During what we calls Holy Week, Jesus spent time with His disciples (and us) teaching and cementing God’s truth in their hearts. Matthew talks about the fig tree, the power of prayer, those who pledge to do something and then don’t fulfill the promise, and those who do not promise but complete the task, those who misuse their gifts and positions, and those who refuse to repent. It was as if the disciples were attending university education which they later would reflect upon when Jesus was no longer present with them. That’s exactly what it was. Jesus was preparing them to carry on His work in His absence.
We, of course, have no way to know if all these teachings occurred in that one week, but we do know that as Jesus exercised His authority, he angered the Pharisees and Sadducees because they could not imagine big enough. They knew the law and the prophets, but their eyes were blinded to the One who fulfilled both. There was even some doubt among the disciples. When he asserted in Matthew 23 that “The greatest among you will be your servant,” aes and called them blind guides! That cut them down to size! He even called them “Whitewashed tombs!”
Now, some people “give up” things for Lent in an effort to improve their character, or to in some way show they can sacrifice something for the “cause” of Jesus. I don’t practice this because it seems self-satisfying and I know my motives would be wrong. But, there is room for “clensing” and for reflection and repentance. Believing in Christ has consequences. Jesus said, “You will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”
Of that last days, He said: “At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a great trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other…Heaven and earth will pass away,, but my words will never pass away.”
Here is the story of Easter. Jesus wants us to be ready, cleansed by the Holy Spirit, eager to tell of His story, and praying for forgiveness and our faith to be strong. We need to “spring clean” ourselves this week, recognizing that it is not something we can do through our own strength, but only when we pray that the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, will give us the grace and power to accomplish it. Photo courtesy of Desmond Almarales. I call it Wash me, cleanse me, make me fit to worship You on Easter morning and always.
MY PSALM 342 CLEANSING
Dear Lord, Just God, Holy God,
We come to You this d
Asking that You cleanse us,
Make us whiter than snow,
Clear our consciences once again
As we recognize Your power
Though the mercy of Your Son’s atonement
To do exactly that.
Just as He cleansed the temple
Of unrighteous practices,
Cleanse our hearts.
Clean house, O God,
And turn the tables on our idolatry,
Throw out the besetting sins which afflict us,
And purify us as vessels fit for Your use.
Remind us daily through Your Word
Of Your abounding mercy and grace.
Tell us once again that You
Remove our iniquities as far as
The East is from the West.
That these sins are forgiven
And even more, forgotten
Because of the blood of Jesus Christ.
When we commit sins of omission or commission,
Show us our failures so we can confess them immediately.
Especially keep our tongues from speaking evil,
From use that is less than loving and merciful
Toward others.
Use our songs to praise Your Name.
Use our words to comfort and bring peace.
Use our languages to communicate
With all tribes and nations.
Use our prayers to praise Your Name.
Bring us with grace to Your throne
In intercession for others who come to mind:
Those in prison,
Those whose minds are imprisoned by drugs or alcohol,
Those whose bodies are failing.
Those who are without hope
Because they do not know You.
Those who languish in poverty and want.
Those who in ignorance hold on to the past
And ignore the future which could be bright with joy.
Those who are depressed, bipolar, or mentally ill.
Those who are lonely even in a crowd.
Commission us, Lord, to serve You with vigor and strength,
Because You have cleansed us and redeemed us
For use in Your Kingdom and for Your Glory.
In grateful thanksgiving, we praise You this day. Amen.
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