This is Holy Week, when we remember Jesus’ last days before His sacrifice for our sins, the waiting and then the Father gloriously raising Him from the dead on Resurrection Day.

That day changed everything. For all time. Peter points out that the prophets “searched and inquired” about the specifics. Even angels long to peek into God’s grand plan, His greatest-of-all news (cf. 1 Peter 1).

I need to remember this for perspective as I live through some other changing times. Have you noticed that we now measure events BC (before Covid), DC (during Covid) and AC, (hopefully, after Covid)? This isn’t the first or only pandemic. A century ago influenza became a world-wide and world-altering time, as well. Other pandemics and plagues were even more devastating to various people groups throughout history.

Likewise, the invasion of Ukraine by Russia has caused me to be caught up in the news and horrors of that war. I’ve been praying a lot regarding this conflict. I shared with one person that I feel almost a sense of foreboding. But wars aren’t new. Even the atrocities perpetrated by the Russian military and leadership aren’t all that novel when one steps back and looks at their strategies of the last couple decades.

Jesus says that if I am looking for peace in this world, it will elude me. “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 Jesus said these things BEFORE His arrest, BEFORE His trial, BEFORE His crucifixion.

Our world is changing at a pace and in a way that is rattling many. Let’s go back a couple millenia to when God Himself bore our sin once for all on that cross and rose victorious from the grave on the third day. When Everything Changed.

He (Jesus) is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. Colossians 1:18-20

Amazing love. How can it be, that Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

Discuss with another the practical impact that Jesus’ sacrifice and victory over sin and death currently makes in your life. List any steps God would have you take because Everything Changed.

Come, Lord Jesus.

Randy Jaspers

Northern Plains Regional Minister