Maundy Thursday service at Blackhawk Church is my absolute favorite service...
the music, the quiet, the scriptures to reflect upon,
the opportunity to pray alone or with a staff member,
Communion
Going forward to the table
listening to the words which never grow old
Remembering Jesus
As a pastor's daughter in a mainline denomination church, I grew up observing Lent which built up to Holy Week.
I remember going with my dad when he took communion
to church members who were physically unable to get to church.
I vividly recall the communion kit and Dad's preparations,
and the special time of sharing this with him.
Good Friday...
I couldn't understand as a child how it could be good.
The cross was draped in black and everyone observed the tradition of leaving the service in silence.
Now I know with certainty that Good Friday had to happen.
Today I felt compelled to go to the Good Friday service, even though I knew that I would be going alone, and to a church building that was unfamiliar.
The message really spoke to my heart.
The pastor spoke about how Jesus remained faithful even as He experienced very real emotions leading up to, and on the cross.
He shared with us that there are two disciplines to follow
in order for us to stay faithful through our feelings:
Share our emotions with others who love and care for us.
And as I sat there with tears streaming down my face, he told us that emotions are not a sign of spiritual immaturity, and that we should not be ashamed of what is going on inside us.
Bring our emotions to God.
Be vulnerable and transparent with Him,
and always end with "not my will, but YOURS" just as Jesus did.
The pastor reminded us that Satan loves when we feel isolated and alone.
Who better understands me than God who created me?
When the curtain in the temple was torn,
Jesus had paid for my sin,
and my Heavenly Father is accessible to me...
as close as my next breath,
and I am so thankful as I remember!
Now the Day In Between is coming...
in between the sadness and grief of Good Friday and the glorious joy of Easter.
Holy Week...
a time of much reflection for me,
and I love Easter...
just as my dad did.
