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.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
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!
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