devotional

I know, Easter was this past Sunday.
I know, the Triumphal Entry is the event we use to mark the beginning of the holy week.

But I was thinking. . .the Triumphal Entry actually happened after Easter.

Think about it.

Colossians 2:11-15 In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. 13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him. (ESV)

Colossians 3:1-2 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. (ESV)

I believe the triumphal entry was what Christ experience in His return to Heaven.

The temporary triumphal entry occurred on the Monday prior to Jesus death.

The next day (John 12:12), Monday, was Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Matt 21:1-9; Mark 11:1-10; Luke 19:28-40; John 12:12-19), His visit to the temple (Matt 21:10-11; Mark 11:11), and then His return to Bethany. The day of the triumphal entry would be Nisan 10 when the lamb was selected for Passover. Hence, the triumphal entry was the day when Christ presented Himself as Israel’s Paschal lamb.

But while we normally focus at Easter on the resurrection–which is an awesome truth–Jesus was also anticipating His glorification, His exaltation.

John 17:1-5 When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, ² since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. ³ And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. ⁴ I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. ⁵ And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed. (ESV)

The story of Easter provides us with assurance of salvation—since God accepted Christ’s payment for our sin thereby securing salvation for us. But Easter’s story of resurrection is about Christ, as we often need to remind ourselves, it’s all about Him. But it is more than just the story of life after death. Easter Sunday is the start of Christ regaining what He gave up when He became man. He came to live, serve, teach, suffer and die, after which He regained His place of honor and exaltation. Easter begins the process of God exalting His Son.

Hebrews 1:1-15 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, ² but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. ³ He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, ⁴ having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. ⁵ For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”? Or again, “I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son”? ⁶ And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.” ⁷ Of the angels he says, “He makes his angels winds, and his ministers a flame of fire.” ⁸ But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom. ⁹ You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.” ¹⁰ And, “You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of your hands; ¹¹ they will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment, ¹² like a robe you will roll them up, like a garment they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years will have no end.” ¹³ And to which of the angels has he ever said, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”? ¹⁴ Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation? (ESV)

Philippians 2:9-11 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, ¹⁰ so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, ¹¹ and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (ESV)

Jesus has experienced His triumphal entry back to His rightful place. The place of honor and authority. Therefore He is to be worshipped as the King, the ruler all. And that is something that we should do everyday–not just on Easter.

Pastor Steve Kilgore

Ephesians 2:4-6 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, (ESV)

One of my favorite resurrection songs includes these amazing words, Soar we now where Christ has led, following our exalted Head; made like Him, like Him we rise; ours the cross, the grave, the skies! Every Sunday, but especially on this Easter, every believer abounds in joyful celebration as we ponder God’s amazing power and grace.

When we begin reading Ephesians 2, we’re confronted with our desperate need in verses 1-3. Every person in the universe is spiritually dead, disobedient, lost and staring at eternal wrath. That’s tough news, but the blacker the night the more brilliant the sunrise.

The sunrise begins with the first words of v. 4 “But God . . .” What an awesome celebration! Just look at what God has done for us. First, He loved us with a great love. Then motivated by His love He made us alive together with Christ even when we were dead in our trespasses. By His grace, He saved us and raised us up with Christ and then He seated us in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.

No matter who you are or where you are on, because of Easter Sunday, ”if you have confessed Jesus as Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead,” you can celebrate the Resurrection of the Savior. Make this a memorable Easter as you worship your living Lord and share with others the life-changing message of His resurrection.

Pastor David D. Allen

Matthew 27:45-53 Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. 46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” 47 And some of the bystanders, hearing it, said, “This man is calling Elijah.” 48 And one of them at once ran and took a sponge, filled it with sour wine, and put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink. 49 But the others said, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him.” 50 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. 51 And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. 52 The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, 53 and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many. (ESV)

Everyone has times when we feel lonely and hurt. We’ve experienced betrayal, desertion, and disappointment. No one experienced greater feelings of pain, suffering and loneliness than the Son of God on the cross. Yet, His cry of desolation from the cross became a shout of triumph.

On that fateful day, when the Lord Jesus hung suspended between heaven and earth, several miracles took place that impacts us today. Matthew describes them in this appropriate Good Friday paragraph. From noon until three o’clock, a supernatural darkness covered the earth. All of creation was sympathizing with the Creator. The Cross meant the darkness of God’s immense judgment on sin. Then the desolate cry of the Savior: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Have you ever asked God, “why?”

The Savior’s cry of anguish was followed by the loud, triumphant cry of victory, “it is finished” (v. 50, cf. John 19:30). What Jesus accomplished on the cross provides the total payment for all of our sins. The debt that we owed which we could never pay, was paid in full when Jesus “yielded up His spirit.”

As we reflect on that Holy Week, take time for quiet reflection on the meaning of the cross in your life. Express your gratitude and love for your Lord as you ponder His supreme sacrifice for you.

Pastor David D. Allen

Last time we identified gratitude to God and gazing at God’s character as things that provoke our love for God, and consequently our love for others. Satan loves nothing more than to see us losing our gratitude for our salvation and hindered in our love relationship with God. So what keeps us from this love and gratitude? Let’s review the basics – because we need to live them out every day!

Sin separates us from God. When we have attitudes and actions that are in opposition to God, we don’t want to draw close and look at the greatness of His character. It’s too convicting. Instead, we go about doing “good” things but avoid the deep gazing at God that draws us into a deep love relationship.

The remedy? Confession. You may say “hold on a minute, I’m already saved and forgiven”. And I’ll respond, “repentance is not only necessary in salvation, it is also necessary for our regular spiritual growth and sanctification.” When you sin against your spouse or family member, they don’t cease to be your spouse or family member. But as long as you carry that guilt, it hinders a close relationship with them. Confession and reconciliation is the remedy.

But confession is HARD. Who wants to say “I am wrong”. Guilt feels horrible and admitting wrong goes against our pride. So we develop other failed strategies for coping with our guilt.

• Denial – I didn’t do anything wrong. It wasn’t really wrong in MY opinion.
• Blameshifting – It wasn’t me, or, I wouldn’t have done it if you hadn’t done…
• Self-Condemnation – I am such a failure. (In a strange way we feel better by beating ourselves us. Is it a sort of penance? It certainly forgets Christ’s death.)
• Escape – We try to forget about it or drown the guilt in an addiction or something more pleasurable.
• Performance – We try to do better and measure up so that we can feel better about ourselves.

All of these are failed strategies. In Luke 7:36-50, we see that it is the full realization of our sin, confessing that sin and recognizing the greatness of God’s grace that leads to overwhelming gratitude and love. Jesus said “He who has been forgiven much, loves much.” When we recognize day by day that our attitudes and actions fall short, it gives us regular opportunity to renew the joy and gratitude of our salvation as we confess and rejoice in the great forgiveness and grace of God.

When was the last time you breathed a confession to God when you saw a wrong attitude or behavior (or for that matter – when was the last time you confessed your sin to another person you wronged)? Did you stop long enough to think about the incredible greatness of His grace and forgiveness and allow that to lead to surrender and worship. The natural response is a life walking in the Spirit of God and motivated by gratitude and love for God.

Pastor George May

Love God and love others. Jesus said this is the summary of all the commands and it identifies the motive that drives our obedience. So if this is the key, how do I develop a greater love for God and others?

Let me suggest two key ideas for growing in our love for God: gazing at God and gratitude to God. Throughout Scripture, and especially in the Psalms, we see worship and love come out of a meditation on who God is and what He has done.

Gazing at God: When we think about God and talk to God, really meditating on His beauty, justice, love, wisdom, grace, holiness, perfection, etc., we will be drawn into deeper love for Him. This could give us a new focus when we read Scripture. Instead of reading about Joseph and primarily looking at Joseph and his faith and how we can emulate him, perhaps our primary focus should be on what we learn about who God is through Joseph’s life – His sovereignty, wisdom, and care! What a great God we serve, and every book of Scripture exposes His glory.

Gratitude to God: Take Romans 8, for example.

v. 1 There is “no condemnation” for those in Christ Jesus
v. 9-17 The Spirit of God lives in us and we are fellow heirs with Christ
v. 28-29 God has promised to use all the “good” and “bad” of life to make us more like Jesus.
v. 30 Our sanctification and glorification is guaranteed because it is God’s work.
v. 31-34 No one can accuse us because Christ has justified us.
v. 35-39 Nothing can separate us from His love.

Incredible! The more I think about who He is and what He’s done, the more my love and gratitude grows. Where is pride, fear, and strong desire for earthly things when I get a clear picture of God?

Take a moment to meditate on who God is and what He’s done. Tell Him how incredible He is and thank Him for what He has done for you. Ask Him to infuse you with His love by the power of the Spirit. When we grow in love for God, our love for others grows automatically.

Next devotion: What hinders us from this kind of gratitude and love?

Pastor George May

In the study of Romans, we’ve been looking at sanctification – the process of change by which God is making us more and more like Christ. Often, people come into counseling frustrated by the seeming inability to change a bad habit or stop sinning in a particular area, like the struggle we see Paul having in Romans 7. So how do we change? Here’s a short thought about a very complex question.

First, we can talk about things that DON’T lead to lasting change:

• Trying really hard to change, and when we fail – trying harder (Paul’s struggle in Romans 7).
• Scaring ourselves or others into change by looking at the consequences of sin.
• Having others ask us how we are doing.
• Educating ourselves more about the problem.
• Identifying how obedience will help me.

While these things may be helpful, they don’t in and of themselves lead to lasting change. In Matthew 22:36-40, Jesus says that all the commands of Scripture are summed up in two: Love God and love others. In fact, in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 we learn we can give all we have to the poor (a really good behavioral act) but if we aren’t doing it out of love it is not the kind of change God is looking for.

So submitting to the Spirit and living a life motivated by genuine love for God and love for others will produce the kind of heart and life change that will last.

So ask yourself:

• In what area am I’m having trouble changing or would like to see change?
• How would a deep love for God and others motivate genuine change in this area?
• Are there other motives am I dealing with that may at times take more priority than loving God and others? (PRIDE, STRONG DESIRE – for comfort, pleasure, material things, etc., FEAR – of conflict, rejection, etc.) By the way, it is easy to say “I love God”, but it is in our relationships with others that the wrong motivations of pride, strong desire and fear are often seen most clearly.

Moment by moment, surrender to God, confessing the competing motive and asking Him to fill you with His love.

Next devotional: If love for God and others is real change, what can I do to develop more love?

Pastor George May

As we prepare for Easter this week, I thought it my be helpful to provided a day-by-day chronology of the Passion Week.

I would encourage you to look up the passages listed in this brief article.

Pastor Steve Kilgore

Chronological Aspects of the Life of Christ
The Day of Christ’s Crucifixion
Harold W. Hoehner

Bibliotheca Sacra—Vol 131 # 523—Jul 74—262-264

Outline of the Passion Week

Due to the scope of these articles, only a brief outline of the Passion Week can be given. It is an attempt to align the events with the days of the present calendar.

Saturday and Sunday

A few days before the final Passover, Jesus drew near to Jerusalem (John 11:55), arriving at Bethlehem six days before the Passover (John 12:1), namely the Saturday before the Passion Week. That evening, Jesus was anointed at Simon the leper’s house (Matt 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9; John 12:1-8). On the next day (Sunday), there was a great crowd that came to Bethany to see Jesus (John 12:9-11).

Monday

The next day (John 12:12), Monday, was Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Matt 21:1-9; Mark 11:1-10; Luke 19:28-40; John 12:12-19), His visit to the temple (Matt 21:10-11; Mark 11:11), and then His return to Bethany. The day of the triumphal entry would be Nisan 10 when the lamb was selected for Passover. Hence, the triumphal entry was the day when Christ presented Himself as Israel’s Paschal lamb.

Tuesday

On Tuesday on the way from Bethany to Jerusalem, Jesus cursed the fig tree (Matt 21:18-19; Mark 11:12-14), and then He went to Jerusalem to cleanse the temple (Matt 21:12-13; Mark 11:15-17; Luke 19:45-46). The religious leaders began to seek how they might destroy Him that evening, and that evening Jesus left Jerusalem, presumably returning to Bethany (Mark 11:18-19; Luke 19:47-48).

Wednesday

On the way to Jerusalem on Wednesday, the disciples saw the withered fig tree (Matt 21:20-22; Mark 11:20-26). At the temple in Jerusalem, Jesus had a day of controversy with the religious leaders (Matt 21:23—23:39; Mark 11:27—12:44 ; Luke 20:1—21:4 ). That afternoon Jesus went to the Mount of Olives and delivered the Olivet Discourse (Matt 24:1—25:46 ; Mark 13:1-37; Luke 21:5-36). Two additional things occurred on that day: (1) Jesus predicted that in two days He would be crucified at the time of the Passover (Matt 26:1-5; Mark 14:1-2; Luke 22:1-2); and (2) Judas planned the betrayal of Christ with the religious leaders (Matt 26:14-16; Mark 14:10-11; Luke 22:3-6).

Thursday

On this day, He had His disciples prepare the Passover lamb (Matt 26:17-19; Mark 14:12-16; Luke 22:7-13), and Jesus and His disciples had their Passover meal in the Upper Room (Matt 26:20-30; Mark 14:17-26; Luke 22:14-30; John 13:1—14:31 ). Leaving the Upper Room, Jesus had a discourse with His disciples and offered an intercessory prayer in behalf of them (Matt 26:30-35; Mark 14:26-31; Luke 22:31-39; John 15:1—18:1 ). They arrived at the Garden of Gethsemane, and it is here where Jesus suffered in agony (Matt 26:36-46; Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:39-46; John 18:1). Later that night Jesus was betrayed and arrested (Matt 26:47-56; Mark 14:43-52; Luke 22:47-53; John 18:2-12). During the rest of that night, Jesus was tried first by Annas and later by Caiaphas with the religious leaders (Matt 26:57-75; Mark 14:53-72; Luke 22:54-65; John 18:13-27).

Friday

Early in the morning, Jesus was tried by the Sanhedrin, Pilate, Herod Antipas, and Pilate again (Matt 27:1-30; Mark 15:1-19; Luke 22:66—23:25 ; John 18:28—19:16 ). Jesus was then led to the cross and crucified at 9:00 a.m. and died at 3:00 p.m. and was buried later that day (Matt 27:31-60; Mark 15:20-46; Luke 23:26-54; John 19:16-42). Christ the Paschal Lamb (1 Cor 5:7) died at the time when the Israelites were sacrificing their Passover lambs.

Saturday

Jesus laid in the tomb during the Sabbath, and the Pharisees secured Roman guards to keep watch of the tomb (Matt 27:61-66; Mark 15:47; Luke 23:55-56).

Sunday

Christ was resurrected from the dead (Matt 28:1-15; Mark 16:1-8 [9-13]; Luke 24:1-35). He is a type of the offering of the Firstfruits which was offered the day after the Sabbath (Lev 23:9-14; 1 Cor 15:23).

Romans 8:31-39

No matter who or what we face, as believers, we have everything we need to be victorious not because of what we have done, but because God gave up His Son for us! There is no greater sacrifice or love.

Too many times we try to handle problems with our own strength and not depend on His wisdom and strength.

What can separate us from God’s love, only our own selfish desires and our pride. We can conquer all things through Him who loves us unconditionally if we allow him.

“One of the reasons we do not experience the wholeness, fulfillment and peace we desire is that we have not acknowledged God as the answer to every need.” I believe that He died for me and has given me eternal life, but do I really count on Him and trust Him for all areas of my life? Can I count on Him to deal with the daily trials; can I count on Him to help with my finances; can I count on Him to take care of my cancer? YES! Since 1996, I’ve been fighting the battle with prostate cancer and during that time, the Lord has been teaching me. I know He loves me, He knows what is best for me and He is faithful!

God is everything I need! God is enough!
God is my Salvation!
God is my Counselor!
God is my Healer!
God is my Strength!
God is my Friend!
God is everything I need! God is enough!

In verse 39 we read, “in all things we overwhelming conquer through Him that loved us.”

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 ESV

In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus instructs us not to allow our hearts to be weary or troubled, but to rest in Him by submitting to Him and His will. By submitting to Him and His will we will have victory in Christ who loved us and wants what is best for His children!

“All to Jesus, I surrender;
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.
I surrender all, I surrender all,
All to Thee, my blessed Savior,
I surrender all.

Lord, I need to daily surrender all areas of my life to YOU! Thank you Lord for loving me and being my all-in-all!

Terry Kauffman

Romans 8:28-39 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. 31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33 Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (ESV)

This chapter opens with "no condemnation" and ends with "no separation. This is a picture of a believer’s life in Christ. We are safe, safe in the arms of Christ and by God’s love the security of the believer is guaranteed. These closing verses are rock upon which assurance stands forever.

Paul’s final question in vs. 35 "who shall separate us from the love of Christ?". The apostle suggests 7 things a believer might experience. But, rather than separate, they are more than conquerors, led by God in a triumphal procession in Christ!

We as believers, born of God are part of a victory march showing that we have over come the world.

Bob Aungst (Elder and ABF Teacher)

Romans 8:26-30 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. (ESV)

As I was growing up, I chose Romans 8:28 as my life verse. As a high school and college student, I liked the fact that “all things work together for good,” and that I was a part of the promise of this verse because I was a child of God. Then as I got married and had a family, it was a comfort to know that even my mistakes could be turned around for a good purpose. This verse makes a great commentary on the ups and downs of Joseph’s story in Genesis (see Genesis 50:20: “you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good”).

All of that is true and right, but I had not linked verse 28 to verse 29, where God’s purpose for us who “are called according to his purpose” is stated. The good that God is bringing about is that we might “be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.” The good that God desires is that we look like Jesus, to display his character in our lives.

As I have considered that truth, it helps me to look at the circumstances of life differently. I have started asking the question, “How does this circumstance help me to be more like Christ?” That slow car ahead of me is not an irritant. It is helping to develop Christ’s patience in me, or perhaps is helping me to display his compassion for someone who is lost or trying to find the right address. The fight between two of my children is not the time for me to blow a fuse myself to get them to shape up. It is a chance to become more of a peacemaker, or a loud reminder of how I need to grow in my ability to relate to others in contentious situations. Another large maintenance bill for something in the house is not a cause for worry. Rather, it gives me an opportunity to grow in my faith in the Father who supplies for all of my needs.

How do you look at the difficult circumstances of life? I trust that you understand that God is working them together for good, but beyond that, I trust that you see the specific good that God is seeking to bring about in your life: the development of the character of Christ. Do a brief mental and spiritual exercise this week. Take a difficult event that happens to you and think about what character quality God might be working on in your life through that event. Then thank him for taking you through it so that you might become more like Christ.

Gordon Gregory (ABF Teacher)