Holy Week is upon us. Like Christmas it can be a time of traditions. We wave palms on Palm Sunday, sing “The Old Rugged Cross” on Good Friday, and say “He is Risen!” on Easter morning. Some people also have family gatherings or Easter Egg hunts. At its heart, a tradition is about passing on … Continue reading Talk not only about what you’re doing, but why
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He experienced your death sentence to set you free
In A Tale of Two Cities two characters named Sydney and Charles love the same woman. The two men look a bit alike, but she ends up marrying Charles. They have two children together. Much later, Charles is put in prison and sentenced to death. In a powerful act of self-sacrifice, Sydney breaks into the … Continue reading He experienced your death sentence to set you free
Love one another: The meaning of Maundy Thursday
Today is Maundy Thursday. The word “Maundy” comes from the Latin translation of Jesus’ words in John 13:34. “Mandatum novum” means “new commandment.” This new commandment is to “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” We could spend a lifetime pondering and applying those words. And we do. … Continue reading Love one another: The meaning of Maundy Thursday
There is hope for you too
After looking in the tomb where Jesus’ body had been (and not finding it), Luke 24:12 tells us that Peter “went away, wondering to himself what had happened.” The word for “wondering” could also be translated as “marveling.” He was marveling at the events. At this point in the story I get the sense that … Continue reading There is hope for you too
Real hardship and real hope
The resurrection of Jesus transformed the apostles. Initially, they were sad and dejected after the crucifixion. They were probably also traumatized from what they had seen, and perhaps even ashamed since some of them had denied or abandoned Jesus. But then they saw him alive again. It turned them into lions of courage and hope. … Continue reading Real hardship and real hope
Fighting forgetfulness: God’s power then and now
A friend of mine was clearly upset. We were classmates. He was no stranger to life’s troubles, and was also very insightful. It was as if he could perceive the meaning of things on multiple levels at the same time. He was sitting in a study carol in the library reading his Bible. I came … Continue reading Fighting forgetfulness: God’s power then and now
Celebrating resurrection! (when you don’t feel like it)
Last week my wife, Laura, was talking to a man in the grocery story about Easter. At the end of their conversation she said, “Happy Easter!” He replied, “I doubt it.”
In a world where resurrection is possible
The resurrection is central to Christian faith. Paul says that if Jesus has not been raised then your faith is “useless” (1 Corinthians 15:14). It changes how we see and experience the world. Why? Because in a world where resurrection is possible, anything is possible! The New Testament writers continually highlight that our world and … Continue reading In a world where resurrection is possible
Fear doesn’t define us
Christians all over the world just celebrated the resurrection of Jesus. As I was preparing to lead services this year one of the details in the story that struck me was the description of the women outside the tomb who had just learned about the resurrection: “So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid … Continue reading Fear doesn’t define us
Why it’s called ‘good’ Friday
There’s a marine training facility called Parris Island. A young man signed up who was a bit out of step with the others. He was nice enough—but he just didn’t fit in. As a result he got picked on. A lot. In his barracks there were guys who were particularly mean. One of them came … Continue reading Why it’s called ‘good’ Friday
