Thoughts on Holy Thursday
14 April 2006

Last night, we had a great service for Holy Thursday. I like how we blend in liturgical elements (Apostles Creed) during these types of services. They give the worship experience a sense of historical context. We usually have a mid-week service that has large-group teaching, followed by small-groups breaking up over campus and exploring that week’s topic. Yet for Holy Week, we move the midweek service to Thursday in honor of our Savior’s Upper Room ministry. I find it odd that some churches don’t take advantage of the many opportunities to make memories around the events of Passion week. I know some that do not do so because they feel such acts are too Romish. It’s ironic how they still observe Easter, which was officially instituted by a Roman bishop. Oh well.

We also observed Communion. As I sat on the front row, gathering my thoughts before I preached, I smiled at the men who assisted in serving communion. What a diverse group of men, each having their own struggles and strengths. I sprung a melancholy smile at how God can bring such different people together around a common mission. I felt sad about how I’ve failed to love these men, the church, and my own family as Christ would have me. Yet that is the wonder of communion: the bringing to mind our weaknesses so that we can enjoy all the more the One who covers them.

I preached on thoughts I had reflected on by one of my favorite authors, John Piper. As I began, I called the children to the front of the sanctuary and told them a story that opened my message. They are awesome. The curiosity and imagination that sparkles in their eyes is magical. On Wednesdays, we have a focused ministry just for children while adults gather in small-groups. Yet on Holy Week we do not have this, slowing down the pace of ministries of the church for this week, encourging families to sit together. I notice that when we do this more than half of those that typically attend do not show up. I’m sure there are various reasons, but if I had to guess I would say that most people don’t want to go thru the struggle of sitting with their young children. I realize I did not because I was preaching , but my wife did. Afterwards I was shown how my boys had removed the erasers from many of the pew pencils. Yes, they are wiggly, wild, and sometimes I suspect possessed. Yet in the midst of all the struggle rise moments that I’ll always remember. One such came last night as we gathered in families and groups to pray. My wife and I rounded our boys together and told them we were praying for people to come to know Christ this Easter. I asked each of the boys to pray. As my oldest son began, he is six and did not have school the next day, he bowed his head and with all the sincerity he could muster asked God, “God, please help me spend the night at someone’s house tonight. And help people come to church on Easter.” His priorities may be a little off, but I love him anyway.

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