I've got something I want to share...& I want to share it with YOU

I've never been one of Easter or Christmas (Birth of Baby Jesus) and I felt kinda guilty, I mean those were actually two of the most important Holiday's celebrated in honor of Jesus, whom I have a relationship with. So earlier in 2011 I shared that with God and asked for Him to change that in me, and basically make me care. lol. So I'm not surprised that I woke up today Monday, April 2, 2012 with a eagerness to study about "Holy Week" and what that was all about and obviously Resurrection Sunday "Easter". I'm sure that through this I will gain a understanding that will compel me to celebrate this year and every year ahead with a sincere and a focused passion.

I'm no scholar, by all means, nor seminary student, just a lady with some books, a pen and paper (well actually a laptop) So here we go:

I'm kinda late... Holy Week started yesterday with "Palm Sunday" so I'm gonna do a 2in1 sorta thing.

(Sunday) Easter- Resurrection
(Saturday) Day of Rest (He would Resurrect)
(Friday) Betray, Arrest & Crucifixion
(Thursday) Last Supper / Prays in Gathsemane
(Wednesday) Plot to Betrayal of Jesus
(Tuesday) Disciples React to the Withered Fig Tree & Disciples go with Jesus to Mt. of Olives,
(Monday) Jesus Clears the Temple & Curses Fig Tree
(Sunday) The triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem

Sunday: The triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem (Mark 11:1-11)
First and foremost the entry of Jesus on a donkey is a fulfillment of a prophesy given in Zech. 9:9. Often I've heard it commented that Jesus arriving on a donkey was a gesture of a humble king bringing peace as opposed to a warrior ready for battle riding on a horse, but as I read in 1 Kings 1:33 When David anointed His son Solomon as King, he (David) saw to it that Solomon would arrive as King of Israel seated on a donkey also...Donkeys might be a humble animal now but I think its safe to say that it was fit for a king to use.

If you know me personally it wouldn't take you long to figure out that I like to know "why" about everything... everything. As expected, God has been refining me in that area and just being content with what is given to me and knowing that, that information I do know is sufficient for God's plan... ohh but I found a place where I can ask as many "why's" as I want and how sweet when God answers me... and He does- every time! So with that said, I ask "Why did people spread cloaks and spread branches when Jesus arrived- what does that mean?? Why is it important?" This is what i learned- Spreading their cloaks on the ground was a way that the people showed that they submitted to Him as King of Israel and the branches symbolized victory- in this case victory over Satan, sin and death! They yelled "Hosanna" meaning "SAVE NOW!! (quoting Ps. 118:22-23)

The reason I specifically titled Sunday "Triumphal Entry" is because I am a little familiar with that word in the Roman sense due to reading a trilogy by Francine Rivers called "The Mark of the Lion" When reading this book I learned that for a Roman General to receive a official "Roman Triumph" he would have to return from war with a minimum of 5000 enemy soldiers dead. He would then arrive to a much more "glamorized" triumphal entry that Jesus had, and would go directly to the arena where the people (Romans) would be entertained by watching the captives from war fight with wild beast. Now, as we know Jesus entry did not include exhibiting captives, nor showing off trophies or being entertained by fights, but Jesus (for the first time allowed the disciples to give a public demonstration in His honor) did conquer a minimum of 5000. Just not like the Romans, the gospel would "conquer" Jews and transform them. Christ triumph would be of love over hatred, truth over sin, and life over death.

Monday: Jesus Clears the Temple & Curses Fig Tree (Mark 11:12-14)
FIG TREE:
My first question "Why was it a Fig Tree?" Did you know that Fig Trees give fruit twice a year and the fruit usually grow at the same time as the leaves? That being said, I am kinda understanding thats why Jesus cursed the tree. There were leaves but no fruit. Sorta like what we would call a hypocrite "seem to be bearing fruit but really aren't." When I think of Jesus and His acts i don't usually think of condemning first, i kinda always think miracles and good things but I think He was a little fed up. I think He saw (knew) Israel's condition and wanted to make a point. Sorta like when parents has to make an example out of one of the kids so the other one knows their "foot is down" on a certain subject. Jesus was basically saying "Everything looks like crap, your condition is dishonoring." He went on to curse the fig tree and clean out the temple.

CLEANING OUT THE TEMPLE:
The temple as now the church is used incorrectly as a sign of blessing. The priest were using the temple and its religious services to cover up their sins and hypocricy. They might not have permitted idols of wood in the temple but they were idolizing nonetheless. Jesus came and saw what was happening and made an example of them also. The Jews could really have been doing some real missionary work with all the Gentiles that were around but instead they showed the true colors of hypocrisy. They basically blended in. No Gentile would really listen to the gospel- they could see right through the Jews hypocrisy.

I follow someone on Twitter who is releasing a book called "Simple Devotion" and its a title that has been on my mind for the last several days, I didn't understand it but when i went through this study, I get it now. I actually think its what God's desire is. We need to have a Simple Devotion... it isn't all about the shiny lights and spot light (which is great if its backed up with Simple Devotion) but its about really having that intimate relationship, where we have leaves but we also have fruit and our roots are deep. Doesn't matter who sees or the title you are given (or not given) its about cultivating a love so deep that it doesn't move no matter the trials, one where when you worship in song you really mean the words you sing, one that is constantly saying no to what feels comfortable and surrender to what God wants because you WANT to please Him above all else- not just cause people will see or expect you to do it. That type of testimony will bring people to Christ, thats our act of laying down out cloaks!

and as you will soon see... my favorite part of this walk is being able to sing (along) in worship so i cant end this blog with out sharing todays pick.

English Selection: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3UCiav-eZg
Spanish Selection: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwh3TN_onQ4&feature=g-all-u&context=G2848766FAAAAAAAAAAA

Monday, April 2, 2012

Holy Week

Who am I and why am i doing this??