Dear Holy Trinity Family,
It has now been three weeks since we last worshiped together in God’s house at Holy Trinity. I hope you have been able to watch our services on social media. You can easily access these worship services by going to our webpage: www.holytrinitymansfield.org . I want to let you know that we will post Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services on the appointed days this week.
We are now in Holy Week. Jesus had entered Jerusalem in triumph, but within hours his triumphant entry turned to brutal condemnation by the same people who hailed His coming. From the birth of Jesus to His resurrection scripture foretold these events.
Our communion service was instituted by our Savior prior to His going to the Garden of Gethsemane. “After taking the cup he gave thanks and said, ‘take this and divide it among you’ . . . And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you, do this in remembrance of me.’” (Luke 22:17,19)
In the Garden of Gethsemane His disciples fell asleep after Jesus had asked them to pray. Have we ever fallen asleep on Jesus? I fear our answer must be yes! During these troubled times where can we look for peace and comfort? We can look to Jesus, but we should also look to Him in good times as well. These times in which we live are unprecedented. I know there is confusion, fear, anger . . . maybe other emotions that we have never experienced. Where do we go? We go to our Lord Jesus Christ. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified of them for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will never leave you or forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6) “Cast your burden upon the Lord and he will sustain you.” (Psalm 55:22)
After the trial of Jesus, He was brutally beaten. We can barely imagine the pain He bore. We must never forget that it was for you and me. The cross of Christ was Christ’s purpose on earth. It was God’s way of giving us sinners, redemption. The cross of Christ is our gateway to eternal life with our Almighty God and His Son Jesus Christ. His gift to us, like any gift must be opened and used. It will do us no good if we leave the gift on a shelf. We can have a renewed life and eternal life once we open, accept and live the gift. Christ fulfilled his destiny on earth for us. Let us never forget.
I continue to appreciate your encouragement and encourage you to contact one another, to stay in His Word, pray and also pray for our leaders for their burden is great. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (Galatians 6:9-10)
Keep the faith!
Your Pastor and Friend,
Pentti Maki