Holy Week

We were awakened early this morning with the warning sounds of a siren notifying of us the threat of bad weather in our community.  Thankfully we were spared  any damage in our neighborhood but other parts of the community did sustain some damage.  Those individuals who suffered damage to their homes or to their businesses are in our thoughts and prayers.  Yesterday was a nice day with some sunshine, some clouds, and a warm breeze blowing.  But it changed quickly as the storm front began to move through our community.  This morning I thought  abut the week that Jesus faced.  He entered the city to shouts of praise and Hosanna but it was not long before the false accusations and a farce of a trial appeared on His daily agenda.  We could say that Jesus' life transitioned quickly from the calmness of a triumphant entry into Jerusalem to the hill called Calvary where He would die for the sins of mankind.  Let us remind ourselves that the transition of the last week of Christ's life on earth provided for us the power of forgiveness.  The death of Christ brought forgiveness from God for the sins that we had committed but it also placed within us the ability to forgive those who have committed transgressions against us.  Because we were forgiven we now possess the power, grace, strength, and even desire to release the blessings of forgiveness on their lives.  It is no wonder that the song writer declared these words; "Amazing Grace how sweet the sound, who saved a wretch like me..."  We can be thankful that Christ was willing to take the final and proper steps to pay the complete price for our redemption!