Holy Week Archives - Kristin Saatzer

I found myself in unbearable emotional pain a few years ago. A pit so low that I felt abandoned by God. He seemed remote, as if He did not hear or even want to hear me. I questioned His love for me, and I questioned His faithfulness.

In response to these dark feelings, I decided to focus on what I knew as truth. So, I pulled out my journal and listed the ways He had been faithful to me. As I wrote, page after page of remembrances poured from my pen. This exercise was a beautiful reminder that if He came through for me in the past, He would do so again. It was quite healing and required a large lump of tissues.

Anytime is the right time to focus on His faithfulness to us. Yet, the Lenten season and this week leading up to Easter are particularly timely for this exercise as we look towards the cross and the ultimate act of love the Savior demonstrated for us.

I encourage you to take some time this week to remember. Just write. Start from the beginning of your life or wherever you feel led.

Questions for remembrance:

What has He done in your life? How has He provided for you? How has He healed you? Who has He brought into your life to encourage you? How have His plans been so much better than yours? How has He comforted you? How has He protected you? Brought you joy? Where has He met you in your broken places?

In times of great joy, the deepest pain, and everything in between, I reflect on the word of God and find encouragement there. I have many favorite Bible verses written on cards, in my journal, or circled in my bible. Remembering and reflecting are similar but can be different spiritual exercises.

Thoughts for reflection:

What is His purpose for you? Think of verses that speak to you and ask yourself why? Reflect on how you can incorporate more of God in your life. Reflect on Christ’s words in this Holy Week. Think about what may be taking the place of Him in your heart.

As we look towards the cross, let us practice practical ways to fill our souls with more of God this Easter week by reflecting and remembering.

Only be on your guard and diligently watch yourselves, so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen, and so that they do not slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and grandchildren.

Deuteronomy 4:9

“It’s a weapon found only in the hands of one you love.

Your enemy has no such tool, for only a friend can betray.

Betrayal is mutiny.

It is a violation of trust. An inside job.”

Max Lucado, THE FINAL WEEK OF JESUS

The Ones Who Left

After Jesus’ arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, he suffered beatings, secret trials, crucifixion, and death after hanging on a cross for six hours; most of his disciples, vacant from the horrific scene.
After the betrayal and capture of their leader, the followers bolted. Peter (and another unnamed disciple) did follow Jesus, only to deny His Lord three times and run away.
Jesus, the crucified. Jesus the betrayed.
If we rewind the story, we read that The Messiah taught His disciples what was to come several times as His ministry on earth closed in. He predicted His death and resurrection (see Mark 9:32). We also read in Mark that the followers did not comprehend His meaning.

“But they did not understand the saying and were afraid to ask him.”

Mark 9:32 ESV

What a notion – the idea that Jesus would die and then come back to life! I relate to the disciples’ reaction or lack thereof. How does one grasp the idea of death and resurrection?

The hope of this Hebrew nation was that a Savior would come and rescue them from the evil clutch of Rome. These men believed Jesus Christ was The One. Instead, He dangled to His death, seeming to desert his beloved supporters.

They were left with fear for their safety, fear of their future, and swimming in grief. I imagine bitterness and anger surged inside their inconsolable hearts. I do not condemn them. I empathize with their plight. Continue Reading