Lenten Season Week 7: Time 4 Inspiration by: Pastor Lula A. Baker

TIME 4 INSPIRATION

        The concluding observation of this Lenten Season is inundated with self-reflection and worldview perspectives. As Holy as this time is, we cannot help but be impacted by higher inflation rates than in 40 years. The cost of food, gas, electricity, and just about every necessary commodity we can imagine has been drastically affected. Ukraine and Russia have thrust us into a vicarious place of what-ifs, and let’s not forget (or underestimate) the pandemic and its lingering effects. We have faced and continue to be confronted with personal tragedies and triumphs, both reminding us of the sovereignty of our loving Father and Savior. Today I challenge, beseech, and even urge you to receive a message of inspiration, a divine influence directly and immediately exerted upon the mind or soul. As a challenge, why not allow your mental, physical, and spiritual being full of potential positive energy designed and intended to shift and change your trajectory towards your life circumstances to see that it is all working out for your good.  

        Jesus came from Heaven to redeem fallen humanity back to a holy, merciful God; however, the round-trip experience was not without opposition and overwhelming obstacles. If the 39-month journey had been filled with acceptance, obedience, and gratitude, the final days were more gruesome than any person has ever suffered innocently. Let’s walk it back from the victorious entry on borrowed provisions, lowly and humble, making Him approachable to all of humanity, Jews, Gentiles, men, women, children, educated, uneducated, rich, poor, influent, or ignorant. The shouts of Hosanna – “save please” just a few days later, the same crowd screams, “crucify Him.” Yet He inspires us to complete our assignments; He teaches by both edit and example. The cleansing of the Temple ensures that the torn veil will grant us access to the most Holy of Holies. He shares the Passover supper with His disciples, gives instructions, admonishments, acts of servitude demonstrated as He washes their feet, the job of an enslaved person or the lowliest of servants, or the youngest person present. 

     After the meal, they exit the designated place; three inner circle individuals accompany the journey to the garden, which he often frequents for prayer. The predestined perpetrator leads a band of angry soldiers who break up His consecrated meeting, and He’s placed under arrest. Even if you have missed it this far, five courts in the middle of the night with unsubstantiated allegations Followed by a relentless beating, leaving his back bruised, bleeding, broken skin, and a plucked out beard. Here is the inspiration at its pinnacle these last few events, stripping of the robe, attempting to dishonor his deity. Placing a crossbar of wood on his bloody back and shoulder, he carries it up the Via Dolorosa (the way of sorrow). Finally, allowing Himself to be riveted to a cross, an act of execution reserved for the worst of hardened criminals, never defending Himself, but compassionately, thoughtfully, and intentionally to ensure that our salvation is secure, resurrection from the dead is a guarantee. Lastly, one day he will return to rapture us to live with him throughout eternity!!