Last night I put in some work to usher “spring” into our home’s exterior.
I began by pulling weeds in the yard and flower beds. (I cannot seem to grow a bush underneath our bedroom window, but by golly, I can sure grow weeds and clover!)
Once the garden was clean, I began spreading mulch over all the flower beds. Once again, I was amazed at what $3.18 per bag can accomplish!
With this (now clean) canvas, my wife put flowers in hanging baskets and in pots by the front door. Suddenly, the front of our house had come alive . . . just in time for Easter! I really do love this time of year.
While I was doing these tasks, my mind was thinking about bigger things. I was reflecting on this Holy Week of remembrances and celebrations — Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
On Good Friday, we remember that Jesus came to “clean the garden” of our lives. On our own, we cannot grow even a “bush” of righteousness, but the weeds of sin blanket our lives. Jesus came to gather up all those sins, and the punishment those sins deserve, and have them die with Him on the cross. In an amazing transaction, not only are the wages of our sin pulled out from the ground of our life, but also the righteousness of God in Jesus is spread over our souls – hiding us in Him. Isn’t it amazing what grace can accomplish?
Then on Easter Sunday, we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Jesus’ resurrection not only demonstrates His authority over death, but it also makes it possible for His fruit to blossom by the doors of our lives! On the clean canvas that His death provides, His resurrection flowers love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in our souls!
I do not mean to be trite with this analogy. It really moved me last night, so I wanted to share it with you. I also wanted to invite you to worship with me and our church family at Wildwood Community Church this Easter season. We have several opportunities to do so:
Good Friday Service
- Friday, April 19
- Two identical Services: 6:00 & 7:30 PM
- Reflect on Jesus march to the cross where He laid His life down for you and me. Scripture reading, music, communion. No children’s ministry running — all join in this worship service.
Easter Sunday Services
- Sunday, April 21
- Three Identical Services: 8:30, 9:45, 11:00 AM
- If you are able to join us at the 8:30 service, we would love to have you come join us at that time! Full children’s ministry and Adult groups running during the 9:45 and 11:00 services. Student Ministry (6th – 12th grade) meeting during the 9:45 hour. We will sing and celebrate the resurrection this day, and look at how Jesus has something to do with our past, our present, and our future. See you Sunday!