Today's Blog for Maundy Thursday, March 28, 2013

Different churches and fellowship groups of Christians see this holiday season from different viewpoints and with

different historical views. This fact is no where more obvious than when you try to understand the background for this holy day. Maundy Thursday has been a day to remember two special events in the last days of Jesus before HE allowed Himself to die on the Cross. The two events were the washing of the apostles feet and the Last Supper, as we read in John 13. 

The ways that some folks celebrate this day is to have a special service that includes both of these parts. This service usually includes some traditional or even liturgical readings, in a very somber mood, to remind us of just how much it cost JESUS to give the Apostles this special day. If you were going to die in less than 24 hours, would you spend it on your knees, washing the feet of your followers? Would you then share the Passover meal with them? Would you spend hours praying while they slept? Would you allow your self to be arrested, to go through 6 mock trials, be flogged, and finally to die the death HE died? Jesus, you humble us by your willingness to do those things for us. 

As with each part of my walk with Christ, I try to evaluate my actions and motives to see if they are genuine. Have I started doing "christian things" so I will fit in? Do I do what I do because, somehow, it is expected of me? If you ever ask yourself those questions, you aren't alone. 

Tonight for me is a great time to reflect on the preparation we have been making together to make this weekend a special time. We chose the them of "Real…" for each of the 5 Sundays. 

Week one was about "Real Hope" and we talked about the Eyewitnesses. One eyewitness we talked about was Peter, who saw, who denied, and was reinstated by Jesus. 

Week two introduced the idea of "Real Life" and included a challenge to stop wading through mud, spiritually, and see that the Resurrection frees us to LIVE! Peter from week one is called on to give "Real Life" to a dear lady who died, was loved and needed, and was brought back to life by Peter's faith in JESUS. Tabitha was her name, and she was brought back to LIFE, Real LIFE!

Week three introduced us to the concept of "Real Love" as is seen in the biblical concept of Agape' Love. Jesus is at HIS most powerful as a teacher when He introduces us to the "Real Love" of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10. 

Week four reminded us that the cross, the "Real Cross" was accompanied by numerous mysterious events, and that there was a literal attempt at a "cover-up" that didn't work! Sunday, we will celebrate the real Resurrection of JESUS. I hope you will share with us. 

Tonight, I am praying for you, my dear reader, and by brothers and sisters who will worship that risen LORD, as He is Alive now, and there will never be a need to cover-up again the power and the purpose of the CROSS! If I had less than 24 hours left, I would spend them for JESUS! What about you? GOD Bless you, big marv