HOLY WEEK DEVOTIONAL DAY FOUR: Silent Wednesday
one church: columbus, ohio- Easter sunday
when god is silent
MEDITATIONAL THOUGHT: The Bible does not say what Jesus did on the Wednesday of Passion Week. Scholars speculate that after two exhausting days in Jerusalem, Jesus and His disciples spent this day resting in Bethany in anticipation of Passover. Why The Holy Spirit did not inspire the Gospel writers to record how Jesus spent His Wednesday is a mystery. Was Jesus taking time to rest, knowing the rest of the week would be exhausting? This an idea worth considering. Someone has stated the pace that we keep in our daily schedule can be considered, “hurry sickness.” There is an old adage which states that God created us as human beings, not human doings. Why are we driven to attempt to cram two lifetimes into one? Is our frantic pace nervous energy or are we equating busyness as a virtue to be attained?
Tim Hansel wrote a book titled, When I Relax I Feel Guilty. Does that describe you? There are those who view life as a beach that is to be enjoyed, others see it as a task to be accomplished - “if it is meant to be, it's up to me.” Which philosophy of life best describes you? Jesus did not say “come unto me all you are weary and carrying heavy burdens and I will give you a nervous breakdown.” Jesus said come to me and I will give you rest. Perhaps Silent Wednesday in Holy Week 2023 is a great time for all of us to take a deep breath, and a well deserved time of rest. Jesus reminds us that His burden is light and He will carry it for us.
APPLICATION QUESTIONS: What areas of my life are out of balance and need an adjustment? Why am I so driven to accomplish so much? What do I need to do to take the time to worship, work, rest, and play so that my relationship with those I love receive my best and not leftovers?
GUIDED PRAYER: Lord, today I choose to stop and reflect on the pace of my life. I confess that my life needs greater balance and my present pace is not sustainable. Give me wisdom to know when and what to say yes or no to. Give me the courage to “lie down in green pastures” so that my mind, will, and emotions can be renewed and energized. I give up all of my worry and stress that drives me to push myself beyond my limits. I rest in Your loving arms with the confidence You will hold me when I am weak and weary. But, sometimes Lord when I need to feel Your presence and hear Your voice, it seems as though You are silent. I understand that Your voice is often quiet but not silent. Please give me a greater sensitivity to Your voice and patience to wait on You. Amen.
We would love for you to join us for Easter Services at One Church, Saturday 5:30pm and 7pm- Sunday at 9:00am, 10:30am and 12:00pm. CLICK HERE for more details.
