We must praise Jesus in the open now

Published 10:05 pm Sunday, March 20, 2016

By CLYDE NORTHRUP

The redbud trees at the corner of our drive are in splendor. The peach trees are coming into full bloom. The daffodils continue to draw my eyes to their luscious yellow.

The resurrection of God’s wonders cause me to sing praises to our Creator God.

Palm Sunday springs into view.

The triumphal entry draws our souls to join the crowds going with Jesus to enter the city of the Holy Temple. I am bursting with praise.

I have to tell it. I must sing it. I can’t wait until no one is near. I have to praise Him now.

And I am not alone! Monday at the Andalusia Ministerial Association meeting we shared only some of the praise opportunities in our area. I tried to capture them on a sheet for publication.

Worshipers will be thanking and praising God at each of these fifteen special community events and hundreds more of which I am unaware. Let the people praise Him. Let all the people praise Him.

Don’t sleep through Palm Sunday. Wake up. Praise the Lord with a host of your Christian friends. Don’t get so wrapped around Easter clothing that you risk missing your opportunity to be filled with thanksgiving and gratitude for our Risen Savior.

I Personally’ I’m most grateful for what Christ did on the center cross. Watchman Nee, a beloved Chinese Christian pastor pointed to that cross as the dividing event of the history of mankind. It was on that cross that we died with the Messiah. A few brave friends and many enemies stood close enough to hear John’s beloved Jesus and Mary’s precious son announce to the universe “It is Finished! “ Oh my God, what you have done for me! You have accomplished the same for all of us who are willing to believe.

With deep longing I await the sunrise of Easter morning as we gather with God’s Children, sisters and brothers of Jehovah’s First Born Son. Let us join our hands and lift them high as together we praise His Holy Name.

Romans 6:6-8 (KJV-R) “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him.”

Hallelujah. Thank you God. Thank you Jesus. AMEN

 

– The Rev. Clyde Northrop is a member of the Andalusia Ministerial Association.