He’s a dear friend. But the next time we talk will be the first time we’ve ever talked! You see, he lived four hundred years ago. But his writings have been my close companion for almost half a century. I’m talking about the pastor and poet George Herbert. I just know we’re gonna like each other. Herbert wrote a famous poem called “Easter Wings.” The words are spaced so that it looks like a bird in flight. And his theme is how we can ride on the wings of the rising Jesus.

 

In just a few words, Herbert depicts how the flight of our lives is “grounded” by the dead weight of our sins and afflictions. Jesus got “grounded” by the cross as well. But with his rising, we too can have hope of soaring again in life. “With thee let me combine, and feel this day thy victory.” Joined to Jesus, we can participate in his resurrection life today. We can be grafted into Jesus, the way falconers would graft new feathers onto damaged wings of their birds. Our “wings,” our hearts and lives and relationships and work, can be lifted by his rising “wings.”

 

That’s what we’re after this month. Spiritually joining with Jesus in Holy Week. We want to go with him down into the shadows, dying to our old selves, being spiritually crucified with him. So that. So that we can with Easter joy, rise with Christ in his resurrection glory. Then we join in his great mission to the world.

 

Keep Holy Week with us this year. Palm Sunday. Holy Thursday. Easter Day. Let’s rise together on Easter wings. How eager I am to be with you for this season!

 

Holy Week Worship