The week before Easter is commonly referred to as Holy Week. Each church has its own tradition and they are meaningful when you care to understand the meanings. I see many following the programs without deep diving into their significance. Instead, people get engrossed with Easter bunnies, chocolate presents, and long weekend escapades. In some countries there are restrictions on opening stores and other business establishments on Good Friday or the whole weekend. However, these restrictions are being challenged or removed. We have forgotten what this weekend means for mankind. It was mentioned over 2,600 years ago in the ancient writings of Daniel where the oldest manuscripts found are over 2,100 years old.
Daniel 9:19
O Lord, hear! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, listen and act! Do not delay for Your own sake, my God, for Your city and Your people are called by Your name.”
Daniel goes into a time of repentance prayer before God for Israel and his homeland. He knows the time of captivity is coming to an end because of Jeremiah's prophecy. As he prays, Gabriel comes to tell him the Messiah is coming.
Daniel 9:24
Seventy weeks are determined For your people and for your holy city, To finish the transgression, To make an end of sins, To make reconciliation for iniquity, To bring in everlasting righteousness, To seal up vision and prophecy, And to anoint the Most Holy.
In verse 27 it says all sacrifices will end. What does this sound like? Jesus the Messiah! And, He dies on the cross for the perfect and eternal sacrifice. Yes, the Messiah has come and on Easter Sunday someone would say, "Christ is Risen" and others will respond "He is Risen Indeed". His perfect sacrifice is good for all mankind. We need to believe and receive the salvation in our hearts and make Him our Lord. I believe what Gabriel said has been fulfilled but more research needs to be done about the 70 weeks mentioned in this chapter. Much has been said about what the seventy weeks mean. Anyone with thoughts on this can post a comment here.
The Messiah has come and, Father, I dwell and rejoice with Him.
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