1 Peter 3:15 – In your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.
More than any other week in the year, the days between Palm Sunday and Easter are known worldwide. The people cried out on Palm Sunday, “Hosanna.” The original Aramaic word, the language of the day, was an appeal for deliverance, “Help us! Save us!” It would later become an expression of praise and joy, but when Jesus rode into Jerusalem, their cry was for one who would deliver them from the Romans. By the end of the week, the crowds instead chanted “Crucify Him.”
When you think of what the world is experiencing now, cries have gone out to God for help, for deliverance from the disease. But a loved one dies, and others gasp for breath assisted by ventilators, and the people say God doesn’t care, and they cease praying and turn their backs on Him.
A hymn from 150 years ago reminds Christians that, while health is important, spiritual well-being is essential. Prolific writer Fanny Crosby penned, “Rescue the perishing, care for the dying, snatch them in pity from sin and the grave; weep o’er the erring one, lift up the fallen, tell them of Jesus, the mighty to save.” He has asked you to be part of His rescue mission during these times. While you are self-quarantined, take the time to pray for a neighbor, a family member, or the stranger at the market. People need the Lord!
Pray With Us
Dear Father in Heaven, today I want to bathe in pleas to You my [friend, neighbor, family member]; praying that You would reveal Yourself to them during their hours of distress and grief. If that means a word of hope from me, Lord, give me that open door and push me through it. Let me not be so caught up in my own worry that I neglect to pray for those who are perishing because they don’t know You. This Is the greatest week to give evidence of my hope in You and in the eternal life offered through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help me to turn their Hosannas from cries for deliverance to cries of joy and praise. I love you, Father.
Amen.
