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Category Archives: Easter

Mar252021Mar 6 2021

Light Palms, Heavy Burden

by Christina Fox, in category Easter

AIMEE JOSEPH|GUEST

Palm Sunday. The expectant people lined the streets, praising Jesus and quoting from Psalm 118 as he approached in peace. The people knew he was the Messiah, the Sent One, the One coming to save them. Thus, they shouted “Hosanna” which means “Save us, now!” (Matt. 21:6–11). They waved light palms as he approached history’s heaviest burden.

Their praise presupposed that Jesus would establish God’s people in peace politically and do so immediately. They had visions of the once-flourishing reign of David. Their hopes soared with high expectations that Jesus would usher in a new golden era. However, within a week’s time, it would become clear to these same crowds that Jesus had plans to usher in a very different kingdom.

As a result of these missed expectations, their praises faded quickly into shouts of “Crucify him!” in a matter of days. We are not unlike them; our praise quickly turns cold and bitter when our expectations are not met in our way and on our timetable. As we approach Holy Week, we are invited to search for the semblances of our own hearts in the fickle crowds.

Jesus rode into Jerusalem through a tunnel of praises that came from the mouths of those who would soon chant “Barabbas!” (Matt. 27:15–23). They cheered his approach with a light and airy joy, but he alone knew he was marching on to his death. His patient restraint and resolve as he approached an unthinkable burden only further shows the purity of his goodness and love.

His Burden

A King approaching in peace,
In humility He rode on,
Onlookers cheering him,
Expecting a new dawn.

The Scriptures foretold it,
Yet none of them could see,
The dawn would begin with
The God-Man hung on a tree.

The Messiah was coming,
To bring His kingdom to bear;
But of the coronation of tears,
None but Jesus was aware.

“Hosanna! Save us!” they cried,
As hopes and palms were raised.
“Finally the kingdom’s come,
May Jesus’ name be praised!”

He heeded not their fanatical cries,
For he well knew the heart of men,
From “Crown Him” to “Crucify,”
The voices would be raised again…

Apr92020Mar 25 2020

How the Resurrection Comforts us in Our Waiting

by Christina Fox, in category Easter

When I signed on to write this post, I had no idea the world would be in the midst of one of the hardest waits we’ve ever faced, the global pandemic of 2020. As I write, Americans are being urged to stay home from school, work, church, even from the doctor’s office. We stay home, and we wait. We wait to see if the curve will be flattened; we wait to see if the virus will strike us or our loved ones; we wait to see what will happen to the economy when it’s all over. It feels as if the whole world is trembling as it waits.

And yet, even as we wait in this nerve-shattering season, because of the resurrection, we wait with hope. Unlike the first followers of Jesus on the day after his death, we know there is a better day coming.

The First ‘Already/Not Yet’ Day

You may have heard the phrase “the already and the not yet” in a sermon or read it in a book. The “already” refers to the fact that Jesus has “already” died for our sins and been raised to new life, that his followers have “already” known the cleansing of our sins and our adoption as God’s children. The “not yet” refers to the fact that Jesus has “not yet” returned to fully restore all of creation; indeed, we groan with all of creation for the redemption of all things (Romans 8:22-23). In this season of the “already/not yet,” we eagerly await the day when Jesus will return to fully and finally restore all broken things…

Apr72020Apr 6 2020

E-97 The Cross-shaped Life: Preparing Our Hearts for Easter with Christine Gordon

by Cami Summers, in category Discipleship, Easter, Encouragement, Faith, God's Word, Podcast
The Cross-shaped Life: Preparing our Heart for Easter with Christine Gordon We invite you to spend some time today preparing your heart for Holy Week. Chris Gordon joins Karen Hodge in the book of Luke to help us consider the cost of discipleship. About the Speaker: Christine B. Gordon Christine is wife to Michael and… Read More
Feb182020Dec 18 2019

E: 90 The Good Shepherd’s Pasture: Raising Covenant Children with Elizabeth Harwell

by Cami Summers, in category Baptism, Discipleship, Easter, Encouragement, Faith, God's Word, Motherhood, Podcast, Reformed Theology, The PCA, Theology
The Good Shepherd's Pasture: Raising Covenant Children with Elizabeth Harwell Have you ever desired to explain to your children or grandchildren the spiritual significance of their baptism? Join Elizabeth Harwell writer of the newly released children's book "The Good Shepherd's Pasture--The Story of Your Baptism" and host Karen Hodge as they unpack the many dimensions… Read More
Apr162019Mar 22 2019

E: 60 The Cross-Shaped Life: Farewell Words – Upper Room Discourse – John 16 &17 with Courtney Doctor

by Cami Summers, in category Easter, Podcast
The Cross-Shaped Life: Farewell Words - Upper Room Discourse - John 16 & 17 With Courtney Doctor Begin preparing your heart for Easter now. Courtney Doctor joins Karen Hodge to encourage us to enter into John 16 & 17. Courtney reminds us of the hope of the Gospel, that the promises of Christ really are… Read More
Apr92019Mar 22 2019

E: 59 The Cross-Shaped Life: Farewell Words – Upper Room Discourse – John 15 with Paula Miles

by Cami Summers, in category Easter, Podcast
The Cross-Shaped Life: Farewell Words - Upper Room Discourse - John 15 with Paula Miles On today's episode Paula Miles joins Karen Hodge to continue preparing our hearts for Easter. Paula encourages us to enter into John 15 and what it means to abide in Christ. Discussion Questions: What does it mean to be connected… Read More
Apr22019Apr 2 2019

E: 58 The Cross-Shaped Life: Farewell Words – Upper Room Discourse – John 14 with Susan Tyner

by Cami Summers, in category Easter, Podcast
The Cross-Shaped Life: Farewell Words - Upper Room Discourse - John 14 With Susan Tyner On today's episode Susan Tyner joins Karen Hodge to help prepare our hearts for Easter. As we enter into John 14, Susan challenges us to think deeply about the things Jesus said before His death and resurrection, because Jesus really… Read More
Mar262019Jun 6 2019

E: 57 The Cross-Shaped Life: Farewell Words- Upper Room Discourse- John 13 with Sarah Ivill

by Cami Summers, in category Easter, Podcast
The Cross-Shaped Life: Farewell Words - Upper Room Discourse - John 13 with Sarah Ivill Begin preparing your heart for Easter now. Sarah Ivill joins Karen Hodge to encourage us to enter into John 13 and the journey to Holy Week. What does it mean to have a cross-shaped life? Discussion Questions: What do you… Read More
Mar42019Jan 25 2019

Easter Preparation Begins Now

by Christina Fox, in category Easter

It’s the Thursday before Easter, and we’re heading home from church, each of us sitting in our own bubbles of silence. The communion service quieted our hearts to ponder Jesus’ last supper with His disciples and the coming crucifixion tomorrow.

“Tomorrow!” My thoughts interrupt. “That means it’s only 3 days until Easter. What should go with the ham? Do Tyler’s pants that match his Easter shirt still fit? Oh, and I need shoes. Yikes. I can’t forget to grab peanut butter eggs and another dozen eggs to dye.”

By the time Easter dinner dishes are piled in the sink and candy wrappers lay on the dining table, I’m ready to sit down. That’s when I wonder what happened to Easter. How could I have let the celebrations hijack the resurrection? I hate to admit it, but during the Easter service, I tried to conjure gratitude and joy, but I hear the message so often and seem to have grown unresponsive. I wasn’t prepared, at least not in my heart.

I practice Advent to prepare for Christmas. Why not prepare for Easter? Is Lent a Biblical practice?

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  • Jesus Mercifully Listens to Us
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