Sharing Christ’s Passion
The week leading up to Easter is traditionally called Passion Week and I hope to share a word that will sharpen your readiness to meet the living Christ during this greatest of all holy days.
As I began to write, I realized that I did not know with certainty how and why this title came about. I was quite moved as I read Timothy Dalrymple’s article on the subject from a year ago, What Passion Week Means, marveling that the roots go much deeper and wider than I realized.
Apparently, the roots of the word “passion” combine elements of both suffering and longing to form an intense compound. The term immediately commends itself to our Savior as Jesus willingly entered our world of sufferings and longings, embracing them fully to the point of death. We see Christ’s passion in every episode, from his triumphal entry to his last supper with his followers; from his arrest and crucifixion to his resurrection from the dead.
The result for the believer is not an escape from sufferings and longings, but the redemption of them. We are invited to the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings (Philippians 3:10) and to find the complete fulfillment of our longings in Christ. Passion Week is an opportunity to celebrate our Savior’s finished work and to invest our hearts more deeply into his. Here are specific opportunities to do that at Evergreen.
Prayer Gathering, Thursday, April 1 at 7pm
This first installment of our new weekly prayer gathering will be special as we remember our Savior’s last meal with his disciples and take communion together. We will also draw near to God in adoration, confession, supplication and thanksgiving.
Good Friday Service, Friday, April 2 at 7pm
Come embrace the sobering cost of redemption as the Savior willingly took the just wrath of God upon himself in our place.
Easter Breakfast, Sunday, April 4 at 6am
Enjoy our first shared meal as a church in a year as we prepare to celebrate our risen Savior!
Easter Worship Services, Sunday, April 4 at 7, 9, 11am
Come share the joy as we declare Christ’s victory: He is risen! He is risen indeed!
Pastor Toby
Categories: Evergreen Connection