Experiencing Holy Week is to walk through Jesus’ most trying hours, contemplating the events that led to Easter.
Read and pray through Jesus’ prediction of his betrayal (John 13:21-32)
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)
Remember:
Read: • Isaiah 50:4-9a • Psalm 70
Reflect:
- Jesus endured rejection, shame, betrayal, persecution, and more. We are not promised an easy road as believers. In fact, we’re promised that a life of following Christ will be difficult. So, how can you persevere in your journey to follow Jesus?
- How can you take hope and encouragement from the “great cloud of witnesses” to endure the race before you, with joy?
- How can we, in this environment of social distancing and isolation, still reach out to encourage fellow believers?
- How can you ‘throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles”, so you can step fully into the life God has planned for you?
Respond in Prayer: Jesus, you suffered greatly for our benefit. You walked the hard road through shame, betrayal, persecution, rejection. Yet, you only desired good things for us. You came in glory to save us and redeem us from our sins. You came to offer us light and life, a hope in you that surpasses anything the world can offer. So, why do we too often turn our backs? Why do we give in to questions and disbelief when the road gets hard? Why do we look for easier paths to follow? Lord, lead me in your way, encouraging me to persevere on the hard days, remembering the great hope I have in you. Lord Jesus, you gave your body to be whipped and your face to be spat upon: Give us grace to accept joyfully the sufferings of the present time, confident of the glory that shall be revealed; through You. Amen.
Rejoice
Lyrics to Cloud of Witnesses: Watched them running down the aisles Children’s time, Sunday morning Preacher asks them who they love They all smiled and started pointing To their mom, dad, teacher from their kindergarten class Each and every one, have just become a Cloud of witnesses That would see them through the years Cheer them with a smile Pray them through the tears Cloud of witnesses That would see them to the end Shower them with love that never ends A cloud of witnesses Stuck together through the years Best of friends faith could foster So when they found out one of them Heard the news, he lost his father, They ran to him, prayed and put their hands upon his head Slowly one by one, have all become a Cloud of witnesses As they sent above a prayer Took a hold of hands Circled round a friend Cloud of witnesses
With a faith just like a rock Helped him give his father back to God As a cloud of witnesses So when it comes the time
Heaven calls, they’ll come running To see the ones who’ve gone before Ran the race, and made the journey home To find waiting for them at the finish line, cheering happily They will run, they will see Cloud of witnesses Lined up on a street of gold As they run the final mile That leads them to the throne Cloud of witnesses They see God upon the throne As they fall into his arms they know they’re home In a cloud of witnesses Surrounded by a cloud of witnesses Watched them running down the aisles ……..Children’s time, Sunday morning
It gives me great pleasure to post this Good News on behalf of my home church in Cape Town, South Africa:
