Devotions with Pastor Jared Ritchey

Today, we are less than a week away from Resurrection Sunday. This week is widely known as Holy Week, in which we celebrate Maundy Thursday (the day Christ gave his apostles the command to love each other) and Good Friday (the day Christ was crucified).

As a teenager, Good Friday confused me. We're celebrating the fact that our Lord and Savior, God in the flesh suffered public ridicule and died the most horrific public execution that humans have come up with. What about that is worth celebrating instead of mourning? Today, I have matured enough to know that He died that death for me. For us, for humanity, yes. But also for you and me as individuals. However, His story didn't end there! Three days later, He rose from the grave, conquering death and hell (2 Tim. 1:10, Heb. 2:14, Rev. 1:18).

This week, as you remember that path to the cross that Jesus walked for you, I encourage you to remember Hebrews 12:1-2: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

He is Risen!
Pastor Jared