Self Talk | Pastor Clay

Darby and I had our first “major” communication snafu when she asked me if I had an article for the April newsletter. I looked dumbfounded (one of my skills), thinking we did a Lenten newsletter that would cover us until Easter. As I was preparing my decisive debate skills, Darby indicated Jim had turned in his April article on March 15th, as he always has one in by the 15th. Oh, the shame of it all…. What am I to do? Write the article. Darby 1, Clay 0, but who’s counting? (The above introduction is mostly true and presented for your enjoyment.) (Note from Darby: I think the score would be Jim 1, Darby 1, Clay 0. Just saying.)

Easter is just a few weeks away, coming later this year, but still feels a far way off. I recently saw an ad for apparel with the slogan, “A lot can happen in seven days.” I was curious, so I did a little digging and found out there is also a line of merchandise that reads, “A lot can happen in three days.” Both lines of merchandise are marketed to Christians; one emphasizes Palm Sunday to the empty tomb, and the other emphasizes the crown of thorns to the empty tomb. I like the seven-day emphasis better than the three days: let’s take in all of Holy Week! Triumphal Entry, which was a huge party for people gathered for the yearly festival. It was anything but triumphal, on a beast of burden with no band or prepared speeches…. It was just weird. Maybe the festival wine helped the people celebrate, but they had no idea what or who they were celebrating. Then Jesus messed with the temple and money changers, left to hide out with his close disciples and get in some private instruction time before the non-Leonardo DaVinci version of the Last Supper (or should it be called the first supper?), then arrest, trial, crucifixion, burial, and finally empty tomb happen…all in seven days. A lot happened in seven days, and I only hit the highlights. No one was ready for the first Easter, not even Jesus: “Father, please, if possible, take this cup from me.”

I find comfort in Jesus’ words of not wanting to suffer for the cause and yet trusting the Father. I find comfort that not a lot of preparation is necessary to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus the Christ, because a lot happened in seven days nearly 2000 years ago. I am also disturbed. What am I missing? Many of the people missed Jesus in his earthly days because he pleased them but did not conform to their view of a savior/ messiah. How much of Jesus do I or you miss today because we ignore the parts of Jesus that do not match our preconceptions? Please read, re-read the Holy Week stories in scripture before Easter, read with curiosity and wonder. As we do this maybe, with prayer, we will move in the direction of conforming to Jesus, instead of conforming Jesus to the image we created.

Grace and peace, Pastor Clay

Pastor Clay