Weeds

He erased the certificate of debt, with its obligations, that was against us and opposed to us, and has taken it away by nailing it to the cross.  Colossians 2:14

For weeks, the landscaping in the front of our house has been slowly taken over by weeds and grass from a recent reseeding. They were an eyesore and ruined the curb appeal of our house. My wife and I occasionally pulled a few here and there as we walked by them. This past Saturday, given the sunshine, we decided to tackle it and get rid of those nuisances. We labored for nearly  two hours, and it was not easy. 

The weeds started as only a couple small sprouts, which were easy to ignore. Once rooted, they began to spread and basically took over most of the front landscaping. They took nutrients and sunshine away from the shrubs and flowers. Getting rid of them was not easy. Some of those weeds were stubborn and resilient. They had some really strong root systems. They did not want to pull up. 

As we worked, we noted that the weeds were much like sin in our lives. A nuisance. Annoying. Hard. Affecting how we are seen by others. Sin usually starts as small compromises when we let our guard down—just a thought, a word, or a small action we justify. Left unchecked or unaddressed, these small slips can lead to more, slowly influencing thoughts, attitudes, and behavior. Before we know it, we are deep in the throws of a sin that potentially could take over our lives. In this case, sin becomes harder and harder to put aside, get rid of, and turn away from. Our sin can be damaging to our witness. And, the results of our sin can impact others. 

I do not want to focus too much on our sin. I would rather focus more on what Jesus did for us since this week is often referred to as Holy Week, a time of deep spiritual reflection, focusing on Jesus’ sacrifice for humanity and His victory over sin and death, leading to Easter. But, in order to fully grasp the sacrifice that Jesus made on our behalf, we must stop and take a serious look at our condition without Jesus. Let’s not miss the fact that Jesus came to earth to redeem us and save us from our rebellion, to take away our sin and guilt.

Read Psalm 51:1-13 now as a prayer. When the de-weeding was finally complete, our front landscape had been restored and transformed back to the way it was intended to be. Jesus’ coming to earth to live a perfect life, die a terrible death on the cross, and overcome death makes a way for our condition and relationship with the Father to be restored and transformed. We would be doomed and hopeless without the events those many years ago that forever changed the world for eternity. 

On a side note, Danette pulling weeds with me made the process faster. Together, we accomplished so much more.  Several times we had to encourage each other to keep going to finish the task. We supported one another. In our spiritual journey, community is necessary. We were not called to go it alone. Having others with us on the journey is good for accountability, encouragement, and support. 

This week, as we approach Easter, stop and consider your condition without Christ and then celebrate what He has done for you personally. 

Call to Action

How are you approaching sin in your life: Ignoring it? Denying it? Justifying it? Living up to it? 

Spend some time to come clean of your sins. Be honest. Then, repent and turn your sins over to God. Let them go. He wants to change you and set you free. He wants to bring about restoration and transformation.

Volunteer for an act of service or charity to follow Jesus’ example of humility and servanthood. 

Fast from distractions such as social media, television or from food in order to focus more on Jesus and the sacrifice He made. 

Attend your church Easter services and invite someone you know who does not attend church. Enjoy time with family and friends. 

Digging Deeper

Read the following Scriptures this week as we lead into Easter. 

Monday

Matthew 21:1-11: The triumphant entry into Jerusalem.

Tuesday

Matthew 21:12-13: Jesus cleanses the temple.

Wednesday

Matthew 21:23-46: Jesus rebukes the Pharisees. 

Thursday

Matthew 26:20-75: The Last Supper.

Friday

Matthew 27:1-61: Jesus' crucifixion.

Saturday

Matthew 27:62-66: The sealing of the tomb. 

Sunday

Matthew 28:1-10: The resurrection.

Prayer

Risen Lord, thank you for the cross and the empty grave. Thank You for meeting me right where I am, again and again, with grace that never ends.

Copyright © 2025 Kyle Cravens