We just finished celebrating what is commonly called “Holy Week.” It begins with the celebration of Jesus’ triumphal entry and includes Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. It culminates, of course, with Easter. The purpose of celebrating “Holy Week” is to more fully understand everything Jesus encountered and the extent of the sacrifice He made for our sins. Understanding the grief and pain makes the triumph of the resurrection even that much more of a celebration.
Celebrating “Holy Week” is a good thing. A powerful thing. A necessary thing. But I’d like to suggest that for a Christian…a growing follower and disciple of Jesus…”Holy Week” should not be just the seven days prior to Easter.
You see, “holy” means “set apart by God,” “set apart for God.” It also has a fundamental meaning of being different from the world. Therefore, I suggest that every week should be a “Holy Week.” Every week…every day…of our lives should be holy. It has been set apart by God for His purposes. The very lives we live should be different from the world.
I Peter 2:9 tells us (the Message) But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God’s instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you—from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted.
He chose you. He chose you for a purpose. He wants you to be His voice, His touch, His smile. In everyday life. With the people you know. In your current circumstances. He chose you and set you apart.
Many years ago, David Hartman would sign off on “Good Morning America” with the phrase “go out and make it a great day.” I like that because it implies that whether or not you have a great day depends on you. If things aren’t going the way you want, you can make it a great day but deciding to. By an act of the will.
In that spirit, I’d like to charge you to “have a holy week.” More than that, “go out and make it a holy week.” With your family. With the people at work. With the checker at grocery store. Everywhere you go. Be Jesus’ smile, His touch, His voice. This week and the week after. Decide that you will…as an act of your will…make it a week that is different from the world. One in which you live your life set apart for God. A life of purpose. A life on purpose…for God. Have a Holy Week!
Glenn Crosthwait
Worship Pastor
Johns Creek Baptist Church