Palm Sunday ! Be reminded of the reason for the Easter season!

Preparing for Jesus and His Sacrifice Beth and I walked through the garden of Gethsemane with it's olive bark laden trees olive trees, now believed to be over 2000 years old. We were struck by how alone Jesus was as he cried out in agony from among this garden just across Kidron Valley ( where it is believed Jesus will triumphantly cross upon His return). His disciples did not understand the urgency of the moment. They fell asleep as Jesus suffered. Not so you and I....Jesus was alone, but you will never be alone in any situation or pain. "Call on me in the day of trouble and I will deliver you..." Hebrews 4:15. Because of His being alone and sacrifice, we never be alone. It is interesting, as Beth and I stood there, we were touched as we realized this is where Jesus prepared for His painful death and as the Bible says, he sweat drops of blood in agony as he prayed to His Father.. But as we looked over our shoulder we could see the shadow of the Mount of Olives and we could picture Jesus ascending into heaven, the conqueror of death. Wow! Such an amazing place. Jesus went all the way through ...sometimes the only way out is to go through it. Jesus knew the only way we could be redeemed was for Him to be beat brutally and be lifted to the cross, taunted and disdained. Because He knew after going all the way to the tomb, He would conquer death through His resurrection. Jesus was willing to drink the cup for you and me so we can also have victory. He has given us the opportunity to choose Him and submit our lives to Him. He wants to see each and everyone in heaven, but not all will choose Him. Sad but true. Each of us will make this important choice. No one is exempt. Those who choose Christ will be in heaven; those who choose the other option will have chosen to spend eternity in hell. Jesus went all the way through... how about you? As Resurrection Day, it may be a good time for each of us to reflect on our choices and seriously confront the most important question of life. Have I believed and trusted in Jesus as the Savior from my sins .. Do I love Him and obey Him?