To be truthful, I dread reading the Easter story each year as there are so many depressing elements to the story. The bitter hatred of the religious leaders, the shocking treatment of Jesus by the soldiers all at the instigation of those same religious leaders, people who should know God's truth, yet for whom power is more important. Judas' betrayal then suicide and Peter's denial and absolute remorse, all make for a read of gloom and doom especially when coupled with the latest overseas and even local news. Yet underscoring all of this is HOPE.
HOPE , because during this whole episode in the last week of Jesus life here on earth, the religious leaders thought that they were manoeuvring events, when in fact Jesus was totally in control. Even during Jesus' 'trial' he frustrated the religious leaders no end, and Pilate eventually decided to give up. By directing all the proceedings, (unbeknown to those around him) this was Jesus' time to show his ultimate obedience to his Father and love for all people, thus giving us HOPE in resurrection and eternal life.
There is so much hatred and bitterness in our world, and especially directed towards Christians, that it is easy to become dragged down with all the gloom and doom, yet God has given us this wonderful promise of HOPE.
As you relive the events of Easter, "May the God of HOPE fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with HOPE by the power of the Holy Spirit "( Romans 15:13.)
HOPE , because during this whole episode in the last week of Jesus life here on earth, the religious leaders thought that they were manoeuvring events, when in fact Jesus was totally in control. Even during Jesus' 'trial' he frustrated the religious leaders no end, and Pilate eventually decided to give up. By directing all the proceedings, (unbeknown to those around him) this was Jesus' time to show his ultimate obedience to his Father and love for all people, thus giving us HOPE in resurrection and eternal life.
There is so much hatred and bitterness in our world, and especially directed towards Christians, that it is easy to become dragged down with all the gloom and doom, yet God has given us this wonderful promise of HOPE.
As you relive the events of Easter, "May the God of HOPE fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with HOPE by the power of the Holy Spirit "( Romans 15:13.)
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