Monday of Holy Week

Isaiah 42:1-9

[one_half] The Prophet Isaiah provides us with a variety of imagery that tends to direct our hearts toward Jesus as the Messiah.  Here we have one of the suffering servant images where we discover that the Messiah will not falter or be discouraged until justice is established on the earth.  We learn that he will open eyes that are blind, free captives from prison, (see Luke 4:13-21) and set in motion a series of new things at just the right time.

The Gospel of Mark (11:12-19) describes Monday of the last week in the earthly life of Jesus.  We see him entering the temple, driving out the money changers, and reestablishing the temple as a house of prayer.  He is making all things new once again. [/one_half]

[one_half last=last] In fact, he did not simply cleanse the temple for that moment.   He provided a fresh start for worship all around the globe.  For truly his house would be a house of prayer for all the nations.

Today is a day set aside for a special season of prayer.  Give thanks for the good things God has done and ask the Lord to prepare your heart to worship through this week and on into the celebration of resurrection at Easter.  Our Lord provides release, freedom, and makes all things new! [/one_half]