Maundy Thursday

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." (John 13:34, NIV)

Today is a day we call Maundy Thursday, the day Jesus celebrated the Passover with his disciples. We call that Passover meal the Last Supper and remember it through our celebration of communion. It is also the day Jesus set a humble example of love for us to follow by washing his disciples’ feet. We remember Jesus' example as we serve others today.

As we think about these acts of Jesus, we know that we are drawing closer and closer to remembering the most important day in the history of mankind--the Resurrection. Jesus' humility and love made the Resurrection possible. Humility and love. What good words!

Copyright © 2010 Barbara Hemming. All Rights Reserved.

Weather Weary

Image and Text Copyright © 2010 Barbara Hemming. All Rights Reserved.

Today, the Mid-Atlantic is digging out from a massive blizzard. Weathercasters say it’s the worst snowstorm since 1922. We’re even preparing for another storm that’s due to start sometime this evening. We are snow-weary.

At times, Jesus’ disciples were also weather-weary, and wary. During His ministry on earth, Jesus asked His disciples to trust him. When getting into a boat, He told them they were going to the other side of the lake. Once, while doing just that--going over to the other side—a violent storm arose without warning. The storm was so violent that waves covered the boat and the disciples thought they were going to drown. But Jesus showed the disciples that He also ruled over the seas and could stop the storm with just a word.

Perhaps you’re in the midst of a personal storm and you’re frightened by the things you see and hear. Your particular storm might be a job loss, a health challenge, a wayward child, or a spiritual crisis. Everywhere you turn, giant waves of disaster threaten to sink your hope—even your faith. You’ve tried holding on, but you’re beginning to lose your grip. Maybe you’ve taken things into your own hands and merely made a mess. Even your prayers seem like sawdust in your mouth. And like the disciples, you’re wondering if God really cares about you, why doesn’t He do something?

This is the time to hold onto Jesus with everything you've got. It doesn’t matter how fierce the wind or how high the waves of disaster are. We know Jesus, Who created the universe, is in control of all that pertains to us.

And that's a good word!