Sometimes when I am driving along I just have to stop. Perhaps the sun is sculpting the clouds allowing
a few rays to filter through or it is
dancing across the water making it
sparkle like a thousand diamonds, or maybe a flock of birds are playfully flying
above me causing me to pause. Too often
we hurry along our way looking without seeing what is around us - Beauty, the needs of others, so many blessings and reasons to praise our
almighty God.
Many times I’ve sighed to think how sad it was to get my
driver’s license. So excited for the
newfound freedom, but the bike got used less and less with the ability to get
places faster and eventually found its place on a hook in the garage. It’s not our lifestyle here in America to
usually walk or bike to our destinations and yet, in our hurry we miss so much.
In Jesus’ time walking was the normal means of getting
around. We read several times where the
disciples barely made it to a destination that took hours to walk to and they
turned around to get back to where they left.
It all took time.
Jesus made His triumphant entry into Jerusalem on the first
Palm Sunday and yet in all the pomp and circumstance, He did not rush into town
on a galloping steed, but slowly on the back of a baby donkey. Jesus came to Jerusalem to be murdered. He didn’t wait until the last minute and have
His enemies rush Him away, but came a
week ahead of time. He lived
purposefully and even while on the cross, made use of every minute He had left
on this earth.
As we reach the
height of Holy Week, take your time. Linger
in the garden and pray. Carry the weight
of the heavy steps along the Via Dolorosa.
Observe the subtle meanings in the events and feel the very deep
love. The love our Father has for each one
of us that send Jesus to the cross. This is a good opportunity to develop the
habit of daily bible time. Steep in God’s Word.
With the shepherds we rush to the manger, but let’s walk
ever so slowly the road to Golgotha. (JH)