Pastor's Reflections

It is hard to believe that the Season of Lent is upon us, with Ash Wednesday on February 22 and the First Sunday in Lent on February 26. This ancient church tradition of Lent is a season of soul-searching and repentance. It is the forty-day period before Easter, beginning on Ash Wednesday. We skip Sundays when we count the forty days, because Sundays commemorate the Resurrection. Thus, Lent begins on February 22 and ends on April 7, which is the day before Easter. Our banners are purple, the royal color, to prepare for the King.

 

If you recall, last year during Lent we retraced the final day of Jesus' life with a series/study called "The 24 Hours That Changed the World." We began with looking at the Last Supper of Jesus and ended with His crucifixion. This year we will move in a little closer and look at the six hours that Jesus hung on the cross. Specifically, the seven last statements of Jesus:

"Father, forgive them: for they do not know what they are doing."

"Today you will be with me in Paradise."

"Behold your son...Behold your mother."

"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

"I thirst."

"It is finished."

"Into your hands I commit my spirit."

 

Each statement tells us something important about Jesus. His words are powerful and meaningful. Despite the serious effort and increased pain required for Jesus to speak as he hung on the cross, these seven final words/statements have much to teach us about Jesus, his Father, and ourselves.

 

In addition to a sermon series there will be small group opportunities available during the week. We will use Adam Hamilton's book, Final Words From The Cross as our guide.

 

May we stand at the foot of the cross and take Jesus' dying words to heart.

 

 

Blessings,

Bill