Romans 5:8 and Ephesians 3:16-19
...but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us....that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Romans 5:8, Ephesians 3:16-19
In support of preparing to lead worship at the Gardens and The Lodge on Sunday 30MAR, I pause on my study of the last four books of the OT using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume. The theme for worship on this occasion is to prepare hearts for Holy Week (starting Palm Sunday 13APR and culminating on Easter 20APR) - which DesiringGod.com refers to as "the most important week in the history of the world." For those of us who are students of history (my undergraduate degree and an ongoing interest), and more importantly, for those of us who are believers, such a statement should move us to more closely examine if this is true, and if so, to both understand what implications this might have for us, and how we should respond. As a starting point, my focus this morning is an initial review and reflection on the post that makes this statement. In support of the statement that Holy Week is the most important week in the history of the world, the post shares how all four of the gospel accounts dedicate much of its writings to Holy Week, including Matthew 21-28, Mark 11-16, Luke 19-24 and John 12-21. The post then shares: "it could even be said that all the Old Testament anticipates this week, and the rest of the New Testament reflects it in theology and practical living." Indeed, as snapshots of Holy Week, Christ's death and resurrection alone comprise the very essence of the gospel and as believers we should do more than simply celebrate Easter as a single day but reflect on the implications of Easter on our faith. Two such implications are recorded by Paul: (1) Romans 5:8, and (2) Ephesians 3:16-19. Romans 5:8 shares that Christ died for us while still sinners, of course emphasizing how we as believers are not deserving of the salvation He freely gives us and how this salvation is only attained first through Christ's gruesome death on the cross, which He submits to willingly. Ephesians 3:16-19 is jam packed with doctrine but what jumps out at me initially is how Paul seeks for us to have strength to comprehend the dimensions (which cannot be measured) of God love and to be filled with the fullness of God. I believe that both of these texts (1) and (2) work together as a starting point to further prepare for Holy Week and Easter.
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Father God, what an incredible God You are in how You sent Your Son Jesus to die for me and then You raised Him from the dead so that He could be seated next to You in Heaven. You defeated sin and death and You are saving a place for me in Heaven. Thank You! I am not deserving of such blessings and my salvation. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
