With this final post our "Journey to the Cross" Lent/Easter devotions comes to a close. Thanks for reading and thanks for posting your insights! Now that I have this blog set up, it will be easy to make use of it in the future. I don't like to make commitments I can't keep, so I'll let everyone know when I decide to post things in the future. Obviously there are lots of possibilities ranging from additional devotions to comments about current events to posting about mission or servant trips to reflecting on happenings at church. So, we'll see where God leads.
We end our devotions with a wonderful, clear statement by John as to why he wrote his gospel. It wasn't to provide an historical record of the life of Jesus. It wasn't to chronicle our Lord's every activity. It wasn't to make a case to prove just who Jesus was. No, his purpose was much simpler. It was "so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name." This was John's written witness to Jesus. It was written so that others might believe and discover the same abundant life John had discovered.
What a great reason to write about Jesus! What a great reason for us to bear witness as well! We do so that others might believe, and that through believing, they may have life in his name.
John says he could have included other signs Jesus did on earth. There were more, to be sure. But he chose to include the ones about which he wrote. These are more than enough to lead others to faith. When I first began to learn about Jesus and take faith seriously as a teenager, I remember being told that a good place to start is by reading John's gospel. How true this is. John's whole purpose was to share the good news of Jesus, that others might believe. I really don't think too much about what has not been included in the life of Jesus in the gospels. For what has been included is more than enough. He journeyed to the cross for us. He was raised in victory over sin and death. He lives on in the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. That's more than enough for me. Thanks for reading and blessings to all of you as you continue with your daily walk of faith!
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Easter Wednesday- Steadfast, Unmovable
I love 1 Corinthians 15, commonly called "the resurrection chapter." There is nothing more central and essential to the Christian faith than the belief in the resurrection. Paul says it best in verse 14, "and if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is our faith." Everything hinges on the resurrection. Even though we have not physically seen it, we believe it because of the faithful witness of so many through the ages and the work of the Spirit in our lives.
The death of our loved ones are sad occasions for us, for a person we loved and who made such an impact on us, is no longer with us. But for those that die in faith, there is the promise that the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality. "Death has been swallowed up in victory!" That's the hope, promise, and comfort we cling to in our times of grief. The one we love truly has gone to a new and better place.
There are plenty of things in life to worry about. Those beyond my control I try and let go of and trust God to handle. Those I can do something about, I seek God's guidance and try to act accordingly. Resurrection provides hope. God is present. God will lead me through. God always does. With that resurrection promise, I try and be a faithful witness to others I meet and trust God will work through me in the way God intends.
The death of our loved ones are sad occasions for us, for a person we loved and who made such an impact on us, is no longer with us. But for those that die in faith, there is the promise that the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality. "Death has been swallowed up in victory!" That's the hope, promise, and comfort we cling to in our times of grief. The one we love truly has gone to a new and better place.
There are plenty of things in life to worry about. Those beyond my control I try and let go of and trust God to handle. Those I can do something about, I seek God's guidance and try to act accordingly. Resurrection provides hope. God is present. God will lead me through. God always does. With that resurrection promise, I try and be a faithful witness to others I meet and trust God will work through me in the way God intends.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Easter Tuesday- The Emmaus Disciples
That must have been quite a Bible study! Jesus himself explaining the scriptures so that Cleopas and the second disciple felt "our hearts burning within us on the road." Luke 24:32 Wouldn't it have been wonderful to be part of that conversation?
For the Emmaus disciples this began as a time of great confusion. They left Jerusalem and walked to the west, perhaps symbolic of their downcast mood. When Jesus came alongside, Luke says, "they were kept from recognizing him." I take this to mean it was not yet time for them to know. More needed to be revealed to them, and to us, before they would recognize him. The revelation came in two parts, both key elements of Lutheran theology. First, it was through the Word of God. In this case it was Jesus, the Word, who opened up the written word for them. Her spoke the Word, and their hearts burned within. It was later, at supper, as they broke bread, that they recognized who they were with. It was Jesus himself, revealed in the breaking of the bread. This, of course, has a sacramental meaning, as we see Jesus in the bread and wine of the Lord's supper. Word and sacrament are the key elements of our life of faith together.
Throughout this Lenten and Easter season the regular discipline of reading, writing, and reflecting on God's Word has been a blessing to me. It has caused me to really think about our Lord's passion, and made the resurrection even more powerful. Even for us pastors (and maybe especially for us pastors, who read these texts again and again), it is easy to gloss over them, thinking there is nothing new to be discovered. This is nonsense, for sure, but it does happen. God's Word is always speaking to us in new and fresh ways, for our life's circumstances constantly change. I have not yet made plans for how to continue when we complete this series on Thursday, but I am thinking of some possible ways to do so. If we take the time, God's Word will continue to cause out hearts to "burn within us" and provide hope and guidance.
For the Emmaus disciples this began as a time of great confusion. They left Jerusalem and walked to the west, perhaps symbolic of their downcast mood. When Jesus came alongside, Luke says, "they were kept from recognizing him." I take this to mean it was not yet time for them to know. More needed to be revealed to them, and to us, before they would recognize him. The revelation came in two parts, both key elements of Lutheran theology. First, it was through the Word of God. In this case it was Jesus, the Word, who opened up the written word for them. Her spoke the Word, and their hearts burned within. It was later, at supper, as they broke bread, that they recognized who they were with. It was Jesus himself, revealed in the breaking of the bread. This, of course, has a sacramental meaning, as we see Jesus in the bread and wine of the Lord's supper. Word and sacrament are the key elements of our life of faith together.
Throughout this Lenten and Easter season the regular discipline of reading, writing, and reflecting on God's Word has been a blessing to me. It has caused me to really think about our Lord's passion, and made the resurrection even more powerful. Even for us pastors (and maybe especially for us pastors, who read these texts again and again), it is easy to gloss over them, thinking there is nothing new to be discovered. This is nonsense, for sure, but it does happen. God's Word is always speaking to us in new and fresh ways, for our life's circumstances constantly change. I have not yet made plans for how to continue when we complete this series on Thursday, but I am thinking of some possible ways to do so. If we take the time, God's Word will continue to cause out hearts to "burn within us" and provide hope and guidance.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Easter Monday
This is the day pastors, choirs, worship bands, altar guilds, church administrators, and everyone else associated with the events of the previous day breathe a sigh of relief. Another Easter has been celebrated. What a great day of joy! But, it's also a lot of work to prepare for the resurrection celebration!
Regardless of all that took place the previous day, life continues on. For the disciples, the good news of the resurrection continues with the appearances of the Risen Lord. That really is too much for me to imagine. How would I have reacted to the news that Jesus was risen? Probably a lot like Thomas. I, too, would have wanted some kind of proof in order to believe.
But the good news is that moving forward physical proof will no longer be needed. Thomas and the other disciples saw the Risen Christ. But Jesus' word to Thomas, and to us, is "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believed." Some were blessed to have actually seen. But actual sight will not be required. The gospel, the good news, will be proclaimed by the disciples, the women, and others who saw the Risen Lord. In the telling and in the hearing, people will come to faith. God's Spirit will work through this spoken Word to grow God's kingdom by God's grace.
And this is exactly what has happened. The gospel is shared, and the Spirit enlivens faith in the hearts of those that hear. It is simply amazing to me that from that first group of witnesses, the Christian faith has spread across the world. It is simply amazing to me, that God's Spirit got through to me through the faithful witness of many.
Sometimes I wonder if the work I do in sharing the gospel makes any difference. What is the future of the church locally, nationally, and across the globe? In my times of anxiety, I try and remind myself it is God's church, not mine. God's Spirit has moved in people's hearts for more than 2000 years now, and I trust God will continue to do so long after my work is done. That's the hope and the promise. "Blessed are those that have not seen, and yet believe!"
Regardless of all that took place the previous day, life continues on. For the disciples, the good news of the resurrection continues with the appearances of the Risen Lord. That really is too much for me to imagine. How would I have reacted to the news that Jesus was risen? Probably a lot like Thomas. I, too, would have wanted some kind of proof in order to believe.
But the good news is that moving forward physical proof will no longer be needed. Thomas and the other disciples saw the Risen Christ. But Jesus' word to Thomas, and to us, is "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believed." Some were blessed to have actually seen. But actual sight will not be required. The gospel, the good news, will be proclaimed by the disciples, the women, and others who saw the Risen Lord. In the telling and in the hearing, people will come to faith. God's Spirit will work through this spoken Word to grow God's kingdom by God's grace.
And this is exactly what has happened. The gospel is shared, and the Spirit enlivens faith in the hearts of those that hear. It is simply amazing to me that from that first group of witnesses, the Christian faith has spread across the world. It is simply amazing to me, that God's Spirit got through to me through the faithful witness of many.
Sometimes I wonder if the work I do in sharing the gospel makes any difference. What is the future of the church locally, nationally, and across the globe? In my times of anxiety, I try and remind myself it is God's church, not mine. God's Spirit has moved in people's hearts for more than 2000 years now, and I trust God will continue to do so long after my work is done. That's the hope and the promise. "Blessed are those that have not seen, and yet believe!"
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Resurrection Day- Easter Sunday
It's been a long, forty day journey (excluding Sundays) to this day. During that time we've looked closely at Jesus' betrayal, arrest, suffering, and death. That's a hard journey to take. It's especially hard when we acknowledge that it was our sin that brought this upon him.. He suffered and died for us.
But today that all changes. The sin that Jesus took upon himself and that led to his death, does not have the final say. Jesus paid the price. He went the distance. He was fully obedient to the Father. And God then completed this act of redemption in raising His son. Because of Jesus, sin does not win, forgiveness does. Because of Jesus, death does not win, life does. Because of Jesus, despair does not win, hope does. The resurrection is an amazing, miraculous turn of events. The final victory is God's. Praise God for raising Jesus in victory!
"Be not afraid," says the angel. In this life, having some healthy fear is normal and even necessary. I better be a little bit afraid crossing a busy street, so I look both ways and be sure it's safe to cross. But fear of what is to come should not control us. The resurrection declares that God is present in our lives, no matter what comes our way. So, I can live my life with a healthy respect for the dangers that are all around, but not be trapped in fear for what could happen. God is always there. God is my rock and fortress. Because Christ is risen, I no longer need to be afraid. He goes with me every step of the way on life's journey. Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!
But today that all changes. The sin that Jesus took upon himself and that led to his death, does not have the final say. Jesus paid the price. He went the distance. He was fully obedient to the Father. And God then completed this act of redemption in raising His son. Because of Jesus, sin does not win, forgiveness does. Because of Jesus, death does not win, life does. Because of Jesus, despair does not win, hope does. The resurrection is an amazing, miraculous turn of events. The final victory is God's. Praise God for raising Jesus in victory!
"Be not afraid," says the angel. In this life, having some healthy fear is normal and even necessary. I better be a little bit afraid crossing a busy street, so I look both ways and be sure it's safe to cross. But fear of what is to come should not control us. The resurrection declares that God is present in our lives, no matter what comes our way. So, I can live my life with a healthy respect for the dangers that are all around, but not be trapped in fear for what could happen. God is always there. God is my rock and fortress. Because Christ is risen, I no longer need to be afraid. He goes with me every step of the way on life's journey. Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Day 40- Jesus is Buried- Holy Saturday
The three holiest days in the church year begin Thursday evening of Holy Week with the Last Supper and conclude Easter evening, in some churches with an Easter evening worship. This period is called the "Triduum," or "three days." It includes the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Some traditions also include an Easter vigil service beginning Saturday evening which leads to the celebration of the resurrection early Easter morning.
Today marks the end of the 40 day Lenten season as well. It is the day we remember our Lord in the tomb. It is that time when, as we say in the Apostle's Creed, "he descended into hell," or alternately, he "descended to the dead." There's not agreement on precisely what that means. It most certainly means he literally died. He went to the place of the dead. He fully knows our death, there can be no question about that.
Even more than Good Friday, the significance of Holy Saturday is mostly overlooked. It's a day when my focus, to be honest, is on the day to come. The Easter garden is set up in church, final plans for Easter Sunday are set in place, I practice my Easter sermon, shopping is done for Easter dinner, etc., etc. What happens on Holy Saturday seems an afterthought.
So perhaps this year can be different. This is a holy day of waiting. Christ's body lay in the tomb, waiting for what was to come. Our devotion suggests we also reflect on what it means to wait for God. It's hard to wait. Waiting often involves uncertainty, and that can be unsettling. But, wait we must. I am reminded to have faith that God is always at work, carrying out God's will in my life and in the world in God's time and way. Jesus waited for resurrection. We, too, wait for God to act in our lives and to show us His way.
Today marks the end of the 40 day Lenten season as well. It is the day we remember our Lord in the tomb. It is that time when, as we say in the Apostle's Creed, "he descended into hell," or alternately, he "descended to the dead." There's not agreement on precisely what that means. It most certainly means he literally died. He went to the place of the dead. He fully knows our death, there can be no question about that.
Even more than Good Friday, the significance of Holy Saturday is mostly overlooked. It's a day when my focus, to be honest, is on the day to come. The Easter garden is set up in church, final plans for Easter Sunday are set in place, I practice my Easter sermon, shopping is done for Easter dinner, etc., etc. What happens on Holy Saturday seems an afterthought.
So perhaps this year can be different. This is a holy day of waiting. Christ's body lay in the tomb, waiting for what was to come. Our devotion suggests we also reflect on what it means to wait for God. It's hard to wait. Waiting often involves uncertainty, and that can be unsettling. But, wait we must. I am reminded to have faith that God is always at work, carrying out God's will in my life and in the world in God's time and way. Jesus waited for resurrection. We, too, wait for God to act in our lives and to show us His way.
Friday, April 6, 2012
Day 39- Blood and Water- Good Friday
Today is the day in the Christian year that believers pause to remember our Lord's death on the cross. In our devotions we have been reading daily about what took place on the cross since Day 28. Today's devotion is the final act on the cross, the piercing of Christ's side to verify his death, a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.
Tonight at 8:00PM at Our Saviour's we will have a dramatic tenebrae service where we will again follow the events of Christ's passion and death for us. As the service progresses, the sanctuary gets darker and darker, ending in darkness as Jesus dies on the cross. We are not, however, people without hope. And so this service will end with a candle of hope, a foretaste of the resurrection to come.
For most people, life does go on without hardly a thought about Good Friday. Sporting events are held, shopping malls attract Easter shoppers, the internet is surfed, most businesses are open as usual, life continues normally. I'm guilty of complacency as well, not treating the day with the kind of respect and reverence it truly deserves. But then, how do you measure such devotion? How much is enough to do for God on this day? How can we possibly repay God for Christ's sacrifice? We cannot. And perhaps that's the point. On this day, Christ does for us what we cannot do. He takes our sins and dies for them. He makes possible a new relationship with God. He sets us free from the restrictions of the law or any notion that we can to do things to earn God's favor. We can never do enough. But now we don't have to. We simply need to believe in God's work on the cross and the saving grace it provides. Throughout this most holy of days, in the midst of the daily activities of life, may we take time to remember what Jesus has done for us.
Tonight at 8:00PM at Our Saviour's we will have a dramatic tenebrae service where we will again follow the events of Christ's passion and death for us. As the service progresses, the sanctuary gets darker and darker, ending in darkness as Jesus dies on the cross. We are not, however, people without hope. And so this service will end with a candle of hope, a foretaste of the resurrection to come.
For most people, life does go on without hardly a thought about Good Friday. Sporting events are held, shopping malls attract Easter shoppers, the internet is surfed, most businesses are open as usual, life continues normally. I'm guilty of complacency as well, not treating the day with the kind of respect and reverence it truly deserves. But then, how do you measure such devotion? How much is enough to do for God on this day? How can we possibly repay God for Christ's sacrifice? We cannot. And perhaps that's the point. On this day, Christ does for us what we cannot do. He takes our sins and dies for them. He makes possible a new relationship with God. He sets us free from the restrictions of the law or any notion that we can to do things to earn God's favor. We can never do enough. But now we don't have to. We simply need to believe in God's work on the cross and the saving grace it provides. Throughout this most holy of days, in the midst of the daily activities of life, may we take time to remember what Jesus has done for us.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Day 38- Truly the Son of God- Maundy Thursday
One cannot reflect on Matthew 27:50-54 without wondering about the strange occurrences recorded. Matthew is the only gospel writer to record the earthquake at Christ's death, the opening of the tombs, and the raising of the saints. Whether this was an actual "historic" event, or Matthew's way of proclaiming the power of God at this crucial moment, I'll let others decide. Clearly something powerful and unusual happened at the time of Christ's death, powerful enough for the centurion and those with him to declare, "Truly this man was God's Son." And that, perhaps, is the main point. This was no ordinary crucifixion ending in death. Something more was happening. Something much deeper was taking place. God was at work in a new and unique way. This was God's Son, redeeming the world. The full story had not yet been revealed, but we now believe Christ's death was for the sins of the world.
Time after time we see how lives were changed by what took place. In this case it is the centurion, whose life will never be the same. It reminds me that Christianity does involve conversion, a changed heart. This can happen in many different ways depending on the person and the work of the Spirit. Some people, raised in a Christian home, can never remember a time they were not Christian. Others experience a dramatic point of conversion. Whatever the case, Christianity is a life changing belief. It changed the centurion's life at the cross. It has also changed mine.
Time after time we see how lives were changed by what took place. In this case it is the centurion, whose life will never be the same. It reminds me that Christianity does involve conversion, a changed heart. This can happen in many different ways depending on the person and the work of the Spirit. Some people, raised in a Christian home, can never remember a time they were not Christian. Others experience a dramatic point of conversion. Whatever the case, Christianity is a life changing belief. It changed the centurion's life at the cross. It has also changed mine.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Day 37- The Curtain is Torn
This is such a powerful moment that occurs just as Christ dies. The temple curtain, separating the Holy Place from the most Holy Place, is completely severed, top to bottom. God is doing a new thing. God is tearing up the old, and replacing it with something far better. Earlier in Lent, I preached a sermon on the promised new covenant of Jeremiah 31:33. In the new covenant, God's law would move from the external to the internal, from the outside to the heart. Access to God would be through faith alone, not some outside set of laws or some priestly intermediaries. God gets deeply personal. This is the point at which that promise is symbolically fulfilled. There is no more curtain in front of God. Now, everyone shall have opportunity to know the Lord. God's law will forever be written on our hearts.
It was on a ninth grade confirmation retreat many years ago, that I first heard and understood that I could know God personally. This amazed me. This overwhelmed me. God was not just some concept or some distant being. God could be known personally, just by praying and asking for God's presence. This changed my life. You might say that the curtain that separated me from understanding God was torn in two, top to bottom. I am so grateful that this curtain was first torn and taken away from the temple, when Jesus died. Now everyone has access to God. I am even more grateful that the curtain was torn in my life, opening up a whole new world of faith and life with God.
It was on a ninth grade confirmation retreat many years ago, that I first heard and understood that I could know God personally. This amazed me. This overwhelmed me. God was not just some concept or some distant being. God could be known personally, just by praying and asking for God's presence. This changed my life. You might say that the curtain that separated me from understanding God was torn in two, top to bottom. I am so grateful that this curtain was first torn and taken away from the temple, when Jesus died. Now everyone has access to God. I am even more grateful that the curtain was torn in my life, opening up a whole new world of faith and life with God.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Day 36- I Commend My Spirit
"Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." (Luke 23:46, NIV) In Luke's gospel, these are the final words of Jesus before he dies. I read them as ultimate words of trust. Jesus gives his life over to God the Father, trusting in the Father for whatever was yet to come. That's faith, giving your life up to God and trusting in God's plan for your future.
We do not need to be on our deathbed to commit our spirits to God. When that time comes, I hope I can give my life up to God in the same way Jesus does. Because Jesus died and rose, I can have complete confidence that death is not the end, but the gate to eternal life with God. But every day we have the opportunity to commit our spirits to the Lord. The journey of life takes us down many uncertain paths. Things happen over which we have little control. The only way forward is to place our complete trust in God, believing God is present and God knows what is best for us. The way may be uncertain, but God is there. I believe that to be as true for each day of life I am given as it is true when the time of death comes. Committing our spirits to God is a daily act that brings the comfort and hope of God's presence and guidance.
We do not need to be on our deathbed to commit our spirits to God. When that time comes, I hope I can give my life up to God in the same way Jesus does. Because Jesus died and rose, I can have complete confidence that death is not the end, but the gate to eternal life with God. But every day we have the opportunity to commit our spirits to the Lord. The journey of life takes us down many uncertain paths. Things happen over which we have little control. The only way forward is to place our complete trust in God, believing God is present and God knows what is best for us. The way may be uncertain, but God is there. I believe that to be as true for each day of life I am given as it is true when the time of death comes. Committing our spirits to God is a daily act that brings the comfort and hope of God's presence and guidance.
Monday, April 2, 2012
Day 35- Paid in Full
Tonight Kansas plays Kentucky in the Division 1 NCAA basketball finals. 68 teams began the tournament a month ago. Tonight a champion is crowned and the tournament is finished for another year. As a former basketball player, I enjoy watching some of the games, and will definitely be watching tonight. I also know that what sets apart great players from average ones is their ability to finish off plays. Michael Jordan, for example, was a great finisher. He got the job done when the game was on the line.
There was no greater finisher than Jesus. He was asked to do something infinitely more difficult than finishing a basketball game. He was asked to take the world's sin upon himself and in the process, suffer and die. He was asked to put complete trust in God the Father, that the Father's will would be accomplished through him. Today, Jesus finishes. "It is finished!," he cries out from the cross. Our debt of sin is paid in full.
I've been privileged to be present on many occasions when a person's life has come to an end and they rest at peace with God. The suffering ends and the new, eternal life begins. There is a profound sense of peace in that moment. For Jesus, all that suffering now ends. Given what we've read about all he has gone through, I feel almost a sense of relief for him as he cries out, "It is finished." His suffering is over. He is set free from all that has wounded him. And, at the same time, new life is now made possible for us. Today I thank Jesus for finishing the extremely difficult task he was asked to do for me.
There was no greater finisher than Jesus. He was asked to do something infinitely more difficult than finishing a basketball game. He was asked to take the world's sin upon himself and in the process, suffer and die. He was asked to put complete trust in God the Father, that the Father's will would be accomplished through him. Today, Jesus finishes. "It is finished!," he cries out from the cross. Our debt of sin is paid in full.
I've been privileged to be present on many occasions when a person's life has come to an end and they rest at peace with God. The suffering ends and the new, eternal life begins. There is a profound sense of peace in that moment. For Jesus, all that suffering now ends. Given what we've read about all he has gone through, I feel almost a sense of relief for him as he cries out, "It is finished." His suffering is over. He is set free from all that has wounded him. And, at the same time, new life is now made possible for us. Today I thank Jesus for finishing the extremely difficult task he was asked to do for me.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
The Sixth Sunday in Lent- Palm/Passion Sunday
Palm Sunday begins with a note of triumph as we recreate the scene of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, riding on a donkey, with crowds waving palm branches and crying out, "Hosanna in the Highest!" But just like the final week in Jesus' life, the mood quickly changes as those same crowds, influenced by the religious leaders of the day, quickly turn against Jesus. Our focus turns to our Lord's "passion" or "suffering" for us.
Once each year, on Palm/Passion Sunday, we read the entire passion story from one of the gospels, as a congregational reading. This year the reading is from the Gospel of Mark. I think it is important to do this, for so seldom do we take the time to actually read the whole story of our Lord's suffering for us. This prepares us in a significant way for the triumph of the resurrection ye to come.
Mark's passion account begins with chapter 14:1and ends at 15:47. Mark's gospel is the shortest of the four gospels. Like the rest of his gospel, his passion story is lean and taut and moves quickly from the plot to arrest Jesus to his crucifixion and burial. Two major themes run through the entire passion story--one focusing on Jesus who with intense determination gives his life for others; the other, on those who surround Jesus, some withering in the cross of suffering, some exemplifying faith and courage.
There are six "scenes" in the passion account:
Mark 14:1-11 Fidelity and betrayal
14:12-31 The Final Passover
14:32-52 Gethsemane: Prayer and Arrest
14:53-72 Confession and Denial: Interrogation by the Sanhedrin
15:1-20 The Roman Trial before Pilate
15: 21-47 The Crucifixion and Burial
Throughout this account we see the faithful resolve of Jesus to carry out the Father's will, even when so many desert him. What seems like folly to the masses is really God at work to save the world. The new kingdom of forgiveness and grace is breaking in. The veil of the temple is torn in two, and faith is ignited in the Roman centurion who declares, "Surely this man was the Son of God!" His body is laid in the tomb, under the watchful eyes of Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses. Although his disciples failed him, these faithful women did not. Soon, they would be the first declare the good news of the gospel, the resurrection of our Lord from the dead.
(note: Portions of these comments are from the writings of Donald Senior, a Roman Catholic priest of the order of Passionist Fathers, whose primary focus in on the accounts of Christ's passion. See http://www.cptryon.org/xpipassio/passio/index.html
Once each year, on Palm/Passion Sunday, we read the entire passion story from one of the gospels, as a congregational reading. This year the reading is from the Gospel of Mark. I think it is important to do this, for so seldom do we take the time to actually read the whole story of our Lord's suffering for us. This prepares us in a significant way for the triumph of the resurrection ye to come.
Mark's passion account begins with chapter 14:1and ends at 15:47. Mark's gospel is the shortest of the four gospels. Like the rest of his gospel, his passion story is lean and taut and moves quickly from the plot to arrest Jesus to his crucifixion and burial. Two major themes run through the entire passion story--one focusing on Jesus who with intense determination gives his life for others; the other, on those who surround Jesus, some withering in the cross of suffering, some exemplifying faith and courage.
There are six "scenes" in the passion account:
Mark 14:1-11 Fidelity and betrayal
14:12-31 The Final Passover
14:32-52 Gethsemane: Prayer and Arrest
14:53-72 Confession and Denial: Interrogation by the Sanhedrin
15:1-20 The Roman Trial before Pilate
15: 21-47 The Crucifixion and Burial
Throughout this account we see the faithful resolve of Jesus to carry out the Father's will, even when so many desert him. What seems like folly to the masses is really God at work to save the world. The new kingdom of forgiveness and grace is breaking in. The veil of the temple is torn in two, and faith is ignited in the Roman centurion who declares, "Surely this man was the Son of God!" His body is laid in the tomb, under the watchful eyes of Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses. Although his disciples failed him, these faithful women did not. Soon, they would be the first declare the good news of the gospel, the resurrection of our Lord from the dead.
(note: Portions of these comments are from the writings of Donald Senior, a Roman Catholic priest of the order of Passionist Fathers, whose primary focus in on the accounts of Christ's passion. See http://www.cptryon.org/xpipassio/passio/index.html
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Day 34- I Thirst
The death of Jesus on the cross was close at hand. He is physically thirsty. His body had been through so much from the time of his arrest until these final moments, he would have had to be nearly completely dehydrated. We may not be able to relate to all the pain and suffering Jesus experienced that led to this moment, but we have all known the feeling of being thirsty.
But his thirst was not only physical. There was the spiritual thirst for God the Father. As in yesterday's devotion, we remember that as Jesus took upon himself our sin and the death we deserved, he felt separated from the Father. He thirsted for God. He longed for that relationship that was being broken by the world's sin.
Because of the cross and resurrection, Jesus is the "living water" for us. There are times when we feel all dried up spiritually. We thirst for God. The good news is that we only need to give our lives over to God once again, and we can be filled with the living water Jesus offers us.
This also reminds me that many people throughout the world are thirsty all the time. Clean, safe drinking water is a luxury many people simply do not have. In my three visits to Tanzania in East Africa, it was shocking to me to see people getting their drinking water from dirty rivers or, worse yet, muddy wells they had dug. I'm grateful for those organizations that are able to work with the people to provide clean drinking water and to educate people about the importance of clean water. Water issues are critical here in the dry state of Utah as well. Without an adequate clean water supply, life as we know it would not be possible.
As we think about the words of Jesus on the cross, "I thirst," let us pray that we might be spiritually refreshed this day. Let us also pray we might be made aware of the critical issues surrounding the limited water supply on our planet and do our part to make clean water possible for others.
But his thirst was not only physical. There was the spiritual thirst for God the Father. As in yesterday's devotion, we remember that as Jesus took upon himself our sin and the death we deserved, he felt separated from the Father. He thirsted for God. He longed for that relationship that was being broken by the world's sin.
Because of the cross and resurrection, Jesus is the "living water" for us. There are times when we feel all dried up spiritually. We thirst for God. The good news is that we only need to give our lives over to God once again, and we can be filled with the living water Jesus offers us.
This also reminds me that many people throughout the world are thirsty all the time. Clean, safe drinking water is a luxury many people simply do not have. In my three visits to Tanzania in East Africa, it was shocking to me to see people getting their drinking water from dirty rivers or, worse yet, muddy wells they had dug. I'm grateful for those organizations that are able to work with the people to provide clean drinking water and to educate people about the importance of clean water. Water issues are critical here in the dry state of Utah as well. Without an adequate clean water supply, life as we know it would not be possible.
As we think about the words of Jesus on the cross, "I thirst," let us pray that we might be spiritually refreshed this day. Let us also pray we might be made aware of the critical issues surrounding the limited water supply on our planet and do our part to make clean water possible for others.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Day 33- My God, Why?
It's interesting to me that when Jesus is most alone, in his greatest agony, he quotes scripture. "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me" are the words of Psalm 22:1. Jesus remembers this Psalm and identifies with it while dying on the cross for us. This is one reason it is good to memorize portions of scripture, or at least be familiar with important sections. We can turn to them in our time of need.
Jesus feels forsaken because he has taken the world's sin upon himself. He feels totally alone. He is totally alone. "Why?" he asks. "Where are you Father?" he was likely thinking. There have certainly been times when I've asked the "Why?" question. There have certainly been times I've wondered, "Where are you, God?" I find some comfort in that even Jesus asked "Why?" while dying on the cross for us. I guess it's OK for me to ask "Why?" as well.
The good news is that because Christ died on the cross and rose from the tomb, we don't ever have to feel alone again. We certainly will face times of loneliness. We are made for relationships. When something happens that takes those relationships away, we feel it deeply within. But God does not leave us. In our Baptism and in our daily walk of faith, God is there. Jesus willingly became forsaken from the Father, so we do not have to be. If you're feeling lonely today, take a moment to turn to God in prayer. Pray that He will fill you with His presence. Pray that God will bring the right people into your life, to befriend you and relieve that loneliness. As the old hymn proclaims, "What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear. What a privilege to carry, everything to God in prayer" He is there to listen and be a friend like no other.
Jesus feels forsaken because he has taken the world's sin upon himself. He feels totally alone. He is totally alone. "Why?" he asks. "Where are you Father?" he was likely thinking. There have certainly been times when I've asked the "Why?" question. There have certainly been times I've wondered, "Where are you, God?" I find some comfort in that even Jesus asked "Why?" while dying on the cross for us. I guess it's OK for me to ask "Why?" as well.
The good news is that because Christ died on the cross and rose from the tomb, we don't ever have to feel alone again. We certainly will face times of loneliness. We are made for relationships. When something happens that takes those relationships away, we feel it deeply within. But God does not leave us. In our Baptism and in our daily walk of faith, God is there. Jesus willingly became forsaken from the Father, so we do not have to be. If you're feeling lonely today, take a moment to turn to God in prayer. Pray that He will fill you with His presence. Pray that God will bring the right people into your life, to befriend you and relieve that loneliness. As the old hymn proclaims, "What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear. What a privilege to carry, everything to God in prayer" He is there to listen and be a friend like no other.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Day 32- A Mother, A Son
The Gospel of John is the only Gospel that makes reference to the "beloved disciple." This is the disciple "whom Jesus loved." (John 19:26) The beloved disciple has traditionally been identified as John the evangelist, the writer of the Gospel.
What strikes me about this scene is the love expressed. There is Jesus' love for his disciple. John loves Jesus in return. While there is no evidence of the other disciples being present, John was at the cross. There is the love of Mary and the women at the cross for Jesus. There is the love Jesus expresses to Mary, and John's love for Mary as well. It is remarkable that in the midst of this horrific crucifixion, Jesus looks upon his mother and commends her to John's care. The whole scene is one of tenderness and love.
This must have been gut wrenching for Mary, to see your son die in this way. But given all she knew of his birth and his life, perhaps Mary knew God had more in store. Perhaps she did understand this was far more significant than what everyone else believed. Perhaps she did have faith that God was about to do a great work through her son.
We are blessed to live on the other side of the cross. We know the good news of the resurrection. We know that Christ's death did indeed, bring life. Until we actually die or are involved in the dying process at the end of life, death will always hold some mystery for us. There is always fear of the unknown. But, because of the cross and the resurrection, we can face death in confidence and hope. I pray that I may be able to do so, when God calls me home.
What strikes me about this scene is the love expressed. There is Jesus' love for his disciple. John loves Jesus in return. While there is no evidence of the other disciples being present, John was at the cross. There is the love of Mary and the women at the cross for Jesus. There is the love Jesus expresses to Mary, and John's love for Mary as well. It is remarkable that in the midst of this horrific crucifixion, Jesus looks upon his mother and commends her to John's care. The whole scene is one of tenderness and love.
This must have been gut wrenching for Mary, to see your son die in this way. But given all she knew of his birth and his life, perhaps Mary knew God had more in store. Perhaps she did understand this was far more significant than what everyone else believed. Perhaps she did have faith that God was about to do a great work through her son.
We are blessed to live on the other side of the cross. We know the good news of the resurrection. We know that Christ's death did indeed, bring life. Until we actually die or are involved in the dying process at the end of life, death will always hold some mystery for us. There is always fear of the unknown. But, because of the cross and the resurrection, we can face death in confidence and hope. I pray that I may be able to do so, when God calls me home.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Day 31- Today, Paradise!
"Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." What a humble and contrite prayer. It is the prayer of a repentant heart. It's not a demanding prayer, but a prayer of trust. "Jesus, remember me." As I think about my life and the time when death will inevitably come, "Jesus, remember me" is my prayer as well.
And what joyful and hopeful response is given by Jesus! "Today, you will be with me in paradise!" This second criminal had obviously done some very bad things in his life. We don't know what, but apparently he knew he had done wrong. "We are getting what we deserve for our deeds," he says. But, none of that mattered at this moment. The thief recognized Jesus as God's son, who was bringing in a new kingdom. Jesus response was one of love and forgiveness. "Today you will be with me in paradise."
That promise must have meant everything to that thief. He was about to die. He was about to enter into that great and unknown abyss. But, with those words of promise from Jesus, he can now be at peace. There was promise and hope beyond his death on the cross. He would be with Jesus in paradise.
We, too, have that promise and hope. When we place our trust in what Jesus has done for us, we also find peace. We, too, know that the promise of paradise with Jesus awaits us. No matter when or how death comes to us, we know it is just the passage to eternal life with God. We can live our lives with joy and fullness, knowing that when our time on earth is through, paradise with Jesus is yet to come.
And what joyful and hopeful response is given by Jesus! "Today, you will be with me in paradise!" This second criminal had obviously done some very bad things in his life. We don't know what, but apparently he knew he had done wrong. "We are getting what we deserve for our deeds," he says. But, none of that mattered at this moment. The thief recognized Jesus as God's son, who was bringing in a new kingdom. Jesus response was one of love and forgiveness. "Today you will be with me in paradise."
That promise must have meant everything to that thief. He was about to die. He was about to enter into that great and unknown abyss. But, with those words of promise from Jesus, he can now be at peace. There was promise and hope beyond his death on the cross. He would be with Jesus in paradise.
We, too, have that promise and hope. When we place our trust in what Jesus has done for us, we also find peace. We, too, know that the promise of paradise with Jesus awaits us. No matter when or how death comes to us, we know it is just the passage to eternal life with God. We can live our lives with joy and fullness, knowing that when our time on earth is through, paradise with Jesus is yet to come.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Day 30- Father, Forgive Them
The soldiers that crucified Jesus did not know what they were really doing. They thought they knew what they were doing, crucifying a condemned criminal. They were doing their job- as gruesome as that was. But what was actually taking place was happening on an entirely different level. This Jesus, the condemned criminal, was God's own Son, taking upon himself the sins of the world. Jesus, in the midst of unbelievable pain, turns to them with compassion and says, "Father, forgive them." He knew they did not understand what they were really doing. Despite being physically and emotionally hurt by them, Jesus forgives.
This has always been the ultimate example of forgiveness for me. To forgive others as they are wrongly putting you to death is just about too much to imagine. It gives perspective to my need to forgive, which pales in comparison. There are many ways we can be hurt by others, or hurt others by what we do. Sometimes, we don't even know we have done so. Sometimes, people aren't even aware how they have hurt us. That's why forgiveness is such an important value in the Christian faith. We all make mistakes, intentionally and unintentionally. We need to learn how to forgive, and to seek forgiveness. Thank God that because God, through Jesus, forgives us, we can make forgiveness a part of our lives as well.
This has always been the ultimate example of forgiveness for me. To forgive others as they are wrongly putting you to death is just about too much to imagine. It gives perspective to my need to forgive, which pales in comparison. There are many ways we can be hurt by others, or hurt others by what we do. Sometimes, we don't even know we have done so. Sometimes, people aren't even aware how they have hurt us. That's why forgiveness is such an important value in the Christian faith. We all make mistakes, intentionally and unintentionally. We need to learn how to forgive, and to seek forgiveness. Thank God that because God, through Jesus, forgives us, we can make forgiveness a part of our lives as well.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Day 29- He Saved Others
The insults hurled at Jesus are filled with irony for those of us that are blessed to know the whole story. "You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself!" We know that the temple of his body is destroyed on the cross, but will be raised up in glory in three days. "He saved others, but he can't save himself!" By giving up his life, he will make possible not just saving others, but saving the whole world from sin and death. "He trusts God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, "I am the Son of God." Dying on the cross is the ultimate example of trust in God, believing that God's will, will be carried out in the end. Jesus has heard similar taunts before, from Satan in the wilderness and Caiphas the High Priest, who wanted Jesus to show him a sign of his power.
I am reminded of Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 1:18. "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God." For those taunting Jesus, this was foolishness. God's Son would never die on a cross! Ridiculous! This man is surely a phony! But, in this "foolishness," God's true love and power will be revealed. This "foolishness" is about to defeat sin and death forever!
It is surely easy to allow ourselves to be filled with pride for our accomplishments or for other reasons. But here we see Jesus completed submitted to God the Father. He is doing God's will, even if that meant dying for the world's sins. The key to overcoming pride is submission- submission to the One who made us and bought us back in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. And as we submit, we also trust, believing that God will carry out God's will in our lives.
I am reminded of Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 1:18. "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God." For those taunting Jesus, this was foolishness. God's Son would never die on a cross! Ridiculous! This man is surely a phony! But, in this "foolishness," God's true love and power will be revealed. This "foolishness" is about to defeat sin and death forever!
It is surely easy to allow ourselves to be filled with pride for our accomplishments or for other reasons. But here we see Jesus completed submitted to God the Father. He is doing God's will, even if that meant dying for the world's sins. The key to overcoming pride is submission- submission to the One who made us and bought us back in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. And as we submit, we also trust, believing that God will carry out God's will in our lives.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
The Fifth Sunday in Lent
Today we looked at the fifth and final Covenant of Promise in our Old Testament Sunday readings. The text is Jeremiah 31:31-33, sometimes referred to as "the gospel before the gospel." This is a prophesy of the good news of God before it is fully realized in Jesus Christ. It is the promise of "the new covenant of the heart."
This fifth covenant of promise is some 700 years after the previous covenants we looked at. Israel had entered the promised land, built a great kingdom under David, and built the temple under King Solomon. However, by the time of Jeremiah, all of this had unraveled. The kingdom had divided into two and the neighboring Babylonians had conquered Israel and Judah, and taken many Jews into exile. Jeremiah saw this as a judgment against the people because of their unfaithfulness to God. He compares the broken covenant to a broken marriage covenant between a man and a woman.
But despite this unfaithfulness, God does not divorce His people or send them away. Instead, he promises a new covenant. In the new covenant, God gets very personal, promising to write his law on their hearts. And in the new covenant, God promises to forgive and forget the sins of the past. Despite all their failures, God forgives and forgets what has taken place in the past.
We believe that this new covenant is fulfilled in Jesus. In fact, when Jesus institutes the Lord's Supper, as he gives the wine he says, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood." In Jesus, God put's God's Spirit in our hearts. In Jesus, God forgives and forgets forever our past sins. We may have difficulty forgetting and forgiving our past, but God has already done so. Thanks be to God for the new covenant, fulfilled in Jesus for us. May this new covenant guide our lives this day and always!
This fifth covenant of promise is some 700 years after the previous covenants we looked at. Israel had entered the promised land, built a great kingdom under David, and built the temple under King Solomon. However, by the time of Jeremiah, all of this had unraveled. The kingdom had divided into two and the neighboring Babylonians had conquered Israel and Judah, and taken many Jews into exile. Jeremiah saw this as a judgment against the people because of their unfaithfulness to God. He compares the broken covenant to a broken marriage covenant between a man and a woman.
But despite this unfaithfulness, God does not divorce His people or send them away. Instead, he promises a new covenant. In the new covenant, God gets very personal, promising to write his law on their hearts. And in the new covenant, God promises to forgive and forget the sins of the past. Despite all their failures, God forgives and forgets what has taken place in the past.
We believe that this new covenant is fulfilled in Jesus. In fact, when Jesus institutes the Lord's Supper, as he gives the wine he says, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood." In Jesus, God put's God's Spirit in our hearts. In Jesus, God forgives and forgets forever our past sins. We may have difficulty forgetting and forgiving our past, but God has already done so. Thanks be to God for the new covenant, fulfilled in Jesus for us. May this new covenant guide our lives this day and always!
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Day 28- Jesus is Crucified
Today's title says it all. Jesus is crucified. As with the other passages we have read already about Christ's suffering, this one hits me hard. Mark's words are simple, "And they crucified him." But when I pause to think what was actually taking place, nailing a man to a cross, it disturbs me greatly. And how callous were the Roman soldiers, who did their duty and then gambled to see who might get his clothes? Pretty hard to believe anyone could be so flippant at such a time. I wonder what became of these soldiers following Christ's death and resurrection? Did they have a change of heart? Feel remorse for what they did? Consider the news that Jesus had risen just another false rumor? One centurion declared at the foot of the cross, "Truly this man was God's son." (Mark 15:39) I wonder about the others.
The devotion is surely correct that it was not the nails that held Jesus on the cross, it was love. On our Lenten cross display at church, there is a cross that expresses that very thought, a heart on a cross, on top of the nails.
More than anything, the cross fills me with hope and leads me to compassion for others. The cross is the promise that God loves me and is with me every day. No matter what happens, the good and the bad, God is there. That's hope. And because God, in Jesus, willingly dies for the world, surely I ought have love and respect for everyone and everything in the world as well. I don't claim to do this perfectly by any means. I too often get self centered and wrapped up in my own concerns. But the cross is a constant reminder that God loves the world and all that is in it. We are Christ's hands and feet today, and ought take that truth seriously as we live our lives..
The devotion is surely correct that it was not the nails that held Jesus on the cross, it was love. On our Lenten cross display at church, there is a cross that expresses that very thought, a heart on a cross, on top of the nails.
More than anything, the cross fills me with hope and leads me to compassion for others. The cross is the promise that God loves me and is with me every day. No matter what happens, the good and the bad, God is there. That's hope. And because God, in Jesus, willingly dies for the world, surely I ought have love and respect for everyone and everything in the world as well. I don't claim to do this perfectly by any means. I too often get self centered and wrapped up in my own concerns. But the cross is a constant reminder that God loves the world and all that is in it. We are Christ's hands and feet today, and ought take that truth seriously as we live our lives..
Friday, March 23, 2012
Day 27- Simon Carries Jesus' Cross
One author wrote that the greatest honor ever given to a human being was when Mary conceived and gave birth to Jesus. The second greatest honor was given to Simon, who, quite unexpectedly, was compelled to carry the cross for Jesus. By this time Jesus was physically exhausted. He had been up all night, not given any food, flogged, and emotionally abused. Now he was forced to carry the very thing that would be used to kill him- the cross. He did not have the strength to do it. The Roman soldiers picked a passer-by, Simon, to take up the cross. Simon carried the cross. Jesus walked by his side. Little did Simon know that the cross he was carrying would be the means by which God, through Jesus, would save the world from its sin. What would at first appear to be a great dishonor, being forced to carry a cross for someone else, becomes the greatest of honors. With Simon carrying the cross, Jesus was able to regain enough strength for him to complete the task he had come to earth to do.
Simon was asked, indeed forced, to shoulder the burden for Jesus. Sometimes that's the way it is for us as well. It is wonderful when we can volunteer our time in acts of service for others. There are many such opportunities, such as volunteering to serve our Family Promise guests this upcoming week or assisting at the Utah Food Bank. But sometimes we respond to the needs of others not because we necessarily want to, but because we have to. God places us in certain situations and we need to obediently respond. There are times when problems come, and we'd rather they just went away. We'd rather not get involved. But the problems won't go away. Someone needs us to help carry their burden. It's hard to carry a burden. It must have been very difficult for Simon to be the one forced to carry Christ's cross. But remember, Jesus walked alongside Simon as he carried his cross. So also Jesus walks with us as we help others with their burdens. Simon reminds us that opportunities to serve will likely come our way unexpectedly and even unwillingly. But we are also reminded that when those times come, our acts of service may result in unexpected and great blessing
for us and the one we serve.
Simon was asked, indeed forced, to shoulder the burden for Jesus. Sometimes that's the way it is for us as well. It is wonderful when we can volunteer our time in acts of service for others. There are many such opportunities, such as volunteering to serve our Family Promise guests this upcoming week or assisting at the Utah Food Bank. But sometimes we respond to the needs of others not because we necessarily want to, but because we have to. God places us in certain situations and we need to obediently respond. There are times when problems come, and we'd rather they just went away. We'd rather not get involved. But the problems won't go away. Someone needs us to help carry their burden. It's hard to carry a burden. It must have been very difficult for Simon to be the one forced to carry Christ's cross. But remember, Jesus walked alongside Simon as he carried his cross. So also Jesus walks with us as we help others with their burdens. Simon reminds us that opportunities to serve will likely come our way unexpectedly and even unwillingly. But we are also reminded that when those times come, our acts of service may result in unexpected and great blessing
for us and the one we serve.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Day 26- The Mockery
Who acts shamefully in this passage? Who tries to humiliate, embarrass, and dishonor another? It is, of course, the Roman soldiers. They dishonor Jesus by making a mockery of his kingship. They humiliate and try to embarrass him by stripping him and putting the scarlet robe and crown of thorns upon him. In perhaps the greatest attempt to shame, they spit on him, a disgusting act to make him feel totally worthless. Shame on the soldiers for their mistreatment of Jesus!
And how does Jesus respond? Matthew does not record any response from Jesus. He does not try and defend himself or lash out in righteous anger. This suggests that he willingly took upon himself the shaming of the soldiers. He did so not because he had done anything that deserved such shaming, but to take our acts of shaming others and our feelings of shame upon himself. He does so to free us from the sin of shaming and the feelings of being ashamed.
Have you ever had the feeling that you are worthless? Maybe it's because of something you've done or because of something done to you. But whatever the case, here we see Jesus taking all of that on himself and taking it to the cross. You are not worthless in God's eyes. You are deeply loved. What a gift God gives, in setting us free from our shame! As with all of God's gifts, we receive this gift by faith, believing it to be true. Although there have been times when I have felt ashamed, worthless, and unworthy, the shaming of Jesus reminds me that I no longer need to feel that way. Jesus died for that. I know I am deeply loved by many, and, most importantly, deeply loved by God.
And how does Jesus respond? Matthew does not record any response from Jesus. He does not try and defend himself or lash out in righteous anger. This suggests that he willingly took upon himself the shaming of the soldiers. He did so not because he had done anything that deserved such shaming, but to take our acts of shaming others and our feelings of shame upon himself. He does so to free us from the sin of shaming and the feelings of being ashamed.
Have you ever had the feeling that you are worthless? Maybe it's because of something you've done or because of something done to you. But whatever the case, here we see Jesus taking all of that on himself and taking it to the cross. You are not worthless in God's eyes. You are deeply loved. What a gift God gives, in setting us free from our shame! As with all of God's gifts, we receive this gift by faith, believing it to be true. Although there have been times when I have felt ashamed, worthless, and unworthy, the shaming of Jesus reminds me that I no longer need to feel that way. Jesus died for that. I know I am deeply loved by many, and, most importantly, deeply loved by God.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Day 25- Pilate Sentences Jesus to Death
This is a chilling passage. It's the time of decision making for Pilate. Will he resist the pressure of the chief priests and crowd of Jews to have Jesus crucified? Or will he give in to their demands and have an innocent man sent to a cruel death? We now know the answer. "Then he handed him over to them to be crucified." (John 19:16) How could Pilate do that? This is a man's life we're talking about! And yet he does. An innocent man is about to die. Pilate turns away. The decision is made. The deed is done.
And, of course, it wasn't just Pilate and the Jews who sent Jesus to his death. It was you and I. That's what this is really all about. I'm reminded of the Lenten hymn, "Ah, Holy Jesus" (ELW #349), especially verse 2.
"Who was the guilty? Who brought this upon thee? Alas, my treason, Jesus has undone thee.
'Twas I, Lord Jesus, I it was denied thee, I crucified thee."
These are not easy passages to read. They are disturbing, to be sure. But, it is the blood of Jesus that ultimately washes away our sins. So I take to heart the words of the devotion, "Take your guilt to the cross right now- and leave it there." I'm so thankful that we can do just that.
And, of course, it wasn't just Pilate and the Jews who sent Jesus to his death. It was you and I. That's what this is really all about. I'm reminded of the Lenten hymn, "Ah, Holy Jesus" (ELW #349), especially verse 2.
"Who was the guilty? Who brought this upon thee? Alas, my treason, Jesus has undone thee.
'Twas I, Lord Jesus, I it was denied thee, I crucified thee."
These are not easy passages to read. They are disturbing, to be sure. But, it is the blood of Jesus that ultimately washes away our sins. So I take to heart the words of the devotion, "Take your guilt to the cross right now- and leave it there." I'm so thankful that we can do just that.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Day 24- The Flogging
The physical suffering of Jesus intensifies as Pilate has him flogged by his soldiers. It wasn't just the beating, it was also the humiliation and mockery as they dressed him up as a king with a purple robe and crown of thorns. Even so, Pilate believed in his innocence, bringing him out to the people and saying, ""I find no basis for a charge against him." (John 19:4) The suffering of an innocent man is particularly difficult to view.
To be honest, taking time to reflect on Christ's suffering not only for me, but because of me, brings an ill feeling within . It's so easy to take this suffering for granted, almost like it didn't really happen. But it did, and this reading reminds me that it is my sin that brought this upon him. That makes me feel both guilty and sad.
But, as the devotion suggests, in Jesus we also see God's love and mercy lived out in full. I am in awe of such a man- such a God!- who would love me so fully as to be willing to suffer and die for me. I need to acknowledge and view Christ's suffering. I need to admit my part in that. But I also need to see God's love. He did that for me, to forgive me, and to make it possible to live rightly with God. The story does not end with the suffering. The story ends with God's love poured out for me and for all people. Thanks be to God!
To be honest, taking time to reflect on Christ's suffering not only for me, but because of me, brings an ill feeling within . It's so easy to take this suffering for granted, almost like it didn't really happen. But it did, and this reading reminds me that it is my sin that brought this upon him. That makes me feel both guilty and sad.
But, as the devotion suggests, in Jesus we also see God's love and mercy lived out in full. I am in awe of such a man- such a God!- who would love me so fully as to be willing to suffer and die for me. I need to acknowledge and view Christ's suffering. I need to admit my part in that. But I also need to see God's love. He did that for me, to forgive me, and to make it possible to live rightly with God. The story does not end with the suffering. The story ends with God's love poured out for me and for all people. Thanks be to God!
Monday, March 19, 2012
Day 23- Jesus before Herod
Herod apparently thought that Jesus was some kind of magic man who could perform miraculous tricks to impress others. He thought that Jesus might do a miracle for him, perhaps to win his release. (Luke 23:8) But that's not who Jesus is, nor is it what Jesus does. Jesus stood silently before Herod, resisting his pleas for a miracle. It reminds me of that earlier time in Jesus' ministry, when he went out into the desert to be tempted by Satan. In the third temptation, Jesus is led by Satan up to the highest point of the temple, where Satan says, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here." He goes on to quote scripture about how the angels will guard and protect him. To this Jesus responds, " It is written, 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'" (Luke 4:12) Herod was putting Jesus to the test, wanting Jesus to do for him some impressive miracle.
In some ways, when we doubt Jesus, we're doing the same thing. We want Jesus to do something for us or someone we love on our timetable and in accordance with our plan. When it doesn't happen that way, it may cause us to doubt. But over the years I've learned it's not about our timetable and plan. We're not to be putting God to the test. Rather, we are to walk by faith, believing in God's time and in God's plan. We fervently pray that God will lead us, heal us, and protect us and those we love. But then we place our concerns in God's hands, trusting in God's will. When we do that, doubt gives way to faith. We learn to trust God, believing that God does have our best interest in mind. That can be a hard thing to do, but my experience has been that God is fully trustworthy. I have my share of questions about things that happen in life. But I try and set aside doubt, believing that God is working things out in my life and in the world in accordance with His will.
In some ways, when we doubt Jesus, we're doing the same thing. We want Jesus to do something for us or someone we love on our timetable and in accordance with our plan. When it doesn't happen that way, it may cause us to doubt. But over the years I've learned it's not about our timetable and plan. We're not to be putting God to the test. Rather, we are to walk by faith, believing in God's time and in God's plan. We fervently pray that God will lead us, heal us, and protect us and those we love. But then we place our concerns in God's hands, trusting in God's will. When we do that, doubt gives way to faith. We learn to trust God, believing that God does have our best interest in mind. That can be a hard thing to do, but my experience has been that God is fully trustworthy. I have my share of questions about things that happen in life. But I try and set aside doubt, believing that God is working things out in my life and in the world in accordance with His will.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
The Fourth Sunday in Lent
Today we will look at the fourth "Covenant of Promise" from our Old Testament readings. This comes from Number 21:4-9. The first three covenants we have seen (Noah and the Rainbow, Abraham and Sarah, Moses and the 10 Commandments) are fairly familiar and easy to understand. But not this one. People complaining in the wilderness. Biting snakes. A bronze snake lifted upon on a pole. This is all pretty strange stuff.
What makes this significant is that Jesus himself refers to it in John chapter 3, verse 14. If you're not sure just how to interpret the Bible, here's one thing we can know for certain. If Jesus quotes it, we should pay attention to it! Jesus says that just as this bronze serpent is lifted up on a pole and the people of Israel are healed, so will the Son of Man be lifted up. He is, of course, referring to his being lifted up on the cross.
In this Old Testament story, strange as it may seem, we see sin, judgment, repentance, and healing. The covenant is the promise that if the people looked up on the bronze serpent, they would be healed. For us, Jesus is the one lifted up on the cross for all people. We also experience sin, judgment, repentance and healing. We don't have to physically see him on the cross to be healed of our sin, we simply need to believe. As John writes just after Jesus speaks about being lifted up like the serpent in the wilderness, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish, but have eternal life." May God give us such faith today and always.
What makes this significant is that Jesus himself refers to it in John chapter 3, verse 14. If you're not sure just how to interpret the Bible, here's one thing we can know for certain. If Jesus quotes it, we should pay attention to it! Jesus says that just as this bronze serpent is lifted up on a pole and the people of Israel are healed, so will the Son of Man be lifted up. He is, of course, referring to his being lifted up on the cross.
In this Old Testament story, strange as it may seem, we see sin, judgment, repentance, and healing. The covenant is the promise that if the people looked up on the bronze serpent, they would be healed. For us, Jesus is the one lifted up on the cross for all people. We also experience sin, judgment, repentance and healing. We don't have to physically see him on the cross to be healed of our sin, we simply need to believe. As John writes just after Jesus speaks about being lifted up like the serpent in the wilderness, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish, but have eternal life." May God give us such faith today and always.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Day 22- Jesus before Pilate
Pilate seems like a ruler that did not want to get involved with this situation. Whatever "charges" the Jews had against Jesus, they didn't amount to much in Pilate's eyes. This seemed like a matter the Jews themselves could handle. If Jesus claimed to be a king and a messiah, what difference does that make to Pilate? Jesus appeared to be no threat to him or Rome, and he would have no knowledge of the coming of a messiah. So, he sends Jesus to King Herod, who had jurisdiction over the region of Galilee. Pilate was sending him back to the local authority, in hopes that Herod would settle this matter without Pilate's further involvement.
Regardless of what Pilate believed, today's devotion asks us to think about what blessings come from knowing Jesus as our Messiah and King. Here are some things that come to mind for me: love, grace, forgiveness, eternal life, God's presence, God's guidance, Christian community, justice for all, prayer, service, and being served. There are many more, for sure. What would you add to my list?
Regardless of what Pilate believed, today's devotion asks us to think about what blessings come from knowing Jesus as our Messiah and King. Here are some things that come to mind for me: love, grace, forgiveness, eternal life, God's presence, God's guidance, Christian community, justice for all, prayer, service, and being served. There are many more, for sure. What would you add to my list?
Friday, March 16, 2012
Day 21- Judas and Worldly Sorrow
In 2 Corinthians 7, Paul speaks about a letter he had written to the Corinthians that caused sorrow. Whatever he had written, he does not regret it, for "now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance." (2 Corith. 7:9) Having someone, or something, point out our faults, is not a pleasant thing. It can cause sorrow in our lives, as we realize our faults have harmed others, and very well may have harmed our own lives. But, if that causes us to turn back to God, then that's a good thing. Godly sorrow returns us to the Lord, seeking God's grace and forgiveness. This is true repentance.
In Lutheran terms, this is the function of the "law." The "law," is whatever it is that points out our sin, especially as we read scripture. As we are convicted of our sin, this drives us back to Christ, to true repentance.
I think "worldly sorrow" is sadness for things of this life. It's perhaps regrets for things we have done, or perhaps things we have failed to accomplish. I'm sure there are times I could have been a better son, husband, and father. There are things I regret in ways I handled certain situations. I could have made better and different decisions. I have plenty of "worldly sorrow" in my life, some of which I still carry with me.
But, thanks be to God, I do not have to get stuck in wordly sorrow. I can take that worldly sorrow a step further and give it to God, allowing it to become Godly sorrow. When I do that, I move to the good news of the gospel, that Jesus forgives and provides me a new beginning.
Peter experienced Godly sorrow as he realized his failure in denying Jesus. He was able to repent and be forgiven. Judas, apparently, was unable to take that additional step. He knew what he did was wrong, and tried to right the wrong by returning the money to the Jewish authorities. But he was unable to make things right with Jesus. He got caught up and stuck in worldly sorrow, which led him to take his own life.
I don't think there's a formula to follow that leads to true repentance. It's something we do over and over again. I'm just grateful that in the midst of the sorrow I have for my many wrongs, I have a savior who welcomes me back with mercy and love. You, or someone you know, may be stuck in worldly sorrow. Please let them know that there is hope beyond such sorrow. Jesus is able to take even the most desperate of situations and provide a new beginning. This is the good news and the hope we share.
In Lutheran terms, this is the function of the "law." The "law," is whatever it is that points out our sin, especially as we read scripture. As we are convicted of our sin, this drives us back to Christ, to true repentance.
I think "worldly sorrow" is sadness for things of this life. It's perhaps regrets for things we have done, or perhaps things we have failed to accomplish. I'm sure there are times I could have been a better son, husband, and father. There are things I regret in ways I handled certain situations. I could have made better and different decisions. I have plenty of "worldly sorrow" in my life, some of which I still carry with me.
But, thanks be to God, I do not have to get stuck in wordly sorrow. I can take that worldly sorrow a step further and give it to God, allowing it to become Godly sorrow. When I do that, I move to the good news of the gospel, that Jesus forgives and provides me a new beginning.
Peter experienced Godly sorrow as he realized his failure in denying Jesus. He was able to repent and be forgiven. Judas, apparently, was unable to take that additional step. He knew what he did was wrong, and tried to right the wrong by returning the money to the Jewish authorities. But he was unable to make things right with Jesus. He got caught up and stuck in worldly sorrow, which led him to take his own life.
I don't think there's a formula to follow that leads to true repentance. It's something we do over and over again. I'm just grateful that in the midst of the sorrow I have for my many wrongs, I have a savior who welcomes me back with mercy and love. You, or someone you know, may be stuck in worldly sorrow. Please let them know that there is hope beyond such sorrow. Jesus is able to take even the most desperate of situations and provide a new beginning. This is the good news and the hope we share.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Day 20- Jesus sentenced by the Sanhedrin
With today's devotion, we mark the half-way point in the 40 day season of Lent. Christ's journey to the cross intensifies, as the chief priests and the elders condemn Jesus to death for blasphemy. It will be up to Pilate, the Roman governor, to approve that decision.
Whether we like to admit it or not, power, position, and possessions do play a role in our lives. There are those with the 3 "P's" that might control and/or intimidate others by what they have. Those with lesser of the 3 "P's" must deal with those that have more. Back on Day 9 we read how Jesus addressed this saying, "the greatest among you must be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves." Whatever our power, position, or possessions, they are to be used in service of others.
In the months before I was called to Our Saviour's, I was without a congregation for a time. Having served my former church for over 20 years, and having an internal sense that God had something more in store for me, I took time off to discern what that might be. The comfortable 3 "P's" I had established over those years, were suddenly altered significantly. It was unsettling, but it also made me trust God in ways I had not needed to do in some time and opened me up to new possibilities.
I think it's healthy for me to struggle and not become too complacent about my 3 "P's" The Jewish council had allowed their 3 "P's" to become more important than the God they were called to serve. They could not see in Jesus the new possibilities that he was about to bring. May my 3 "P's" never lead me from God and may I always use what I have for our Lord's service.
Whether we like to admit it or not, power, position, and possessions do play a role in our lives. There are those with the 3 "P's" that might control and/or intimidate others by what they have. Those with lesser of the 3 "P's" must deal with those that have more. Back on Day 9 we read how Jesus addressed this saying, "the greatest among you must be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves." Whatever our power, position, or possessions, they are to be used in service of others.
In the months before I was called to Our Saviour's, I was without a congregation for a time. Having served my former church for over 20 years, and having an internal sense that God had something more in store for me, I took time off to discern what that might be. The comfortable 3 "P's" I had established over those years, were suddenly altered significantly. It was unsettling, but it also made me trust God in ways I had not needed to do in some time and opened me up to new possibilities.
I think it's healthy for me to struggle and not become too complacent about my 3 "P's" The Jewish council had allowed their 3 "P's" to become more important than the God they were called to serve. They could not see in Jesus the new possibilities that he was about to bring. May my 3 "P's" never lead me from God and may I always use what I have for our Lord's service.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Day 19- Peter Denies Jesus
Peter was a broken man. He knew his personal betrayal of Jesus. He knew in that betrayal, he hurt Jesus. Jesus looked at him (vs. 61), which must have cut right to Peter's heart. It's no wonder that "he went out and wept bitterly." (vs. 62)
And yet, it is Peter who, after being told by the women about the empty tomb, "Got up and ran to the tomb."
(Matthew 24:12) It is Peter who will preach the first sermon about the meaning of the resurrection in the Book of Acts. It is Peter who will soon become the leader of the church at Jerusalem. This broken man learns from his failure, is filled with the Spirit, and becomes a great witness for God.
No one likes to fail. It's not fun. We feel bad for ourselves and others we may have hurt. We don't set out intentionally to fail. And yet, when we do fail, it drops us to our knees and makes us aware of our complete dependence on God. We may have thought we could do it on our own, but we are painfully reminded that we cannot.
Hopefully, we learn from our mistakes. Hopefully, it makes us wiser and stronger moving forward. Hopefully, it reminds us to turn to God and not rely on our own strength or understanding. I think it made Peter a better man and prepared him for what God had in store for him in the future. Most of my greatest growth as a person has come as a result of my mistakes and failures. Thanks be to God for lifting me up when I have been down, teaching me what I needed to learn and setting me on the right path once again.
And yet, it is Peter who, after being told by the women about the empty tomb, "Got up and ran to the tomb."
(Matthew 24:12) It is Peter who will preach the first sermon about the meaning of the resurrection in the Book of Acts. It is Peter who will soon become the leader of the church at Jerusalem. This broken man learns from his failure, is filled with the Spirit, and becomes a great witness for God.
No one likes to fail. It's not fun. We feel bad for ourselves and others we may have hurt. We don't set out intentionally to fail. And yet, when we do fail, it drops us to our knees and makes us aware of our complete dependence on God. We may have thought we could do it on our own, but we are painfully reminded that we cannot.
Hopefully, we learn from our mistakes. Hopefully, it makes us wiser and stronger moving forward. Hopefully, it reminds us to turn to God and not rely on our own strength or understanding. I think it made Peter a better man and prepared him for what God had in store for him in the future. Most of my greatest growth as a person has come as a result of my mistakes and failures. Thanks be to God for lifting me up when I have been down, teaching me what I needed to learn and setting me on the right path once again.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Day 18- Jesus before the Council
The high priest and the council viewed Jesus as just another man. He's a man that has come on the scene teaching and making claims about himself that a man should not be making. He did not fit their preconceived ideas of what the Messiah should look like and what he would do. So, when he did not deny that he was the Messiah, that was blasphemy! No man should claim to be God or the Messiah. Perhaps they felt they were protecting God from this delusional man. They certainly felt they were protecting the religious tradition they knew. No man can claim to be God! Blasphemy! Put him to death!
Still today the claims of Jesus divide people. The claims bring discomfort to the world. If he really is the Messiah, God's Son, then that changes everything. It would cause all people to think, act, and live very differently. For some, the claims bring anger. For some, indifference. For some, questions. For others, they are life and salvation.
My feelings are feelings of gratitude. To think that God would send a saviour to the world, a saviour for me, is almost too much to comprehend. I can understand why the high priest reacted as he did. I can understand why the world today is still divided over Jesus. On the human level it seems like foolishness. But, to quote the Apostle Paul, "We proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to the Jews and foolishness to the Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For God's foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God's weakness is stronger than human strength."
1 Corinthians 1:23-25
Still today the claims of Jesus divide people. The claims bring discomfort to the world. If he really is the Messiah, God's Son, then that changes everything. It would cause all people to think, act, and live very differently. For some, the claims bring anger. For some, indifference. For some, questions. For others, they are life and salvation.
My feelings are feelings of gratitude. To think that God would send a saviour to the world, a saviour for me, is almost too much to comprehend. I can understand why the high priest reacted as he did. I can understand why the world today is still divided over Jesus. On the human level it seems like foolishness. But, to quote the Apostle Paul, "We proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to the Jews and foolishness to the Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For God's foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God's weakness is stronger than human strength."
1 Corinthians 1:23-25
Monday, March 12, 2012
Day 17- Jesus before Annas
Little did Caiaphas know that in saying, "It was better to have one person die for the people," he was announcing what Jesus was about to do, die on the cross for all people, even me. One person dies for all. One person dies the death we deserved. One person makes possible a new relationship with God and eternal life.
What does it mean to me that Jesus willingly died for me? It means everything. My whole basis for being, my whole life philosophy, my whole understanding of life and death, my relationships, the way I order my life- it all flows from Christ's death on the cross for me. I sometimes wonder, what if I had not come to faith? I was about 14 years old when my faith became alive and real to me. That set me on my life course. What if that had not occurred? Where would I be now? What would my life look like? Thankfully, I don't need to spend much time thinking about such things. God, through the faithful witness of many and by the power of the Holy Spirit, got through to me. It means everything to me that Jesus died on the cross for my sins. I am so grateful God broke through to me with His love!
What does it mean to me that Jesus willingly died for me? It means everything. My whole basis for being, my whole life philosophy, my whole understanding of life and death, my relationships, the way I order my life- it all flows from Christ's death on the cross for me. I sometimes wonder, what if I had not come to faith? I was about 14 years old when my faith became alive and real to me. That set me on my life course. What if that had not occurred? Where would I be now? What would my life look like? Thankfully, I don't need to spend much time thinking about such things. God, through the faithful witness of many and by the power of the Holy Spirit, got through to me. It means everything to me that Jesus died on the cross for my sins. I am so grateful God broke through to me with His love!
Sunday, March 11, 2012
The Third Sunday in Lent
Today we will reflect upon the third "Covenant of Promise" in the Lenten season, Moses and the 10 Commandments. The reading is Exodus 20:1-17. Unlike the first covenant, Noah and the rainbow, and the second covenant, a family for Abraham and Sarah, the covenant with Moses is a conditional one. In order to set themselves apart as God's chosen people, the people of Israel are to do these things. These include the 10 commandments, well known to many of us, as well as many other laws given to Moses which the people are to follow.
We typically view laws as demanding things, not very grace filled. They "keep us in line," telling us what not to do. If we break a law, there's a punishment. I must admit I've had a few speeding tickets, never a pleasant experience. But laws do provide order and structure to society and our lives. Without laws, life would be chaotic and unmanageable. In that sense, laws can become "grace filled," allowing us to live in freedom and joy.
Martin Luther in the Small Catechism, gives a very simple explanation of each of the commandments. In each explanation, he tells what the law says not to do, but also gives it a positive twist, what we should do. So, for example, commandment #7, You shall not steal. Luther writes, "We are to fear and love God so that we do not take our neighbor's money or property, or get them in any dishonest way, but help him to improve and protect his property and means of making a living."
The 10 Commandments, given so long ago, still provide the foundation for living the life God wants us to live. They are about loving God, and loving our neighbor. Jesus gives the new command to his disciples at the Last Supper, "to love one another." (John 13:34) If we do that, the 10 Commandments make perfect sense and continue to live on as a guide for our lives.
We typically view laws as demanding things, not very grace filled. They "keep us in line," telling us what not to do. If we break a law, there's a punishment. I must admit I've had a few speeding tickets, never a pleasant experience. But laws do provide order and structure to society and our lives. Without laws, life would be chaotic and unmanageable. In that sense, laws can become "grace filled," allowing us to live in freedom and joy.
Martin Luther in the Small Catechism, gives a very simple explanation of each of the commandments. In each explanation, he tells what the law says not to do, but also gives it a positive twist, what we should do. So, for example, commandment #7, You shall not steal. Luther writes, "We are to fear and love God so that we do not take our neighbor's money or property, or get them in any dishonest way, but help him to improve and protect his property and means of making a living."
The 10 Commandments, given so long ago, still provide the foundation for living the life God wants us to live. They are about loving God, and loving our neighbor. Jesus gives the new command to his disciples at the Last Supper, "to love one another." (John 13:34) If we do that, the 10 Commandments make perfect sense and continue to live on as a guide for our lives.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Day 16- The Disciples Flee
I just completed skimming through a "Ministry Audit" report for our Rocky Mountain Synod, the five state area of 166 Lutheran congregations of which we are a part. Unfortunately, the news is not especially good. Across the synod, we continue to see membership losses. While most of our congregations are strong in providing a sense of community for our members and doing a good job in helping others through our social ministry programs, we're not very strong in evangelism. For whatever reasons we tend to keep the "good news" to ourselves, being quiet witnesses to our faith.
I'm fairly typical of others in that regard. It's not that I'm ashamed or embarrassed to admit my faith in Christ, but I do want to be respectful of where people are coming from in their own faith journey. I have my story to share. I want to listen to other people's stories. In that sharing, my witness to my faith in Jesus can occur.
I do think I can be bolder in my witness. I am both impressed and inspired by many at Our Saviour's Lutheran who are outgoing in their witness. St. Paul writes in Romans 1:16, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel; it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." The disciples fled, afraid of what was happening. Since I know the end result of the cross and resurrection, the good news of God's love and victory over sin and death, there is no excuse for me to flee or be ashamed. May we all be bold in sharing our faith in word and deed, so that the world may know God's love.
I'm fairly typical of others in that regard. It's not that I'm ashamed or embarrassed to admit my faith in Christ, but I do want to be respectful of where people are coming from in their own faith journey. I have my story to share. I want to listen to other people's stories. In that sharing, my witness to my faith in Jesus can occur.
I do think I can be bolder in my witness. I am both impressed and inspired by many at Our Saviour's Lutheran who are outgoing in their witness. St. Paul writes in Romans 1:16, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel; it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." The disciples fled, afraid of what was happening. Since I know the end result of the cross and resurrection, the good news of God's love and victory over sin and death, there is no excuse for me to flee or be ashamed. May we all be bold in sharing our faith in word and deed, so that the world may know God's love.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Day 15- Jesus' Arrest
Today's devotion provides some interesting insights. Judas betrays Jesus to the authorities with a kiss. It was the dark of night. Jesus and his disciples were probably dressed similarly. Those who arrested Jesus probably included Roman soldiers, who may not have ever seen him. So Judas identified Jesus to them with the sign of a kiss. This intimate gesture of friendship was actually the ultimate sign of betrayal.
Despite this, Jesus still calls Judas "friend." (Matt. 26:50) He could have lashed out in righteous anger and called him "traitor" or "betrayer." But, despite what Judas has done, he still calls him "friend." When you pause to think about it, that is another example of our Lord's amazing love and compassion.
How have we betrayed Jesus by our words and actions? Probably in far too many ways to count. And yet, like Judas, Jesus still calls us "friend." He went to the cross to win our forgiveness and to maintain our friendship. Having Jesus as my friend means that I can live in a relationship with God. Having Jesus as my friend means I can turn to him in prayer with my concerns, as I might any friend. Having Jesus as my friend means I can turn to him for guidance. Having Jesus as my friend means he holds me accountable for the way I conduct my life, as a trusted friend might. Even in betrayal, Jesus still calls us friend. Amazing. In the words of the gospel hymn,
"What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and grief to hear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit, oh, what needless pain we bear-
all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer."
Despite this, Jesus still calls Judas "friend." (Matt. 26:50) He could have lashed out in righteous anger and called him "traitor" or "betrayer." But, despite what Judas has done, he still calls him "friend." When you pause to think about it, that is another example of our Lord's amazing love and compassion.
How have we betrayed Jesus by our words and actions? Probably in far too many ways to count. And yet, like Judas, Jesus still calls us "friend." He went to the cross to win our forgiveness and to maintain our friendship. Having Jesus as my friend means that I can live in a relationship with God. Having Jesus as my friend means I can turn to him in prayer with my concerns, as I might any friend. Having Jesus as my friend means I can turn to him for guidance. Having Jesus as my friend means he holds me accountable for the way I conduct my life, as a trusted friend might. Even in betrayal, Jesus still calls us friend. Amazing. In the words of the gospel hymn,
"What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and grief to hear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit, oh, what needless pain we bear-
all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer."
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Jesus in the Garden- Day 14
In the Garden of Gethsemane, we see Jesus as fully human, experiencing deep human emotions. He is "deeply grieved, even to death." He knows what is coming, and it upsets him. He is "distressed and agitated." In his time of deepest need, he turns to his Father in prayer. He is honest in his prayer. He would prefer that the suffering ahead could be taken away. "Abba, Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me." But, he also know he must do what the Father wills. "Yet not what I want, but what you want."
The devotion suggests that this is a time of testing and trial for Jesus, much like when he was tempted by Satan in the wilderness. In Mel Gibson's, "The Passion of the Christ," I remember he portrayed the serpent in the Garden of Gethsemane, tempting Jesus. Jesus crushes the serpents head, dramatically overcoming the temptation. Undoubtedly, Satan was present, with all the forces of evil, but Jesus stood strong, determined above all else to do the Father's will.
I'm also struck by the contrast between Jesus and the three disciples who went with him. Jesus is spiritually alert, sharp, engaged in battle with the forces of evil that would have him disobey the Father. The disciples fall asleep, unable to watch with him even for one hour. Perhaps that is the greatest temptation we face- spiritual complacency. We get tired and lazy, losing our focus and letting other things take us away from God. Maybe that's the lesson for today. As Jesus prayed and gave his full attention to the Father in the garden, so might we place our full trust and faith in God this day as well.
The devotion suggests that this is a time of testing and trial for Jesus, much like when he was tempted by Satan in the wilderness. In Mel Gibson's, "The Passion of the Christ," I remember he portrayed the serpent in the Garden of Gethsemane, tempting Jesus. Jesus crushes the serpents head, dramatically overcoming the temptation. Undoubtedly, Satan was present, with all the forces of evil, but Jesus stood strong, determined above all else to do the Father's will.
I'm also struck by the contrast between Jesus and the three disciples who went with him. Jesus is spiritually alert, sharp, engaged in battle with the forces of evil that would have him disobey the Father. The disciples fall asleep, unable to watch with him even for one hour. Perhaps that is the greatest temptation we face- spiritual complacency. We get tired and lazy, losing our focus and letting other things take us away from God. Maybe that's the lesson for today. As Jesus prayed and gave his full attention to the Father in the garden, so might we place our full trust and faith in God this day as well.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Day 13- Peter's Denial Predicted
This is a troubling passage for me. It's troubling because it so clearly points out that our words and our actions are not always one and the same. In fact, what we say and what we do can be entirely opposite. It speaks to our integrity. Do we do what we promise, or do we not?
Peter made an incredibly bold statement to Jesus. "Even though I must die with you, I will not deny you." (Matt. 14:31) But it wasn't just Peter. "And all of them (the disciples) said the same." But what happens? When Jesus is arrested and put on trial, Peter denies knowing Jesus and all the disciple flee. Fear for their lives trumps their previous commitment. We'll look at those passages om Day 16 and 19.
I've never been in the position where my commitment to Christ has been challenged in such a way. If my very life were on the line, would I hold fast to my confession? Or would I give in to my fear? I have the advantage of living in the time following the resurrection. Unlike the disciples, I know the victory is won. So, I would hope I would stand strong. I hope I would truly trust Christ to give me the strength to do so.
But I also know my words and actions do not always line up as they should. This happens more than I care to admit. So, once again I place my trust in God's grace and forgiveness. In Mark 14:28, Jesus says he will be raised up and go before the disciples to Galilee. This suggests that even though they will all flee, they will receive forgiveness and Jesus will be their leader once again. This is a message of great hope. For although there have been and probably will be times I desert Jesus, he does not desert me. He is risen. He offers grace and forgiveness. He accepts us back so that we are once again able to follow where he leads.
Peter made an incredibly bold statement to Jesus. "Even though I must die with you, I will not deny you." (Matt. 14:31) But it wasn't just Peter. "And all of them (the disciples) said the same." But what happens? When Jesus is arrested and put on trial, Peter denies knowing Jesus and all the disciple flee. Fear for their lives trumps their previous commitment. We'll look at those passages om Day 16 and 19.
I've never been in the position where my commitment to Christ has been challenged in such a way. If my very life were on the line, would I hold fast to my confession? Or would I give in to my fear? I have the advantage of living in the time following the resurrection. Unlike the disciples, I know the victory is won. So, I would hope I would stand strong. I hope I would truly trust Christ to give me the strength to do so.
But I also know my words and actions do not always line up as they should. This happens more than I care to admit. So, once again I place my trust in God's grace and forgiveness. In Mark 14:28, Jesus says he will be raised up and go before the disciples to Galilee. This suggests that even though they will all flee, they will receive forgiveness and Jesus will be their leader once again. This is a message of great hope. For although there have been and probably will be times I desert Jesus, he does not desert me. He is risen. He offers grace and forgiveness. He accepts us back so that we are once again able to follow where he leads.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Day 12- The Lord's Supper
I must admit that in many areas of my life I act out of my own self interest. The needs around me that affect me personally are the ones that receive my greatest attention. This begins with my wife and family, expands out to the congregation I serve, then into the community, nation, and world. When I personally see and feel the need, I'm much more likely to respond and become involved.
Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by the needs of so many. Unfortunately, the needs keep coming. I'm able to help some, but there are so many more. It is then that I feel like pulling into my shell and retreating.
Did Jesus ever feel this way? Maybe that's another one of those questions I'd ask if I had that opportunity. But it is clear that Jesus was not sent just to respond to the needs of those closest to him. Jesus came to save the world. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son." John 3:16 He was bringing the kingdom for all the world.
I am so grateful that Jesus, in the Lord's supper, gives his body and blood to me personally. The "for you" means just that. He has come for me and for you. But I'm also grateful that his blood is poured out for all the world. It reminds me that I, too, should pray for and respond as I am able to the needs I see close at hand, as well as the needs further away. Today's prayer speaks profoundly, "Shift my focus from myself to you and then to those around me. Teach me that I show my love to you by serving others, especially the poor, the sick, the lonely.... Amen
Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by the needs of so many. Unfortunately, the needs keep coming. I'm able to help some, but there are so many more. It is then that I feel like pulling into my shell and retreating.
Did Jesus ever feel this way? Maybe that's another one of those questions I'd ask if I had that opportunity. But it is clear that Jesus was not sent just to respond to the needs of those closest to him. Jesus came to save the world. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son." John 3:16 He was bringing the kingdom for all the world.
I am so grateful that Jesus, in the Lord's supper, gives his body and blood to me personally. The "for you" means just that. He has come for me and for you. But I'm also grateful that his blood is poured out for all the world. It reminds me that I, too, should pray for and respond as I am able to the needs I see close at hand, as well as the needs further away. Today's prayer speaks profoundly, "Shift my focus from myself to you and then to those around me. Teach me that I show my love to you by serving others, especially the poor, the sick, the lonely.... Amen
Monday, March 5, 2012
Day 11- The Comforter, The Holy Spirit
The peace the world offers is for this life. We have peace when our relationships are healthy and we're not in conflict with another. We have a few moments of peace when the children are finally tucked in bed. We have peace when we're able to step away from the pressures and stress we all face and take a walk or work out at the gym or read a good book. In order to make our way through daily life, we all need to find ways to experience a sense of peace within.
Jesus tells his disciples "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives." I understand this to mean His peace is a deeper, more profound peace. It is knowing that he is present within us, in the person of the Holy Spirit. According to the passage, the Spirit is our counselor, the one to whom we turn for guidance. The Spirit is our teacher. The Spirit reminds us of all that Jesus has done for us. The Spirit takes our troubles and the Spirit takes away our fears.
It is important to have a sense of peace in our daily lives. The world offers many paths to peace. But today we're reminded of the spiritual peace that comes with having the Holy Spirit as part of our lives. The world's peace is fleeting. It comes and goes. Some days we feel it, others we don't feel it at all. But the Spirit's peace is deep and abiding. It cannot be taken away. It is the promise God is living within us and is with us always. No matter what comes our way, God is there. Knowing that, I know peace. I'm reminded of a bumper sticker I once saw, "Know Jesus, Know Peace." That's our Lord's promise to his disciples and to us. May you know Jesus today, and by so doing, also know His peace.
Jesus tells his disciples "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives." I understand this to mean His peace is a deeper, more profound peace. It is knowing that he is present within us, in the person of the Holy Spirit. According to the passage, the Spirit is our counselor, the one to whom we turn for guidance. The Spirit is our teacher. The Spirit reminds us of all that Jesus has done for us. The Spirit takes our troubles and the Spirit takes away our fears.
It is important to have a sense of peace in our daily lives. The world offers many paths to peace. But today we're reminded of the spiritual peace that comes with having the Holy Spirit as part of our lives. The world's peace is fleeting. It comes and goes. Some days we feel it, others we don't feel it at all. But the Spirit's peace is deep and abiding. It cannot be taken away. It is the promise God is living within us and is with us always. No matter what comes our way, God is there. Knowing that, I know peace. I'm reminded of a bumper sticker I once saw, "Know Jesus, Know Peace." That's our Lord's promise to his disciples and to us. May you know Jesus today, and by so doing, also know His peace.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
The Second Sunday in Lent
There are five covenants of promise in our Old Testament readings for the Sundays in Lent. Last week we began with the rainbow covenant with Noah. In this first covenant in the Bible, God declares to Noah and all creation that He will never again destroy the earth by a flood because of human sin. The rainbow in the sky is a reminder of this. God is not a God of retribution, but of restoration.
The second covenant is the covenant God makes with Abram, who changes his name to Abraham. In this covenant, God's work of restoration begins. Like the covenant with Noah, this is an everlasting covenant. God promises that Abraham would be the father of a great nation; with land, many descendants, and great prosperity. Jesus is Abraham's descendant, and we believe that Christ's death on the cross makes this covenant everlasting for all people that receive him by faith.
Abraham becomes the great example of faith. The Apostle Paul quotes Genesis 15:6, "Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness," when he writes about faith in Romans 4. Abraham's faith made him righteous as he responded to God's call.
Today we are reminded that God is personal and cares about all creation. God personally entered into this covenant with Abraham. We're also reminded of the importance of faith in daily life. Let us remember that God still personally cares about each one of us, just as he cared for Abraham. And let us also live by faith, trusting God to lead us as he led Abraham so long ago.
The second covenant is the covenant God makes with Abram, who changes his name to Abraham. In this covenant, God's work of restoration begins. Like the covenant with Noah, this is an everlasting covenant. God promises that Abraham would be the father of a great nation; with land, many descendants, and great prosperity. Jesus is Abraham's descendant, and we believe that Christ's death on the cross makes this covenant everlasting for all people that receive him by faith.
Abraham becomes the great example of faith. The Apostle Paul quotes Genesis 15:6, "Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness," when he writes about faith in Romans 4. Abraham's faith made him righteous as he responded to God's call.
Today we are reminded that God is personal and cares about all creation. God personally entered into this covenant with Abraham. We're also reminded of the importance of faith in daily life. Let us remember that God still personally cares about each one of us, just as he cared for Abraham. And let us also live by faith, trusting God to lead us as he led Abraham so long ago.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Day 10- Jesus Washes the Disciples Feet
With this devotion we have completed 1/4th of our Lenten Journey. In an age when we expect to have things immediately, a 40 day period of time is actually quite long. I encourage you to keep up with your daily devotions, trusting that it will be a blessing and provide an opportunity for spiritual growth as we journey with Jesus to the cross.
In today's lesson, Jesus was at an evening meal with his disciples "just before the Passover Feast." (John 13:1) This is John's account of the last supper, although it is quite different than what is recorded in Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Most notably, there is no giving of bread and wine in what we now call the Lord's Supper. Rather, what John emphasizes is the servant Jesus, who washes the feet of his disciples. He does this as an example for them, "that you should do as I have done for you." Also at this meal Jesus gives the new commandment to "love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." Love and service become the two most important qualities of the Christian life.
From this passage it is abundantly clear that I am loved by God. The love that Jesus shows for his disciples in washing their feet, is shown in an even greater way for us, as Jesus willingly goes to the cross for our sins. On the cross, Christ's blood washes our entire selves "whiter than snow." (Psalm 51:7) In our Baptism, our whole selves have been washed clean, dying to sin and rising to new life.
All of this provides the foundation for our love and service. Because we have been so loved, because we have been so served, we seek to love and serve one another. Jesus gives us the example. It's now up to us to follow that example and to love and serve those around us.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Day 9- The One Who Serves
Perhaps it's the Norwegian blood within me. (Alf Olsen was my grandfather on my mother's side!) Maybe it has something to do with growing up and living in Minnesota for so many years. Maybe it was the example of my parents. Maybe I actually paid attention in Sunday school when my teacher talked about humbly serving others. But, for whatever reason, being recognized as someone great has never really been one of my goals. I actually find it a bit uncomfortable when people want to give me special recognition for something. I'm one of those that strives to do the best I can in what I do. If I do that, whether or not I'm recognized is not all that important to me.
Now, don't get me wrong. Recognition is nice. You can't help but feel good when someone recognizes the value in something you have done. But, if it's not recognized, that's ok, too.
In today's lesson, the disciples argued over which one of them was to be regarded as the greatest. Jesus took this opportunity to teach them a new, different, and better way. It's called servant leadership. "Rather the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like one who serves." (Matt. 22:26) Jesus is the ultimate example of this, serving us by his death on the cross.
In the last couple weeks I had the opportunity to help serve lunch at the St. Vincent's soup kitchen downtown, and helped sort canned goods at the Utah food bank. The jobs I did, taken alone, were really quite insignificant. But, the jobs I did, as part of a larger team, did help make a difference for those we fed. My efforts, along with the others I worked with, went largely unnoticed. You don't do those kinds of things for recognition. What matters is that you took time to help out in a small way. In our congregation, there are countless ministries that happen by people willing to serve, with little recognition. Thank you. All those things make a difference. We serve not for the recognition, but to further God's work and to share God's love in the world.
Now, don't get me wrong. Recognition is nice. You can't help but feel good when someone recognizes the value in something you have done. But, if it's not recognized, that's ok, too.
In today's lesson, the disciples argued over which one of them was to be regarded as the greatest. Jesus took this opportunity to teach them a new, different, and better way. It's called servant leadership. "Rather the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like one who serves." (Matt. 22:26) Jesus is the ultimate example of this, serving us by his death on the cross.
In the last couple weeks I had the opportunity to help serve lunch at the St. Vincent's soup kitchen downtown, and helped sort canned goods at the Utah food bank. The jobs I did, taken alone, were really quite insignificant. But, the jobs I did, as part of a larger team, did help make a difference for those we fed. My efforts, along with the others I worked with, went largely unnoticed. You don't do those kinds of things for recognition. What matters is that you took time to help out in a small way. In our congregation, there are countless ministries that happen by people willing to serve, with little recognition. Thank you. All those things make a difference. We serve not for the recognition, but to further God's work and to share God's love in the world.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Day 8- The Passover Lamb
I liked the author's thoughts in today's devotion. It's not something I had really thought about. It wasn't out of duty or obligation that Jesus ate the Passover meal with his disciples, but he did so because "he longs to spend a few hours with the Twelve." This is a precious and special time for Jesus as he shares this final meal with his closest friends.
"Every moment we get to spend with Jesus is precious to us - and to him." This is a good reminder to slow down and just find time to be in God's presence. So often I get caught up in the "doing" of life, that I fail to attend to the "being" in life. It's important, I think, to just "be," and not always "do."
One of the occupational hazards of being a pastor is that you are called to create and find ways to help others to learn and grow spiritually. Unfortunately, you can neglect your own spirituality in the process. Time with God becomes a means to an end (an idea for a sermon, a teaching to share), rather than an end in itself. So, my most precious times with God have been those occasions when I can step out of that role and just allow myself to be in God's presence.
The beautiful mountains of Utah have provided several such opportunities while hiking or skiing. Just this week the night sky looking over the valley with Venus, the moon, and Jupiter in alignment, has been truly awesome. What a great God we have to share with us such a beautiful creation! I think back to holding each of our children on my lap and saying bedtime prayers. There, too, the presence of God was felt. We could just "be" together. I have been blessed with many precious moments in time spent with God throughout my life. Thankfully, God continues to provide them along the journey. It gives me a boost, a lift, to keep growing in faith and service. I am so grateful for God's presence, who seems to provide that time with Him just when I need it the most.
"Every moment we get to spend with Jesus is precious to us - and to him." This is a good reminder to slow down and just find time to be in God's presence. So often I get caught up in the "doing" of life, that I fail to attend to the "being" in life. It's important, I think, to just "be," and not always "do."
One of the occupational hazards of being a pastor is that you are called to create and find ways to help others to learn and grow spiritually. Unfortunately, you can neglect your own spirituality in the process. Time with God becomes a means to an end (an idea for a sermon, a teaching to share), rather than an end in itself. So, my most precious times with God have been those occasions when I can step out of that role and just allow myself to be in God's presence.
The beautiful mountains of Utah have provided several such opportunities while hiking or skiing. Just this week the night sky looking over the valley with Venus, the moon, and Jupiter in alignment, has been truly awesome. What a great God we have to share with us such a beautiful creation! I think back to holding each of our children on my lap and saying bedtime prayers. There, too, the presence of God was felt. We could just "be" together. I have been blessed with many precious moments in time spent with God throughout my life. Thankfully, God continues to provide them along the journey. It gives me a boost, a lift, to keep growing in faith and service. I am so grateful for God's presence, who seems to provide that time with Him just when I need it the most.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Day 7- Teaching at the Temple
Today's lesson asks us to consider a great question. "If you could sit with Jesus face-to-face and ask him anything, what would you ask?" On the way to the cross, the religious leaders asked him questions to try and get him to entrap himself with his words. They failed in their efforts. By the end of Matthew 22, no one dared to ask him anymore questions. (Matt. 22:46)
One question I would ask Jesus is how we are to understand the other religions of the world. Jesus, as Son of God, makes some exclusive claims on us and our understanding of God. Are those that believe and practice other religions wrong in their understandings, and, therefore, excluded from heaven?
I think I would ask him about the suffering we see in the world. I find the randomness of suffering particularly troubling, at times. For example, just yesterday another school shooting took the lives of two, innocent high school students. Why, and why them? The natural disasters, such as a tsunami that kills thousands, are very disturbing. Why do those happen, taking innocent lives?
I think I also might ask him what it felt like to empty himself of his divinity, to become a human being. And not simply one of us, but one who had to face the cross and take the world's sin upon him. What was he feeling? What was he thinking?
These are just a sampling of the questions I would have for Jesus. Would hearing his answer make trusting him easier? Well, I would like to think sitting down with God's own son and having him answer all my questions would give me all the confidence I would need for the future. So, I would think it would have to help. But, then again, I'm human. I'd probably come up with more questions and possible reasons to still have doubts. Thanks be to God that because of Jesus I am accepted for who I am, not for who I should be. That's grace. Amazing Grace. I rest in that grace until that day comes when all my questions will fade away and I am in God's glorious presence.
One question I would ask Jesus is how we are to understand the other religions of the world. Jesus, as Son of God, makes some exclusive claims on us and our understanding of God. Are those that believe and practice other religions wrong in their understandings, and, therefore, excluded from heaven?
I think I would ask him about the suffering we see in the world. I find the randomness of suffering particularly troubling, at times. For example, just yesterday another school shooting took the lives of two, innocent high school students. Why, and why them? The natural disasters, such as a tsunami that kills thousands, are very disturbing. Why do those happen, taking innocent lives?
I think I also might ask him what it felt like to empty himself of his divinity, to become a human being. And not simply one of us, but one who had to face the cross and take the world's sin upon him. What was he feeling? What was he thinking?
These are just a sampling of the questions I would have for Jesus. Would hearing his answer make trusting him easier? Well, I would like to think sitting down with God's own son and having him answer all my questions would give me all the confidence I would need for the future. So, I would think it would have to help. But, then again, I'm human. I'd probably come up with more questions and possible reasons to still have doubts. Thanks be to God that because of Jesus I am accepted for who I am, not for who I should be. That's grace. Amazing Grace. I rest in that grace until that day comes when all my questions will fade away and I am in God's glorious presence.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Day 6- Welcome to the Father's House!
The business of religion. Making money off religion. That's what I think of when I read this account in Matthew 21:12-17 where Jesus drives out the money changers and those selling doves for sacrifice in the temple. Some resourceful people had discovered a way to make money from the Jewish pilgrims visiting Jerusalem and the temple for Passover. They would need the right currency, so they provided it- for a fee. They would need animals to sacrifice so those were also for sale. I get the feeling it was a carnival like atmosphere with all this buying and selling taking place.
So Jesus said, "Enough!" In his righteous anger Jesus was calling the people back to God and back to the purpose of the temple, worshiping God. Things had gotten so far out of whack that Jesus had to do something drastic to make people see the error of their ways.
I find it especially interesting that it is the children in the lesson that get worship right. They are the ones that continue to cry out, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" They didn't care what others thought, they just lifted their voices in praise. They fulfilled the words of Psalm 8:2, "From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise."
I consistently hear more comments about the children's message than any other part of our service. I think that's because the kids are so open and innocent. They say what they think, often in quite profound ways. As a leader of worship, it's easy to fall into the trap of thinking about what is coming next, rather than staying in the moment and focusing on God. I, too, have a lot to learn from the children. I need to come with child-like faith, anticipating how God will speak to me during worship. I need to ask God to take away the many distractions that interfere with worship. I need to worry less about performing worship, and concentrate more on actually worshiping. The words of the contemporary song "Heart of Worship" come to mind in this lesson. "I'm coming back to the heart of worship, and it's all about You, it's all about You, Jesus. I'm sorry Lord for the thing I've made it ,When it's all about You , It's all about You Jesus." May it be so.
So Jesus said, "Enough!" In his righteous anger Jesus was calling the people back to God and back to the purpose of the temple, worshiping God. Things had gotten so far out of whack that Jesus had to do something drastic to make people see the error of their ways.
I find it especially interesting that it is the children in the lesson that get worship right. They are the ones that continue to cry out, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" They didn't care what others thought, they just lifted their voices in praise. They fulfilled the words of Psalm 8:2, "From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise."
I consistently hear more comments about the children's message than any other part of our service. I think that's because the kids are so open and innocent. They say what they think, often in quite profound ways. As a leader of worship, it's easy to fall into the trap of thinking about what is coming next, rather than staying in the moment and focusing on God. I, too, have a lot to learn from the children. I need to come with child-like faith, anticipating how God will speak to me during worship. I need to ask God to take away the many distractions that interfere with worship. I need to worry less about performing worship, and concentrate more on actually worshiping. The words of the contemporary song "Heart of Worship" come to mind in this lesson. "I'm coming back to the heart of worship, and it's all about You, it's all about You, Jesus. I'm sorry Lord for the thing I've made it ,When it's all about You , It's all about You Jesus." May it be so.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Day 5- Jesus enters Jerusalem
Just what were the crowds anticipating as Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey? What kind of a king is this? A miracle worker who raised Lazarus and would do still more amazing things? Someone who would defeat the occupying Romans? Someone to bring a new understanding to the Jewish religion? Were the crowds getting swept up by emotion as they went out to see this new and charismatic leader? Did some recognize him as the Messiah, God's own son? Perhaps all of these possibilities were present.
But, by riding in on a donkey, Jesus was clearly entering as a servant to bring peace. I don't think either the disciples or the crowds had any idea of the depth of service Jesus was about to do. In just a matter of days, he would willingly go to the cross for the sins of the world. Can there be any greater act of service? To think that Jesus would serve me in such a way is a thought almost too great to imagine. To think that Jesus continues to serve me by forgiving me by his grace, is a truly amazing thought. My response can only be one of thanks and praise. In the prayer at the end of today's devotion, the author says it well. "It's breath-taking, astonishing, and overwhelming, all at the same time." Hosanna in the highest! Praise be to the One who saves!
But, by riding in on a donkey, Jesus was clearly entering as a servant to bring peace. I don't think either the disciples or the crowds had any idea of the depth of service Jesus was about to do. In just a matter of days, he would willingly go to the cross for the sins of the world. Can there be any greater act of service? To think that Jesus would serve me in such a way is a thought almost too great to imagine. To think that Jesus continues to serve me by forgiving me by his grace, is a truly amazing thought. My response can only be one of thanks and praise. In the prayer at the end of today's devotion, the author says it well. "It's breath-taking, astonishing, and overwhelming, all at the same time." Hosanna in the highest! Praise be to the One who saves!
Sunday, February 26, 2012
First Sunday in Lent- The Rainbow Covenant
The six Sundays in Lent are not counted as part of the 40 days of Lent. This is because every Sunday is a "little Easter," a celebration of Christ's resurrection. Nevertheless, on the Sundays in Lent we do reflect on Christ's journey to the cross for us. There is no devotion in the book we are using, but in worship we think about what God has done for us on the cross.
This year, each of the Old Testament readings in Lent are of a covenant, or a promise, God made with God's people. The first is the covenant God made with Noah and all living creatures after the flood, that never again would God destroy the earth with a flood. Here's the first promise that God is not a God of retribution, but of restoration. There will still be judgment against certain people and parts of the earth, but never again will the earth be destroyed by a flood, or, I believe, other acts of God. The sign of the promise is the rainbow.
If God makes that promise to all the earth, if God desires to restore the earth and even sends His own Son to restore our relationship to God, what should our attitude be about God's good creation? Too often, I think, we have chosen to use the earth for our needs without thinking about the consequences. There are far too many examples of how we have harmed the earth and polluted the land, water, and air. Here in Salt Lake we can't deny the bad air from pollutants that gets trapped with the inversions. So, with God's promise of the rainbow, it is a good reminder of our need to care for the planet God has provided for us. Hopefully, we have learned some things from past mistakes, but we have a long way to go to learn to responsibly manage the earth's resources. This is a global concern, for we all share the planet that makes life possible for us.
This year, each of the Old Testament readings in Lent are of a covenant, or a promise, God made with God's people. The first is the covenant God made with Noah and all living creatures after the flood, that never again would God destroy the earth with a flood. Here's the first promise that God is not a God of retribution, but of restoration. There will still be judgment against certain people and parts of the earth, but never again will the earth be destroyed by a flood, or, I believe, other acts of God. The sign of the promise is the rainbow.
If God makes that promise to all the earth, if God desires to restore the earth and even sends His own Son to restore our relationship to God, what should our attitude be about God's good creation? Too often, I think, we have chosen to use the earth for our needs without thinking about the consequences. There are far too many examples of how we have harmed the earth and polluted the land, water, and air. Here in Salt Lake we can't deny the bad air from pollutants that gets trapped with the inversions. So, with God's promise of the rainbow, it is a good reminder of our need to care for the planet God has provided for us. Hopefully, we have learned some things from past mistakes, but we have a long way to go to learn to responsibly manage the earth's resources. This is a global concern, for we all share the planet that makes life possible for us.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Day 4- A Tough Exam
In order to make our way through all the challenges of daily life, we create our personal world view and ways of coping. The Jewish religious leaders knew their role, their position, and their place in society. It was a good place, or so they believed, a lifestyle that brought a certain status and provided a comfortable way of living.
Jesus comes along and is potentially upsetting all that was familiar to them. "Who is this that can raise the dead? The people will turn to him and away from us!" The solution? "It is better to have one man die for the people than to have the whole nation destroyed." (John 11:50) They feared the Romans would see an uprising and assert their authority, but they also feared their personal world would be threatened.
I think that's why we, too, resist the discipline of self examination. It will inevitably reveal our faults and imperfections, and will likely ask us to change. Such personal change is difficult. The ways we have chosen to cope may well need to be replaced. That means uncertainty, and we don't like that feeling. But, as 1 John 1:8-9 says, God is faithful and just." God forgives. With God's forgiveness and the presence of the Spirit, a new path in life is always possible.
Jesus comes along and is potentially upsetting all that was familiar to them. "Who is this that can raise the dead? The people will turn to him and away from us!" The solution? "It is better to have one man die for the people than to have the whole nation destroyed." (John 11:50) They feared the Romans would see an uprising and assert their authority, but they also feared their personal world would be threatened.
I think that's why we, too, resist the discipline of self examination. It will inevitably reveal our faults and imperfections, and will likely ask us to change. Such personal change is difficult. The ways we have chosen to cope may well need to be replaced. That means uncertainty, and we don't like that feeling. But, as 1 John 1:8-9 says, God is faithful and just." God forgives. With God's forgiveness and the presence of the Spirit, a new path in life is always possible.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Day 3- Mary Anoints Jesus
The contrast is stunning. Mary is generous. As an act of worship, she anoints Jesus with this great gift of expensive perfume. She gives her all to Jesus. Judas is selfish, greedy, and deceptive. He doesn't truly care about the poor. He cares only for himself.
There's a Mary side to me, as I give myself and all I have to the Lord. After all, it's all God's anyway. What I have is only possible because God gives me life and all the blessings that come with life. Given that truth, sharing with others ought come rather easily. But there's a Judas side as well. I trust I'm not quite as selfish and deceptive as him, but that side of me says, "Hold on to what you have. It's your security for today and in the future." But this lesson reminds me that true security rests only in God. It challenges me to be more like Mary, devoting more time to worship and being as generous as possible with all of God's gifts.
There's a Mary side to me, as I give myself and all I have to the Lord. After all, it's all God's anyway. What I have is only possible because God gives me life and all the blessings that come with life. Given that truth, sharing with others ought come rather easily. But there's a Judas side as well. I trust I'm not quite as selfish and deceptive as him, but that side of me says, "Hold on to what you have. It's your security for today and in the future." But this lesson reminds me that true security rests only in God. It challenges me to be more like Mary, devoting more time to worship and being as generous as possible with all of God's gifts.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Day 2- Jesus Raises Lazarus
The raising of Lazarus is one of the most powerful and hopeful of all the miracles recorded in scripture. It also led directly to the Jewish leaders holding a council where they decided "from that day on they planned to put Jesus to death." (John 11:53) With this miracle, Christ's journey to the cross intensifies.
This miracle clearly foreshadows Jesus' resurrection- and our own. As Lazarus had died (he had been in the tomb four days), so also Jesus dies and is in the tomb 3 days. Both tombs are sealed by a stone. As Lazarus emerges from the tomb by God's power in Jesus, so will Jesus be raised up by God's power. For Lazarus, it was a new lease on life. He was given a second chance at life, though he would, of course, one day again die. For Jesus, it was resurrection, the defeat of sin and death, and receiving a new, glorified body. Jesus would not die again, but would return to heaven in glory.
It is to this resurrection that believers look and await in hope. John 11:25 is one of my favorite verses and the words to a song I learned as a young teenager. "I am the resurrection and the life, he who believes in me shall never die." By raising Lazarus, the power of God is revealed. By raising Jesus, that power is revealed to us.
This miracle clearly foreshadows Jesus' resurrection- and our own. As Lazarus had died (he had been in the tomb four days), so also Jesus dies and is in the tomb 3 days. Both tombs are sealed by a stone. As Lazarus emerges from the tomb by God's power in Jesus, so will Jesus be raised up by God's power. For Lazarus, it was a new lease on life. He was given a second chance at life, though he would, of course, one day again die. For Jesus, it was resurrection, the defeat of sin and death, and receiving a new, glorified body. Jesus would not die again, but would return to heaven in glory.
It is to this resurrection that believers look and await in hope. John 11:25 is one of my favorite verses and the words to a song I learned as a young teenager. "I am the resurrection and the life, he who believes in me shall never die." By raising Lazarus, the power of God is revealed. By raising Jesus, that power is revealed to us.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Ash Wednesday- Poor in Spirit
We begin the 40 day Journey to the Cross by reflecting on what it means to be "poor in spirit." It's a good place to begin. Jesus began his journey to the cross by humbling himself, giving up his place in heaven, to become one of us. Philippians 2:7 says he became a slave, being born in human likeness. That's quite a step down from heaven!
In the same way, as we begin our spiritual journey to the cross, we do so with humility. We do so by admitting we are spiritually poor. So often, as a pastor, there is the expectation that you have it all together spiritually. You lead by example. You supposedly do all the spiritual disciplines of prayer, study, worship, giving, and serving better than others. You are placed on a pedestal for others to follow. You appear to be "rich in spirit." The danger comes if you start to believe that. This is what happened to the Pharisees in Jesus' day. They saw themselves as better than the common sinners.
But I, just like you, live in spiritual poverty. I fail to live as I should and I fail to do as God would want. As I begin this journey, I admit my own sin and my complete dependence on God's grace. I come to church today to receive a smudge of ashes, a visible reminder of my need for repentance and of God's love on the cross. I begin "poor in spirit," trusting that, by God's grace, God's blessing will come.
God be with you as you begin your Lenten "Journey to the Cross."
In the same way, as we begin our spiritual journey to the cross, we do so with humility. We do so by admitting we are spiritually poor. So often, as a pastor, there is the expectation that you have it all together spiritually. You lead by example. You supposedly do all the spiritual disciplines of prayer, study, worship, giving, and serving better than others. You are placed on a pedestal for others to follow. You appear to be "rich in spirit." The danger comes if you start to believe that. This is what happened to the Pharisees in Jesus' day. They saw themselves as better than the common sinners.
But I, just like you, live in spiritual poverty. I fail to live as I should and I fail to do as God would want. As I begin this journey, I admit my own sin and my complete dependence on God's grace. I come to church today to receive a smudge of ashes, a visible reminder of my need for repentance and of God's love on the cross. I begin "poor in spirit," trusting that, by God's grace, God's blessing will come.
God be with you as you begin your Lenten "Journey to the Cross."
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Welcome to our Lenten journey!
Hello everyone! Welcome to my "Journey to the Cross" Lenten blog. Beginning on Ash Wednesday, February 22nd, I will post my personal reflections each day throughout Lent based on the "Journey to the Cross" devotional booklet distributed to the congregation. You're welcome to post your comments and personal reflections as well! To do so you will need to go through a short registration process by clicking on the "Join this Site" button to the right. I'm excited to be able to share my thoughts in this way and to learn from you as well! Blessings to us all as we "Journey to the Cross" together!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)