The Lap of Luxury

     When it left England it was the largest moving object on the planet. Over 3 city blocks long and carrying over 2000 people, its decks were filled with lavish appointments. Its passengers were pampered in every way. This ship was the pinnacle of man's ingenuity. Making her way across the Atlantic, if such a thing as heaven on Earth existed, this was it.

     The passengers became so comfortable in this luxury that when the alarms were raised many ignored them thinking they were safe. Surrounded by the false security of luxury, many people went to watery graves as Titanic sank.

     Many people today live their lives much like those on Titanic. Living comfortably in the lap of luxury unaware that an icy death lurks just outside. The alarms have been sounded. The call to go to the lifeboats has been issued. God has provided guides to lead you to the safety of the lifeboats, all you need do is recognize the danger and heed the warnings.

     Do not be lulled to sleep by the comforts of luxury, heed the warnings flee to the safety Jesus provides. The icy waters of death are waiting to claim more victims.

Seven Days

     Has it really only been a week? Only seven days since the streets were jammed with people shouting, "Hosanna, glory to God in the highest!"? It has only been seven days, but it seems like a lifetime ago.

     The crowds that worshiped Jesus on that triumphant Sunday were calling for His death by Friday. Those that traveled with Him fled in fear, convinced they had lost all  hope. That was Friday, how things can change in only two days.

     Those who fled in fear are now talking of seeing Him alive. Jesus has risen from the dead. All that He said about being the Son of God is true. Yet the streets are now empty. Seven days ago Jesus was followed by the multitudes who were convinced He would free them from Rome. Now He comes offering freedom from death and only a few come and follow. It is only seven days from Palm Sunday to Easter, but there is an eternity of difference between them. Only those willing to go to the cross with Jesus will rise with Him on Easter.

Death to Life

     It was the cruelest form of punishment known in that day. It was reserved for only the worst of criminals. It was more than simply a punishment, it made a statement. Simply put, the cross was the very symbol of death.

     By dying this most cruel and painful death, Jesus performed His last earthly miracle. He changed the cross from a symbol of death to the promise of eternal life. No more is the cross a thing of fear, it now holds the promise of life with Jesus.

     The miracle of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection was to exchange death for life. By dying the cruelest of deaths, Jesus guaranteed life for those who would follow Him. We must simply take up our cross, now a symbol of life, and follow Him.