As we prepare to move into Holy Week, I have a message of hope. I know this week–at least until Sunday–is somber and solemn and I will fully experience that as I attend Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services and work through my devotionals this week. I will most certainly reflect on the most loving act ever done in the history of the world–the atoning sacrifice of Jesus on the cross for our sins.

But, as the sun shines as I write this in between periods of rain, I am struck with such hope. Where does this hope come from? How can I be so hopeful you ask? After all, there is so much pain and suffering all around the world. (and the Cubs are once again off to a terrible start)

This is where my hope comes from today, “You dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4 emphasis mine). Is that not great news?! The Holy Spirit that is in us is greater than whatever the world can throw at us! How great is our God!

How do I know this? Because of who I am today. I am a sinner just like we all are. I screw up daily–many times I even mess up the same things over and over! But, I still have hope. I still know that I am loved by Jesus–so much so that He died to give even a screw-up like me life if I would believe in Him and ask for His forgiveness. Because I have that feeling is why I know it is true that He that is in me is stronger than he who is in the world. If this wasn’t the case, I would not have hope. I would not have faith that there is an eternal plan being worked out every day.

Can there be anything more empty than not having hope? That is why my heart breaks for those who don’t know the love of Jesus. That is why this week is so important. We used to think that our neighbors and friends all knew the story of Easter. Now, we live in a time and place where so many people don’t know what this week is and what it is about. They didn’t grow up going to Sunday School to learn the stories of Palm Sunday and Good Friday. They certainly don’t know about the life-changing power of Easter Sunday.

Think of someone in your life that needs to know these stories. Pray for them. Invite them to go along with you to one of the church services this week at your church. If that isn’t something that interests them at this time in their life, then invite them over for dinner. Get to know them and their families. Do life with them. If they won’t go to church with you now–that is OK. Show them how a family that is crazy for Christ lives. By doing these acts, you will be doing life the way Jesus did life! If you don’t believe me, read the Gospels! Jesus didn’t just round-up people and take them to church. He ministered to them where they were and on their terms.

There is so much to learn from Jesus! I am so glad that He is stronger than anything the world can throw at us!

More to come…
Jeremy