Isaiah 11

I was just going to say that I wasn't sure I could take 39 chapters of judgment. This chapter is very hope-filled.

Palm Sunday is celebratory. Including the Passion in it already seemed to take the mood of triumphal entry away a little too quickly. I hadn't even preached yet and Jesus was dead. I know I won't be preaching on Good Friday for the foreseeable future, but skipping over Maundy Thursday doesn't sit well with me. Between the footwashing and the meal, it's my favorite day of the church year (with the exception of Easter).

For the past decade, Easter for me has been, "He is risen...time for a nap." Holy Week is so exhausting. But no matter how exhausted I am, words about a green shoot sprouting up from Jesse's stump get me going.

I'm meeting with a couple of families this week regarding baptisms/new membership. On Easter and many times in May and June, I will be praying that the Holy Spirit be poured out upon our newest sisters and brothers in Christ, the "life-giving Spirit that brings wisdom and understanding, gives direction and builds strength, instills knowledge and Fear-of-God (the Fear-of-God being all our joy and delight)".

Now that's what I'm talking about!