In every national or global circumstance a different word seems to trend. In our current circumstance that word is “Unprecedented” – (def. as – without previous instance; never before known or experienced; unexampled or unparalleled). We have heard this adjective from practically every political leader as well as most agency representatives who have addressed this situation. Truly we are experiencing something, “unprecedented”. Such events are destined to change the norm. As I write this, the world is anxiously waiting for a return to normal, but what was normal before won’t be what normal looks like in the future. This shift in the known norm will carry with it some things that are hard to face and some things that will change for the good. On the bleak side there will be some financial hardships, some sad and personal losses, new fears, and new challenges. On the up side there will be changes in how we face the future, how we live, what we think is truly important and hopefully many will have learned from the experience we are now going through.

Ironically, this past Sunday celebrated another unprecedented event that changed the world forever, Palm Sunday. The nation of Israel had anxiously been awaiting the arrival of the Messiah who would, in their minds, restore Israel to their former glory; their previous “norm”. In Luke chapter 19 we can see the stark contrast between the hopes of the people, the corruption of their leaders and the purpose of God. In verses 41 and 42 Jesus weeps over Jerusalem, reveals the blindness of the people and declares that there was more going on than they would comprehend; “If you had known…the things which make for peace”. In todays’ terms, you people aren’t getting it! The crowd is excited. The crowd is proclaiming Jesus as King. It’s a festive environment of celebration yet Jesus is weeping because they do not understand what is happening or about to happen. In the midst of this unprecedented event, they are blind to its meaning.

How about back to back unprecedented events? Without question, what takes place a short week later is the most “unprecedented” event in all of history. Within a few days the same people who were cheering Jesus on have now turned against Him and are calling for His death by crucification. When He didn’t restore their norm they despised Him and they crucified Him. On the third day a new “norm” was born. The world would never be the same. A new covenant was established between God and mankind. Redemption was now offered to every human being as a free gift from God Himself. Unprecedented! Yet for many the blindness continues and those that are blind will continue to look in the past for their norm and will continue to despise anything or anyone who they believe is standing in the way of their goal.

As we look to the future, whatever that may look like, we should endeavor to discover the truth that surrounds us, “the things that make for peace”. Oh, if we only knew, ——— Happy Unprecedented Easter!

2Chron.7:14 – “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”