When we think of Palm Sunday we think of Christ's Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem as the crowds greet him exuberantly with Hosannas. But over the years I have gradually been drawn to Luke's account about Jesus rounding the Mt of Olives and seeing the city before Him. Then it says, "Jesus wept over it."
The first time I saw Jerusalem was on a tour. The guide made a special effort to have our bus approach from the Mt. of Olives. As we drew near he told us we would soon see the city. We rounded a corner and pulled over. Before us was Jerusalem, the Temple Mount, the city wall and ancient gates all lit up. It was amazing to finally see it for ourselves. But, I didn't weep! It was not until years later that Luke's comment grabbed me. Among other things it spoke of Christ's humanity, empathy and concern for the sin of Israel and what He soon would face.
Might we be as concerned as we see Jerusalem this Palm Sunday and as we see our own need, a lost world, even Jerusalem and our own city every time we go to town. I'll be speaking on that subject this Palm Sunday.
It is a good time to invite others to hear the message of the Christ again as we consider Palm Sunday. Good Friday (4/14) we'll gather at 7 PM to meditate on Christ on the cross with much musical reflection. I'll bring a meditation from the Psalms as Adria Hanson illustrates it in glowing chalk. Then we'll remember Him at the Lord's Table. Resurrection Sunday (4/16) we have our annual Sea of Galilee breakfast fellowship at 9:15 (Bring a finger food). At 10:30 we'll worship the risen Lord with amazing music and a message to remind us of Christ's victory over death. Come early, park afar (if you can walk) and bring a guest. Invitation cards are on the foyer table. He is Risen.
Twice Alive,
Pastor Mark
Here are somethings you may have missed. Cut and paste links into your browser to view it.
- Spring Cleaning Morning: On Saturday 4/8 from 9 to 12 we'll be doing some spring cleaning at the church. Men and women and kids welcome as we spruce things up. Yard tools, work clothes etc. are the uniform of the day. We'll make the place look sharp for Easter and our VBS coming up in June 26-30.
- Farewell event: Tammi and Josh Reid are moving to Alaska! A "farewell" open house will be held at: 7107 108th St. NW, Gig Harbor (Josh's parents' house), on Saturday, April 8th, 1-4 p.m. Tel. 253.514.8249.
- Ladies Spring Luncheon (video): Our best yet with a powerful testimony every parent and teen will want to hear. https://www.dropbox.com/sh/e0ytvt1e5vlrpy1/AABavQ024pvhdOvzI9kvtkRVa?dl=0
- Church calendar: http://community.discoverybaptist.org/home/church-calendar