easter we have the assurance the Jesus is coming again. I am completing a two year study of Revelation. This book gives insight into the history and future of our world.
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. Revelation 21:1-4
Sharing this post with the Five Minute Friday writing community, Grace & Truth with Maree Dee, Sweet Tea and Friends and Senior Salon Pit Stop, also Sunday Sunshine Blog Hop and Tuesdays with a Twist.
Happy Easter blessings to you. What a delightful photo of the handsome smile and the fluffy new chick
It never ceases to amaze me that Jesus kept riding on that donkey, even though He knew what would happen. The love that He has for each one of us is truly astonishing. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with Grace & Truth Link-Up. I am pleased to inform you that your blog post has been featured on my Pinterest board for Grace & Truth Featured Posts. You can view your feature by clicking on the following URL:
https://www.pinterest.com/embracingtheune/grace-truth-christian-link-up-featured-posts/
Thank you, Maree Dee.
Carol, I’m so blessed to have read your message today.
FMF#15
Self-pity might well be temptation
for the tumours and the pain,
but another’s situation
quite forbears me to complain,
for a child has walked away
into suicide’s abyss,
leaving no games left to play,
nor hurts for healing with a kiss.
I truly cannot comprehend
that magnitude of tragedy
nor how I might yet be a friend
for what can come from one like me
except to be there, silent-stand,
and hold to a trembled hand?
Yes, quietly being with the one suffering is a gift.
Joy and pain, strength and suffering—sometimes, they go together in our lives. I’m so glad you could visit family and enjoy an early spring in Kansas while awaiting spring to arrive at your house. I’m sure the last two years in Revelation have been amazing, Carol!
So true. We are being refined.
We have been enjoying beautiful spring days here too and I’m hoping winter doesn’t decide to unexpectedly return.
And I hope that we will not have snow when my cherry tree begins to blossom. Wishing you a joyous spring!
What a joyful post. Thank you. I am your neighbour this week on Five Minute Friday.
Carol, thank you for leaving a post on my blog, and thank you for sharing your faith with others. I am a believer and reading your posts have reminded me that trusting and praying are always needed.
We have a great God. He is faithful. Have a blessed Holy Week & Easter!