Over the past three years our family have walked through the valley of the shadow of death several times. We are facing this valley again on Alisha’s side of the family. Not only have I walked through this valley a lot lately with my own family. As a pastor and chaplain I have walked this journey with many families over the past thirteen years.

“He has risen, HE HAS RISEN INDEED!!!!” Many of you gathered in various congregation yesterday and celebrated our Risen Savior. No doubt the pastor or someone else led the congregation in saying “He has risen” and you and the rest of the congregation responded with “He HAS RISEN INDEED!!!!” But do you truly believe He has risen? Is your current situation keeping you from truly believing this? Is your current situation keeping you from recognizing the Risen Savior? Is there something in your past that you think not even Jesus could or would want to forgive you of?

I remember when I was in the infantry and we were going on patrol, we were always aware of the Line of Departure (LOD).  It was at the LOD where we were leaving the safety of base camp and going into the unknown.  The point where things could get real, real fast.  In the church this past Sunday, Palm Sunday was the LOD for Jesus of Nazareth.  For us in the church it signifies going from the season of Lent (preparation) into to Holy/Passion week.