Upcoming Ministry Events:
24 Hour Prayer Emphasis
March 11—12
9:00 AM to 9:00 AM
Palm Sunday Services
March 20
9:00 AM & 10:30 AM
(Identical Services)
Maundy Thursday
March 24
7:00-8:30 PM
(Come and go communion and interactive worship stations)
Good Friday Service
March 25
7:00 PM
Easter Sunday Services
March 27
8:00 AM, 9:30 AM, & 11:00 AM
(Identical Services—No Sunday School)
For a complete list of upcoming Ministry Events and
Information, visit: http://centralchurchonline.com/events/html
Thank you for journeying with us during the season of Lent and
making this devotional a part of your daily life. This devotional has
been developed with the intent to help us individually and as a
congregation draw closer to the Lord, experience Christ's pain and
His journey to the cross, and shape and form us into greater
Christ-likeness.
This devotional is based on the daily scripture readings from the
Revised Common Lectionary and each devotional is written by
pastors and members of the Central congregation. We pray that
God will speak to you in fresh ways in the next 40 days as we
prepare our hearts for the great celebration on Easter Sunday.
We would also invite you to share your stories of how God is using
this devotional by emailing your testimonies to us at
[email protected].
Prayer of Openness
Our God of wonder and might, look kindly upon us, your faithful
people, as we move and grow through this daily life that we are
given. We know that we are not alone on this journey as your Spirit
empowers us in each new day. We must, however, take time to
listen and reflect on the words of scripture which can renew and
refresh us each day. We are powerfully moved by you, if we just
stop and give you the attention that you so want from us. Help us to
walk and to not be in such a hurry as we journey in this life. Help us
to appreciate the beauty and freshness that give us the passion to
live each moment to the fullest. The prophet Isaiah proclaimed, “The
Spirit of the Lord God is upon me” (Isaiah 61:1). That same Spirit
lives deep within each of us, but we sometimes do not realize it. So
we ask for the Spirit to continue to shape us and help us to remain
open to the presence and power of our loving God. Amen.
Contributors:
Linda Alexander
Samuel Barber
Lynne Bollinger
Phil Burkhart
Andy Cook
Jake Edwards
Michelle Holland
Mark Lail
Raymond Moore
Stan Rodes
Malorri Seamon
Richard Shockey
Julie Stevens
Mario Zani
God, Have Mercy on Me, a Sinner
Luke 18:9-14
It seems quite fitting that this particular story begins this season of Lent,
especially since these days leading up to Easter are times for us to
consider the depths of darkness found in our own humanity, along with our
deep need for God. The juxtaposition of these two characters serves to
illustrate the danger of pride and the importance of humility—the place
where the spiritual life begins. This will serve us well for our Lenten
journey, but to move forward may take some confession.
Holiness folk are not always good at confession. While other Christian
communities make corporate confession part of their weekly worship
services, our own culture has not always made it easy to include
confession, both individually and corporately. Confession—like that of the
collector—should be at the center of our spiritual lives.
In God’s Kingdom, the low are lifted up and the proud are humbled. Tax
collectors were heinous people in Jesus’ day, often extorting money and
serving as extensions of the oppressive Romans. But this tax collector is
said to have “went home justified before God.” This tax collector should
have been far outside the conventions of those who would have been
considered the insiders of the day. But Jesus took care to tell those “who
were confident of their own righteousness” that they might be surprised
who is an “insider” and who, despite great religious demonstration,
remained outside of the righteousness for God.
The challenge for us, of course, is to locate ourselves properly in the story.
For those of us who have been Christians for a while, sometimes it can be
difficult to consider that we may actually, in fact, be the antagonist in the
story.
We pray the prayer of the tax collector.
Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.
Eternity Starts Now
John 17:1-8
Some years ago, I visited a Greek Orthodox Church. I remember the bright
colors, vivid paintings and the natural sunlight that streamed through the
ornate stained-glass windows. When I asked one of the members about
these characteristics, she said, “We like to imagine that we are bringing
heaven down to earth when we worship!”
I have never forgotten the vision of that worshiping community. Instead of
imagining their songs rising up to heaven—to some other place—they
believed that the Kingdom of Heaven was intersecting with this world as
they worshiped. The space between our world and God’s was being made
thin.
Sometimes we have the tendency to think of “eternal life” as only what
happens after we die. The resurrection of Christians at the last day is, of
course, our greatest hope, but it is striking in this text that Jesus’ prayer
here frames “eternal life” in very real and present terms. It is knowing God
and knowing Jesus Christ that is eternal life, according to Jesus. This does
not just mean that our knowing leads to eternal life, but that eternal life is
already begun. In fact, the word for “eternal” in Greek (αιωνιος=aionios) is
where our word “aeon” is derived from. We are in the age of Jesus,
reigning as King.
For those of us with faith in Jesus Christ, eternity has started now.
As we contemplate a dark world in need of a savior during this period of
Lent, let us consider Jesus’ prayer and how we are called to bring heaven
down to earth, proclaiming the possibility of resurrection. The Kingdom,
which has already been inaugurated in Jesus, is breaking into this world
through the mission of the church. The light is overcoming darkness.
We are the ones left to continue Jesus’ mission of love until he returns.
Righteous Father, help us, we pray, to be bearers of hope for the
world that they, too, can see your glory and have eternal life
through faith in Jesus Christ. Amen.
Deeper Into the World
John 17:9-19
Sometimes living the holy life is tough. It might seem that being too close
to our wicked world might have a corrupting and polluting influence. Some
days it seems as if complete withdrawal from this evil place might be
easiest.
However, it is interesting that here in John, in Jesus’ prayer for you and for
me, he does not ask for us to be taken out of the world (v. 15). Instead, he
prays that God would protect us from evil and make us holy through God’s
truth. So, rather than holiness coming through separation, our holiness
instead comes through an alignment with the mission of God as we are
sent—on mission—into the world.
This means, then, that we are not called to a “holy huddle”, far removed
from the world. No, we are called deeper into the life of the world. Just as
the divine descended into human flesh as God sent Jesus into our world,
forever co-mingling the divine with the human, so does Jesus send us into
the world with the same mission. We are the ones who represent Jesus in
this sending action of God. We are to carry on the mission of Jesus—
through the power of the Holy Spirit—in His physical absence. Instead of
taking us out of the darkness, he has sent us headlong into it, with candles
burning brightly.
As you continue to yield your will to Jesus during Lent, consider where he
might be sending you to let your light shine in the darkness.
Merciful God, we pray as Jesus prayed that you would protect us
as you send us deeper into the world with the light of Christ. Help
us during this Lenten season to cultivate a sensitivity to those
places and people who need your love and light. Amen.
Confession is Our Preservation
Psalm 30, 32
As a child, I would often find refuge in the comfort of my parents. When
hurting, I could jump into their arms and hide my hurt in their overwhelming
love. However, when I was ornery or in trouble I found myself hiding from
their wrath, tempted to keep secrets to conceal my transgression. In
today’s reading we discover this dual use of hidden places: they may be
used for solitude, peace, and refuge but they can also be a dreaded place
filled with darkness and a silence that seeks to hide sin.
In the Psalm 32, the Psalmist writes, “I acknowledged my sin to you, and I
did not hide my iniquity; I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the
Lord,’ and you forgave the guilt of my sin.” (v.5)
Secrets that come out in light lose their power to bind us to our past
transgressions. Confession tells the truth about our position, casting light
on our hidden life and freeing us to a God who covers our transgressions!
Confession exposes those areas we dare not share or are too ashamed to
admit. Confession to God is finding our refuge, our safe place where
transgressions are covered and the chains of shame set free. The
Psalmist declares, “You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from
trouble; you surround me with glad cries of deliverance.” (v.7)
In this season, what may we confess to hiding from God? How might we
begin to tell the truth about ourselves and our current position? Where can
we claim deliverance from past transgressions?
God forgives you.
Forgive others;
forgive yourself.
A New Zealand Prayer Book
Trust In The Lord
Psalm 41, 52
I couldn’t imagine being in David’s spot when he wrote Psalm 52. He had
fled for his life and sought refuge from the priest Ahimelech, was found
out, then became the cause of 85 priests losing their lives in an act of evil
vengeance. The person commissioned to kill these priests was Doeg the
Edomite. You can read about these adventures in 1 Samuel 22:6-18.
Psalm 52 is written in response to Doeg’s horror.
Specifically, take note of how David contrasts the word “trust” between
Doeg and himself. David writes that Doeg, “trusted in abundant riches, and
sought refuge in wealth” (v.7), but that he (David) “trusts in the steadfast
love of God forever and ever.” Personal accumulation vs. the faithfulness
of God.
Wealth, when it becomes our lord, can drive us to some crazy
rationalizations and trick us into thinking we owe it our allegiance. The
same could be said about anything that takes the place of our trust in the
Lord whether it is wealth, power, sex, busy schedules, work, hobbies,
family obligations, you name it. David doesn’t put his trust in the promise of
human effort or production but in the faithfulness of God.
The Hebrew word used here for trust literally means to throw oneself down
on their face. That sounds a lot like worship. We must be honest with
ourselves and ask to whom or what are we throwing ourselves down on
our face? The season of Lent provides us an opportunity to be honest with
ourselves on where our trust lies and to recast it in an obedient direction.
This reorientation is not concerned with right performance, it’s about
recasting our trust in that God will provide for us when so many voices lurk
in the background presenting other options. To whom or what do you
throw yourself down on your face?
Lord, help me to trust you wholly,
for you yourself are the answer to all my need:
my help in trouble,
my refuge in danger,
my strength in temptation,
my comfort in sorrow,
my guide in uncertainty,
my hope in despondency,
my God, now and for evermore.
-Frank Colquhoun, Prayers for Today
A Wedding Song
Psalm 45
This is a grand Psalm, a wedding song filled with splendid and joyous
images. I am reminded of a wedding I attended years ago where the flower
girls followed their procession by tugging on the coat of the groom and
letting him know the bride was coming. Soon after, the double doors to the
sanctuary opened and the bride appeared. The room fell into reverence at
her presence, except the two flower girls. They lost control. The two girls
ran down the aisle to the bride giggling and laughing and then sprinted
back to the alter yelling, “She is here, she is here!!”
This Psalm may have been used at a wedding but has been understood
throughout the years as an allegory pointing to Christ and His church. The
Psalmist can hardly hold his composure at the exceptional quality of the
groom. Grace is upon his lips, God’s blessing upon him forever, and
righteousness and justice proceed out of his majesty. He is the anointed
one and He comes for His bride. The bride bows to her Lord and together
they will produce an inheritance to bless all generations.
Lent, a period set apart for fasting and remembering our mortality, may
appear as an odd time to recall weddings, but it is redemptive to remember
that while we were still far off Christ came to us in His splendor taking us
as His bride. Justice and righteousness is here. Like the story of the flower
girls above, we celebrate that he is here, and with the Psalmist we
celebrate in our relationship with Christ. This relationship will be for the
benefit and blessing of generations to come. Take time today to reflect on
Jesus holding us in his perfect splendor through the cross atoning for our
sin and making it possible to live with Him in a life of righteousness.
Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to you, so guide
our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we
may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated unto you; and then use
us, we pray, as you will, and always to your glory and the welfare
of your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
Book of Common Prayer, A Prayer of Self-Dedication
Sold!
Genesis 37:36
Meanwhile, the Midianite traders arrived in Egypt, where they sold Joseph
to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. Potiphar was captain
of the palace guard. (NLT)
Unjust! Unfair! Inhumane! A young man misunderstood by the majority of
his family sold into slavery by his brothers to strangers for twenty pieces of
silver! Joseph is then sold again by traders to live in a foreign land under
the watchful eye of an officer of the King of Egypt. The tragedy of one with
dreams of a better life being treated like an animal or property to be used.
How could this chapter in Joseph's story lead to anything but a nightmare
instead of a dream?
BBC News reported last year that there are approximately 36 million
people in the world who are considered to live in modern slavery. This
represents approximately 0.5% percent of the world's population. Each
one of these individuals has a story. I wonder how many of these persons
have given up on their dream of a different or better life. Many others in the
world live enslaved to addiction, abuse, mental illness, or another
debilitating human condition often caused by the choices of others
including family.
Do you feel enslaved or imprisoned by your choices or by the choices of
others? Have your dreams become enslaved with you? Jesus was sold
into slavery by his friend and disciple Judas Iscariot for 30 pieces of silver.
Both Joseph and Jesus chose not to let their enslaved condition determine
the destiny of their God-given dreams. Their strength came from a
profound understanding of how they were viewed by God their Father and
His plan for their lives.
Father God, may you reveal yourself today to the enslaved in our
world today. Bring peace and hope in the darkness and freedom
for the captive.
Survive and Thrive!
Genesis 39:2
The Lord was with Joseph, so he succeeded in everything he did as he
served in the home of his Egyptian master. (NLT)
Joseph had been unfairly and inhumanely sold into slavery by his family
and by foreign traders. He now finds himself in circumstances unfamiliar
and uncomfortable. He would understandably be feeling a great sense of
loss and abandonment. Why did this happen? Where would hope be
found? What would happen to the "dreamer" known as Joseph? Could he
not only survive but also thrive in his circumstances?
Genesis 39:2 paints a beautiful picture of the enslaved Joseph
experiencing the presence of the Lord in the middle of what could have
been considered a nightmare. The presence of the Lord brought a strength
to Joseph that gave him purpose and hope. He could then not only survive
but thrive!
I love the contrast in this verse of the picture of Joseph completely
succeeding in everything he did even while in the home of his Egyptian
master. Without the presence of the Lord permeating every part of our
lives, we focus on our limitations and inability while allowing ourselves to
be enslaved to people or circumstances. Joseph’s understanding of God
and His ways enabled him to focus on the ability of God rather than his
inability. His Egyptian master may control much of the activities of his life,
however his earthly master could not control his attitude nor his response
to the actions of his captor. He could live as a free man in his captivity!
Father God, may you open the eyes of the enslaved to see the
Lord Himself offering sustaining grace and abundance of life in
the middle of their circumstances. May today bring light to
their darkness!
Redefining Success
Genesis 40:8b
“Interpreting dreams is God’s business,” Joseph replied. “Go ahead and
tell me your dreams.” (NLT)
Genesis 39:2 reminds us of the great success Joseph was experiencing in
his service of the home of his Egyptian master. He was succeeding in
everything he did. How many can say we are succeeding in everything we
are doing? Is that even possible? I watched a professional basketball
game this week in which the player, Stephen Curry, made 13 of 14 shots
during the first half of the game. As good as Stephen Curry is, he still
missed one shot during this half. How can one achieve complete success?
Joseph's words to Pharoah's cup-bearer and baker in Genesis 40:8b
reveals a clear understanding of the source of his complete success. The
gifts given to Joseph were understood to be owned by God Himself.
Joseph claims no ownership of these gifts but understands himself to be a
faithful steward of the gifts he has been given. I admire Joseph's faith and
trust in a God who comes through just in time. Joseph is simply a vessel to
be used by God. When we offer ourselves as a "living sacrifice" to God
(Romans 12:1), God is faithful to use us and redefine for us the meaning of
"success.”
For the enslaved and those feeling abandoned and alone, take the first
step of simply giving back to God what He has placed in your hands. Your
act of obedience will help redefine a worldly definition of success to even
include the ability to serve those who attempt to enslave you and steal
your dreams.
Father God, may you help me to offer myself as a living sacrifice
for your complete use and service. May my success be found in
what You are doing in my life and not defined by others.
Sabbath Rest
Mark 2:27-28
Then Jesus said to them, “The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of
people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath. So the
Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath!”
True rest is something we all long for in the hustle and bustle of our lives
and culture. So much so that we have dozens of cruise lines skillfully
marketing relaxing get-aways. Massage parlors on every busy street
corner, with walk-in appointments, and dozens of other workout facilities,
and health food stores that offer solutions for relieving stress in our daily
lives.
How often when we are feeling the heaviness of life, finding ourselves
longing for true rest, do we allow the Sabbath to meet our needs the way
God designed it to do (Mark 2:27)? A day set aside just for us, by our
maker, with no appointment necessary or payment up front. Allow this one
day out of seven to be a true get-away. Prepare in advance for it to be set
aside in your week and take time to reflect on the love represented in the
design of this day, for us!
Father, it seems that the “to-do” list is never complete and there is
never quite enough room to fit every event on the calendar. The
incomplete list and bulging calendar seem to drive us to never
stop. Father, help us to allow your gift of the Sabbath to be a part
of our week. Help us Father to realize that we don’t have to plan
for months in advance to have at least one day to rest our weary
bodies and minds. Please draw us to yourself and remind us to
set aside a Sabbath rest each week, designed to bring life and
rejuvenation to our weary souls. Thank you for the love that you
show us through the gift of the Sabbath.
Healing For The Heart
Mark 3:7-10
Jesus went out to the lake with his disciples, and a large crowd followed
him. They came from all over Galilee, Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, from
east of the Jordan River, and even from as far north as Tyre and Sidon.
The news about his miracles had spread far and wide, and vast numbers
of people came to see him. Jesus instructed his disciples to have a boat
ready so the crowd would not crush him. He had healed many people that
day, so all the sick people eagerly pushed forward to touch him.
The son of man came to save and to heal. Story after story throughout the
New Testament attest to the miraculous healings that Jesus did during His
life on Earth. So much so that the crowds would follow him, press in on
him, sit for hours without eating listening to his teaching, and go to great
lengths to be in His presence. Although we can’t see Him in physical form,
Jesus’ spirit is available to us for that same healing today, at this very
moment, and every second of the day. Physical healing is often what we
think about, but Jesus also offered healing for the heart and the soul.
Over and over again he spoke truth to those who opposed Him and as a
result of their hardened hearts the healing truth of His very life, a gift of
love and sacrifice from the Father for us, fell on deaf ears and their
unbelief lead Him to the cross.
Father, thank you for the sacrificial gift of love that you gave us
through your son, Jesus. Lord, we admit that we need your
love and your truth to infiltrate our hearts and our souls.
Father, it burdens us to know that our unbelief and our desire
to do things on our own accord have, at times, lead us further
from your truth and, just like the angry mob, pushed your son,
Jesus, closer to the cross. Father, help us to allow your healing
touch to revive our hearts and our souls. Help us Lord to not
allow our understandings to get in the way of the truth that you
bring us through the life and words of Jesus. Faithfully walk
beside us Lord and may our desire to be in your presence,
every hour of everyday, grow as we continue to allow your
truth to be our guide.
The Family of God
Mark 3:31-35
There was a crowd sitting around Jesus, and someone said, “Your mother
and your brothers are outside asking for you.” Jesus replied, “Who is my
mother? Who are my brothers?” Then he looked at those around him and
said, “Look, these are my mother and brothers. Anyone who does God’s
will is my brother and sister and mother.”
God designed us not only for relationship with Himself, but also for
relationship with each other. In our fast paced culture, social networking
has allowed us to keep the pace of our busy lives, without the need to miss
a beat for anyone or anything.
As believers, we need to take a moment to look around us and discover
not only the people God has placed in our lives to disciple, but also to
recognize the huge family that we inherited to share life with, the very
moment we chose to accept Jesus as our Savior. Our Father did not put
us on this Earth to live in isolation, following our own agendas, set to our
own pace. Instead, He desires for us to live in a deep harmonious
relationship with Him and His church. Just as we have to work at growing
and strengthening the relationships we have with those we live amongst,
we also have a responsibility to engage with each other as believers.
Sharing life and lifting each other up in prayer and encouragement is
God’s desire for His church.
Father, help us to embrace the community of believers you have
surrounded us with. Oh Father, tear down the walls that keep us
from loving each other without reservation. Crush the judgments
and expectations we have unfairly placed on others. Clear our
minds of any jealousy and anger that we have allowed to creep
in. We pray that the love, harmony, and conviction that we share
together as one body would contagiously draw people to
yourself. Make us one with you Lord and one with each other.
God Fulfills His Plans
Genesis 42:18-28
But they did not know that Joseph understood, for there was an interpreter
between them" (Gen. 42:23)
Joseph knew those standing before him were his brothers (Genesis 42:8). His
brothers only saw an Egyptian, a ruler, someone to whom they should submit to
secure the food they needed for them as well for their families back in Canaan.
Joseph remembered very well God’s given dream that angered his brothers many
years back (Genesis 37:5-11), and how he was sold because of the jealousy they
felt against him. The dream was now being fulfilled. Joseph decided not to reveal
himself to his brothers; rather, he decided to play a painful game with them. Joseph
asked: "Where do you come from…? You are spies! You have come to see where
our land is unprotected.” The fearful answer was: “No, my lord,” they answered.
“Your servants have come to buy food. We are all the sons of one man. Your
servants are honest men, not spies.”
The story goes on. Then, Joseph said to them that because he believed in the
same God, he would let them go back with food to their families in Canaan.
However, one of them (Simeon) would be kept in Egypt as grantor of their return
with the little brother, Benjamin. "Go, take food with you, and bring back the
younger brother..." For the first time, after those many years, the brothers realized
that their sin against Joseph and his father began to bear bitter fruits: “They said to
one another, ‘Surely we are being punished because of our brother [Joseph]. We
saw how distressed he was when he pleaded with us for his life, but we would not
listen; that’s why this distress has come on us.’ Reuben replied, ‘Didn’t I tell you not
to sin against the boy? But you wouldn’t listen! Now we must give an accounting for
his blood’” (Genesis 42:21-22).
There are several lessons in this passage. (1) We cannot shorten God’s plans.
Sooner or later He will fulfill them (in this particular case with the dreams God
revealed to Joseph). (2) Joseph continued to fear God in the midst of his
circumstances. In bad times or in good times, he maintained his convictions about
God. (3) As Joseph placed conditions to his brothers to be reunited with his family,
he suffered with them. The story tells us that "Joseph wept" (Genesis 42:24).
Reflection: God does not forget me. Even if I do not recognize Him, He knows
where I am today and, in His grace and mercy, constantly will try to reach out to
me. Even when I may be confused about who He is, God seeks me with deep love.
God loves and understands you and me!
Lord, open my eyes to always see you; that at all times I recognize your
presence; help me always to see and follow you. I love you because you
loved me first! Amen.
An Incomplete Confession
Genesis 42:29-38
But we said to him, 'we are honest men; we are not spies. We are twelve
brothers, sons of one father. One is no more, and the youngest is now with
our father in Canaan (Genesis 42:31-32).
It was time to tell the story to their father, Jacob. It would still be half of the
story; including the lie of what really happened to Joseph. They shared what
took place in Egypt in the previous days. But, why did they not tell Jacob about
what had happened to Joseph years earlier, in the field? What about their
resentment, jealousy and envy toward his favorite son ("one is no more", they
told to both Joseph back in Egypt as well to Jacob)? Why should Jacob go on
believing that his favorite son had died? They partially opened their heart to
Jacob. They said, "Your son Ishmael is now imprisoned in Egypt. He would be
freed only if we take Benjamin, our youngest brother, with us.”
Complete forgiveness requires full transparency, responsibility, honesty, and a
deep desire not to sin again. Jacob, unlike God, had limited knowledge and,
for this reason, was deceived for many years and now once again. Do you
know? God knows my life, my past, my story; as well as my present and my
future desires. We cannot fool God. His forgiveness will be effective only when
I confess and allow Christ to completely restore me.
Interestingly Joseph knew very well the true story that brought him to Egypt.
His sufferings were real; but, as he acknowledged many times, God elevated
him as "Lord of the whole earth" (42:30).
True confession of sins to Christ is needed for one to be saved. And, if family
is going to be restored, that need even becomes more crucial to us. There is
only One Way that will allow us to return to God: Christ the Truth, the Life.
Reflection: Christ's redemption will be better understood when I see the evil
that causes me to sin. I need to understand the full extent of my transgression
not to sin again. How can I understand God's forgiveness, the sacrifice, death
and power of Christ, if I resist accepting the seriousness and consequences of
my sin, and the eternal death it entails?
Lord, my sins are what you were crucified for. Your love is extended
to me to be saved and transformed. I regret with sorrow the pain and
suffering I caused you; and for the place that you had on the cross to
take care of the eternal death I deserved. I feel embarrassed,
contrite, and determined not to knowingly sin again. Thank you for
your forgiveness. I accept you as my Savior. Amen.
Time to Act!
Genesis 43:1-15
In this section of Genesis (43:8-9) we see the indecision which results from not
knowing what to do next. There was a cycle of mourning, blame, and finally the
acceptance of their reality. The assessment of the situation led Jacob (Israel) to
believe that it was not worth taking the risk of returning to Egypt for food. It was
better for them to starve and die, than suffer the death of sadness. “Why risking
and endangering the life of my son Benjamin? Isn’t the death of Joseph and the
imprisonment of Ishmael in Egypt enough pain already?” The brothers tried to
convince the father by all means that the best decision was to send Benjamin back
to Egypt with them. Action, on one hand, required covering the distance between
Canaan to Egypt, and timing was the other factor. "Father, if you had allowed us to
do what the Egyptian ruler ordered, by now we could have gone to Egypt and
returned twice." Moreover, the other real problem was: "Food is gone and we have
to do something."
Sometimes we believe that with our indifference or earthly mathematics somehow
we'll get through an issue or problem. Judah, one of the brothers, decided to act
and risk everything including his life, reputation, and family. It was time to act!
“Send the boy along with me and we will go at once, so that we and you and our
children may live and not die. I myself will guarantee his safety; you can hold me
personally responsible for him. If I do not bring him back to you and set him here
before you, I will bear the blame before you all my life"
Both, reality and the need for commitment were before Jacob. What to do? Jacob,
the father, finally conceded: “If it must be, then do this: Put some of the best
products of the land in your bags and take them down to the man as a gift…
Perhaps it was a mistake. Take your brother also and go back to the man at once.
And may God Almighty[grant you mercy before the man so that he will let your
other brother and Benjamin come back with you. As for me, if I am bereaved, I am
bereaved.” (43:11-14).
Reflection: Christ is before us. The cost of indecision to what He offers may
become final and too expensive. Not only is one's life at stake, but also the lives of
others. As we think of salvation from sin, provided by God in Christ, it's never too
early to accept it. Rather, we are always late. With every passing day, someone will
be deprived of this privilege of enjoying the full remedy, including change and
transformation made possible in Christ. Why delay? Christ calls and he says: I
guarantee that this is the best for you, your family, and future generations. Act and
accept God’s extended grace to you. Don’t wait.
Lord, give me the vision of your purpose for my life. Help me to see the
potential you see in me. Give me the strength to make the decision to be a
true disciple of yours. In the power of your Spirit, give me the grace to
understand that now is the time; today is the day. Please, do this in me
and to those who depend on me. In your name I pray, Amen.
Encountering Jesus: Responding with Worship
Mark 5:1-20
When was the last time you encountered Jesus? When did you last
experience God in a new way and how did you respond?
In the story of the man from Gerasenes found in Mark’s gospel, Jesus is
the one who suggests, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” (Mark
4:35) When Jesus arrives he has barely placed his foot on the shore
before the man who is demon-possessed is there to meet him (Mark 5:2).
In fact, the story shares that while Jesus was still some distance away, the
man saw him and he ran to meet Jesus and bowed down before him (Mark
5:6). The demons who possessed this man knew who Jesus was and their
response is to take their place at Jesus’ feet in worship.
During this season of Lent as we set aside time for confession and
repentance, Jesus comes to us; we encounter Jesus. As he comes to us
we have a choice in the way we will respond. Even demons know the
appropriate response to an encounter with Christ! We were made for
worship and when we fail to regularly fall at His feet, in his grace He draws
us to himself. Let us pray for an encounter with Christ during this season of
Lent, and when He comes to us, let us run to him and fall at His feet in
worship.
“You never go away from us, yet we have difficulty in returning to
You. Come, Lord, stir us up and call us back. Kindle and seize us.
Be our fire and our sweetness. Let us love. Let us run.”
Prayer of Confession, Augustine of Hippo
Encountering Jesus: Responding with Faith
Mark 5:21-43
There is not much in common between Jairus and the hemorrhaging
woman in this passage we read in Mark. Jairus is a leader in the
synagogue. He is respected, wealthy, included. The woman who has been
hemorrhaging is an untouchable. She is disrespected, poor, isolated. They
do, however, have at least three things in common:

Twelve years. This is the age of Jairus’ daughter who is now either
dead or about to die. This is also the number of years that the woman
who was hemorrhaging, has suffered.

Desperation. There is no individual more desperate for help than the
parent of a sick or dying child. Jairus, regardless of all his wealth and
power cannot change the condition of his beloved daughter. At the
same time, the woman suffering has endured pain, poverty and
abandonment. Her hopelessness is palpable. She has nothing to lose.
Both were willing to withstand the cutting words and condemning
opinions of others in order encounter Jesus.

Faith. This is what both Jairus and the woman demonstrate as they
abandon their contrasting lives of prominence and poverty for an
opportunity to encounter Jesus and the hope that he offered.
As we encounter Christ may we respond with faith. May we imitate the
lives of these two hope-filled believers who were willing to throw off
everything that hindered them from having an encounter with Jesus. And
finally, let us not wonder at his works but rather let us wonder at Him.
“You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are
restless until they rest in You.”
Prayer of Confession, Augustine of Hippo
Encountering Jesus: Responding with Humility
Mark 6:1-13
Jesus called the disciples to himself. (Mark 6:7) In obedience, they left
everything for the sake of following Christ. They were useless; they had no
security in knowledge or experience in teaching or in healing. They were
helpless. They could not provide for themselves either shelter or food. In
every way they became poor. After Jesus called them to himself, He sent
them out to do His work. The disciples’ encounter with Jesus brought them
to a place of humility so that they could be useful in the hands of God.
An encounter with Jesus will invite us to a journey in humility. We need
God’s grace to go before us and call us to himself. We need Jesus to
redeem us and to teach us the work of the kingdom of God. We need the
presence of the Holy Spirit to work within us; to empower us to do His work
and to share in God’s mission.
Jesus draws us to himself and makes us His own. Without knowledge or
experience or gifts or abilities, Jesus uses our humility as a place to begin
His work. As we encounter Christ may we respond in humility as we
realize our deep need for Him.
“I am no longer my own, but yours.
Put me to what you will, rank me with whom you will;
put me to doing, put me to suffering;
let me be employed for you, or laid aside for you,
exalted for you, or brought low for you;
let me be full,
let me be empty,
let me have all things,
let me have nothing:
I freely and wholeheartedly yield all things
to your pleasure and disposal.
And now, glorious and blessed God,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
you are mine and I am yours. So be it.
And the covenant now made on earth, let it be ratified in heaven.
Amen.
Wesley Covenant Prayer
Engaging our World
1 Corinthians 8:1-13
As we draw nearer to our day of remembrance of the cross of Christ, may
we be mindful of the freedom we have in Christ; freedom from sin and
freedom from the law, but more importantly, freedom for God. A common
phrase for those in the Corinthian Church was “we all have knowledge”,
specifically when it came to their religious understanding.
As followers of Christ, how often can we get caught up in the pursuit of
knowledge - that we might know Christ more fully - that our knowledge
might somehow set us apart from others. While knowledge is not
inherently bad, knowledge without love is meaningless. John Wesley said
that there is no true knowledge without divine love. Separate from love,
knowledge has the power to tear down, despise, segregate, alienate,
insult, shun and judge. One translation says that knowledge without love
serves only to puff up, yet we are called to empty ourselves, seeking to not
only know God, but in love, to help make God known. Love is the perfect
revelation of God in the world.
In our pursuit of knowledge, are we careful to seek first the Kingdom of
God, in love, or do we sometimes seek self-preservation or even
accolades?
Lord, in our efforts to know you, help us be true to who we are in
you. Help us to see and understand the gift you have given us, and
give us courage to use our knowledge and understanding to see
others come to know the freedom we have found in you. Amen.
Engaging our World
1 Corinthians 9:1-15
In this passage, Paul, recognizing his privilege both as a follower of Christ
and as a religious leader, sacrifices his position that some may come to
know Christ. As followers of Christ, we are in a position of privilege. We
know the great freedom that comes from a life surrendered. We also have
the hope of resurrection. These are benefits we freely receive because of
our knowledge and acceptance of the sacrifice of Christ.
We read in this passage of all of the rights that Paul is giving up. This
serves not as a way to measure holiness, but to show Paul’s position of
privilege. He notes that among all of those granted these specific
privileges, he was likely the most deserving because he was the first to
introduce them to the Gospel of Christ. However, Paul set aside his
position of privilege, that some might come to know Christ. Perhaps we too
often see first our privilege as those whom God has saved in Christ,
allowing that privilege to be a barrier between us and those to whom God
has called us. May we always be willing to lay down our Christian privilege
for the sake of those to whom we are called, those that need to know the
Gospel.
Lord God, when the hungry are few, the sick healed, the lonely
made family, the outcast brought in, the sinner forgiven, and the
enemy reconciled, we know your work by the fruit it has
produced. May our lives bear fruit worthy of your name. Amen.
Engaging our World
1 Corinthians 9:16-27
Paul, continuing his argument from the previous verses, pays careful
attention here to the divine nature of his calling. After all, the Mission of
God is not ours - it belongs not to an individual, a church, or a religion - but
to God. Our hope is not that our Church has a specific mission, but that
God, on His Mission, might find our church worthy of carrying out His
Mission. This is where our knowledge is important. We know how the story
ends.
Paul makes reference to the Isthmian games, which were athletic games
held every two years in Corinth. He speaks of the need for discipline in
their relationship with Christ as though they were preparing for these
Olympic-like games. We, from our position of privilege, and with our
knowledge of how this story ends, must use it to engage our world. Paul
said that he runs with purpose in every step - every relationship, every
place we go, every person we encounter, we have the opportunity to
engage our world by engaging the Mission of God. In the meantime, we
train - we pray, read the Word, worship, etc., that we might always be
ready to engage our world with the Good News of Christ’s love for us.
Lord, keep us from speaking of love while hoarding the gifts you
have given us. Give us tender hearts for those that we meet on
our journey. Make us aware of your presence everywhere we go.
Guide us to pray, act and live in such a way that many might
come to know you. Make our faith grow to accommodate the
needs of your people and the fulfillment of your Kingdom. Amen.
Focusing Our Commerce
Mark 7:1-23
Parents are on alert. Politicians from opposing parties are on alert. Pastors
and churches are on alert. Everyone seems to be on alert to the dangers
we might import into our lives. We’re on alert to the ways those imports
might sway our values or destroy our little world.
Whether that danger comes from a digital device, a friend, or the nebulous
term of “culture,” Jesus’ words to the Pharisees in this passage seem to
call us to stop pointing fingers and to look in the mirror. While we do fear
the influence of these outside dangers, Jesus seems to call our attention to
the influence our own lives have on the world.
Jesus said: “Nothing outside a person can defile them by going into them.
Rather, it is what comes out of a person that defiles them.” It seems right
to assess what you are consuming – food, media, relationships, etc.
However, Jesus seems far more concerned about what is coming out of
you than about intake management.
We do a lot of importing and exporting, metaphorically speaking,
throughout our day. May our words, our texts, our actions, our emails, our
posts, our giving, and anything else that may come out of us be tangible
reminders that Christ is actively trading in the commerce of this world. May
we be far more concerned about our exports than our imports as we
journey together.
Father, help me really digest your Son’s words. Help me
recognize the power of your Spirit within me that is greater than
anything I might import. Help me to not hide from the influence of
our world. Instead, give me boldness to step into our world as an
influencer. May my influence come not from my opinions but
from your Spirit and your truth. Amen.
Sharing Dignity
Mark 7:24-37
In both of these awkward encounters, Jesus places himself in Gentile
territory without the splendor of a king’s processional. Neither Tyre nor the
Decapolis is teeming with Jewish people – clearly neither of the people
Jesus meets seem to be Jewish.
The Gentile woman knows that the Messiah is supposed to appear to the
Jews first. Unlike many Jews, she also knows that’s not all He’s up to. She
knows He really is for all people. Yet she doesn’t hawk this truth, she still
approaches Jesus humbly. She asks for a few crumbs from Jesus’ table.
Jesus’ response instead gives her the full dignity of a full meal at the table
– her daughter is immediately healed.
The deaf and mute man isn’t given any more description than his
infirmities. In fact, others have to step in and ask Jesus for him for healing.
Again, not to make the man a spectacle or the latest Messiah sideshow,
Jesus pulls the man aside and grants him the dignity of conversation again
by healing him.
Our Jesus restored dignity in each of His miracles and in everyday
ministry. Though He sometimes spoke puzzling words that make us
wonder what He’s up to, Jesus always chose this path. How might we
emulate these actions as His people?
During Lent, consider the dignity of offering another person the gift of a
shared meal or conversation. How is this offer different than simply giving
someone food, talking at them, or even just listening to them?
Father, in an effort to serve our world like Your Son, help us to
never take the position of power. Help us to get on the same
level, and also to receive from those we give to. Help us to
partner with you in restoring dignity to everyone we encounter.
Amen.
Modern Offerings
Mark 8:1-10
Most years, Lent lines up with tax season in America. As we journey
towards the cross, we also journey towards that ominous April 15 deadline.
In this time of assessing last year’s gains and losses and returns, it seems
appropriate to examine this passage.
What might Jesus have to say about our saving, spending, giving, and
assets this past year? Jesus is clearly concerned about the need at hand –
the growling stomachs of the large crowd around them. He appears far
less concerned about the disciples’ assessment of their means – seven
loaves of bread and a few small fish. Jesus simply asks for them, gives
God thanks, breaks them, and distributes the food to the disciples to
distribute to the crowd.
Turn your taxes in on time; just get it done. However, as you reflect on
your finances this year and as your future financial goals and dreams
dance about in your head, consider what God might be able to do with
what you have now – not what you’ll have five years down the road.
Jesus could have fed the crowd with a few crumbs, a field of wheat, or
even nothing at all at His disposal. So, consider offering to Jesus that
which you have now – your current financial situation (good, bad, or ugly),
your current housing situation, your current family situation, your current
job/school situation, your current skills and abilities. What could Jesus do
with your offerings today?
Father, it doesn’t seem to matter in your sight if we have a lot to
offer or a little. The reality is, everything we have pales in
comparison to what you offer us. Help us surrender everything to
you today – in very practical ways. Use all that we are and all
that we have today for a modern-day miracle. Amen.
Fears, Tears, and Forgiveness
Genesis 50:15-26
The earliest emotion I ever remember experiencing happened just prior to
Kindergarten, in the upstairs of the farm house where I grew up. The home
was built in 1872 and had some naturally scary places. The source of fear
on this occasion was an attic door where I dreamed that all my stuffed
animals had come to life. The most fear-inducing item was a stuffed, plush,
psychedelic-colored snake. In the subsequent fifty years, I’ve overcome
the fear of that pink and orange hunk of lifeless fabric and stuffing, but my
relationship with the emotion of fear has continued. I eventually feared
things like bad grades, girls, the Vietnam war, parenthood, and the list
goes on.
In this Bible passage we see the brothers of Joseph experiencing fear.
They were guilty of treating their little brother horrifically. Joseph had
overcome his difficulties and developed wealth and power, which caused
his brothers to fear him. In fear, the brothers asked for forgiveness, which
brought Joseph to tears. Joseph forgave his brothers, pledged his care for
them, and then “reassured them and spoke kindly to them.” What an
interesting progression of emotions: guilt to fear, fear to tears, tears to
forgiveness, and forgiveness to reassurance. That’s how it is with us and
Jesus. Clearly, we are guilty of sin and the consequences of sin is death. A
sinful heart is the scariest thing ever! But Jesus died on a cross so that we
could live without fear of death. His love for us brings us to tears and leads
us to forgiveness. Forgiveness is the best thing ever! So, there is no
reason to live in fear. The Lord has made a way for us just like Joseph
made a way for his brothers. Because of Jesus, we can live under the
assurance that our sins are forgiven.
Father, please help me to live above fear. Reassure me today of
your care, your provision, and your kindness. When fear comes,
please give me the ability to trust in you.
When Nothing is Fair
Exodus 1:6-22
When my sister and brother-in-law were young and starting out their lives
together, they put a trailer on their building site to live in for the year that
their new home was being built. So, my brother-in-law and I decided to set
a pole, a twenty-five footer, to receive the electrical service as well as hold
a mercury light. The fact that we had never set a light pole before was no
deterrent to us for we had post hole diggers, shovels, and a wheel barrow.
How hard could it be? It was very hard--the ground that is. The pole was
heavy too and tough to set straight. It took about four hours, but we were
done by noon when the lineman came to connect service. The trailer
would arrive by 4:00 p.m. The lineman observed our work, measured, and
then presented us with the discouraging news that we had set the pole five
feet too far from the road. In our estimation, five feet was immaterial but
the lineman was a stickler for the rules. Our only option was to start over
and do it all again. It was more difficult the second time, partially because
we were tired and partially because we had the added work of digging up
the pole we had just set. By 4:00 p.m. we were delighted to have the pole
reset and celebrated the arrival of the big semi-truck toting a used 12-by60 ft. mobile home. It didn’t take the driver long to determine that the new
location of our pole was two feet too far to the left and would make it
impossible to set the trailer on its base. Before we set that pole for the third
time in the same day, we vented our frustrations at the lack of fairness that
we had been dealt. Not being the type to cuss, my brother-in-law picked up
his shovel and gave it a fling. It seemed to help, so I flung my shovel too,
several times.
When you read Exodus 1:6-22, you see the Hebrew people facing a
situation where nothing was fair. The harder they worked, the less it
counted for. Their labor was harsh. The Egyptians oppressed them
ruthlessly, and it wasn’t fair at all. However, the Lord was watching over
the Israelites. He watches over us today. He sent Jesus to live the
injustices of the human experience and then provide a path of salvation for
us that is not fair by any standard. If life were fair, we’d be the ones
punished for sin. Jesus took the abuse of the world, just for us!
Dear Heavenly Father, please help me to accept the unfairness of
life. Help me with my struggles, and give me grace when I get
discouraged. Thank you for sending Jesus to bear the load of
unfairness on my behalf.
God Has A Plan…
Exodus 2:1-22
Slavery. God’s people felt hopeless, depressed and oppressed. Their
circumstances were horrific as they watched even their youngest die at
Pharaoh’s command. They cried out, but many I’m sure thought God had
forgotten them.
God had a plan… As we immerse ourselves in Scripture, we find that
God’s love never quits. He never gives up on His people. He hears their
cries. Like many other times we witness Him gearing up to work through
the least likely. Yes, God has a plan…
A desperate mom does all she can to give her precious baby a shot at life.
Imagine all that must have been going on through her head as she
prepared the basket; gave her son a final kiss; made herself let him go and
gave the basket a little push.
I love the fact that within God’s plan—just because He could—God’s
compassion for this mom is seen. Pharaoh’s daughter’s heart is not only
softened so Moses’ life is spared, but Moses’ mom gets to raise him for
awhile!
As Moses’ life continues to unfold, God’s hand is at work… Freedom for
God’s people seems impossible under Pharaoh’s oppressive hand, but
GOD HAS A PLAN!
Let’s pray part of Psalm 107 together today:
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.
Let the redeemed of the Lord say this—those he redeemed from
the hand of the foe, those he gathered from the lands, from east
and west, from north and south… Then they cried out to the Lord
in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He
stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed.
They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their
desired haven. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing
love and his wonderful deeds for men.” (Psalm 107:1-3, 28-31)
I Will Be With You…
Exodus 2:23-3:15
God has a way of getting our attention doesn’t He? For Moses, seeing a
bush on fire wasn’t that exceptional in the desert… BUT THIS BUSH
WASN’T BURNING UP! It got his attention. He moved in for a closer look.
As God is speaking to Moses through the burning bush, He now not only
has Moses’ complete attention; He verbalizes His care and concern for His
people (verses 7-9). As you read the text, try to put yourselves in Moses’
shoes (even though he’s already kicked them to the side). Verse 10: “So
now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out
of Egypt.”
Wait. What? Uuuh… Hold on a second, God… Moses is overwhelmed.
Every inadequacy he’s ever felt, and insecurity he’s ever had comes
crashing to the surface. It is a God-sized mission and he is feeling
extremely human. “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the
Israelites out to Egypt?”
God’s response in verse 12 captures it all… With a few words He utters a
promise that has been given multiple times through Scripture and through
the ages… A promise He gives YOU today… “I will be with you.” Five
words that change everything. Five words that when the going gets tough,
we can trust. Five words that help us step forward in faith. Five words that
give us the strength for any God-sized mission.
Let God get your attention today. Lean in for a closer look. Quiet your
heart and hear Him. Rest assured, His promises are always true. In
whatever He asks of you, whether big or small, hear Him say, “I will be
with you.” It will change your life.
Let’s pray together today words from Psalm 33:
“For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he
does. The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of
his unfailing love. For he spoke, and it came to be; he
commanded, and it stood firm. The Lord foils the plans of the
nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of
the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all
generations. We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our
shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May
your unfailing love rest upon us, o Lord, even as we put our hope
in you. (Psalm 33:4-5, 9-11, 20-22)
Excuses…
Exodus 4:10-31
What is the temptation for us when God gives a God-sized mission and we
are feeling extremely human? Excuses.
Although God has shown Moses signs and wonders of His power and has
received the promise of God’s presence for what’s ahead, his mind is
flooded as to why he is the wrong choice. The very thing God wants him to
do, he fears will only accentuate his weakness. “Lord, I’ve never been
eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I
am slow of speech and tongue.”
I get a “movie in my head” often as I read Scripture. Verse 11 paraphrased
has God putting His arm around Moses as He reminds Him that he is the
Creator… With a squeeze of his shoulders, He promises in verse 12, “Now
go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” Again, a promise
of His presence.
Moses response? Pause for a second… Before shaking your head at
Moses, have you ever been there? As God revealed a God-sized mission
to you—whether big or small—have you been tempted to give the same
response? “Oh God, please send someone else…” Ponder this today as
you focus in on this passage. Will you be available? Will you simply trust?
God has a plan. He always works through the least likely, the weak. He
has a God-sized mission for each of us as we engage our world with the
Good News. Our God who is always true to His promises, promises us His
presence as He teaches, guides and flows through our lives.
When He says, “Now go…,” will you?
Let us pray together today the words from Psalm 31:
“But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, “You are my God.” My times are
in your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who
pursue me. Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your
unfailing love.” (Psalm 31:14-16)
Grace with Gloves On
Mark 9:42-50
We don’t often think of the grace of God throwing a punch, landing a
knock-out blow. If we can imagine grace being in the ring at all, we think of
it as the towel dabbing our wounds, the antiseptic, the Band-Aid, and the
pep talk. Of course, we know sin is a problem; but isn’t grace about how
he chooses to “get over it” and accept us anyway? After all, how can
judgment possibly be compatible with the love of God?
But what if God is so jealous for us to be restored to wholeness and to
experience an incomparable present and future joy that He really is
unwilling to tolerate anything that compromises why Jesus went to the
cross for us? This is precisely the point of today’s passage. When we allow
in our lives that which threatens God’s good work, His grace comes at us
with fire in its eyes! It is intent on eliminating the threat entirely. It has no
interest in negotiating a deal.
In these verses “life” means spiritual aliveness (“kingdom of God” v. 47).
So when Jesus says “It is better to enter into life maimed” He means “it is
better to do whatever it takes on your part to experience the life that only
God can give than to miss out on it altogether.” And Jesus doesn’t offer
any qualification to His assertion about the destruction we suffer now and
for eternity if we choose to tolerate our sin. To participate in the grace of
God, then, is to join God in taking sin seriously. And when we do this, we
become allies rather than opponents of God’s grace in our own lives and in
the lives of those around us (v. 42).
Lord, thanks for Your grace. Don’t pull any punches. Amen.
The Very Last
Mark 10:1-16
At a glance, Jesus’ teaching about divorce and His blessing of children
seem disconnected. But if we stand back a little, we see a common thread
with one end reaching back to Mark 9:35 (Jesus teaching that those
desiring to be first “must be the very last, and servant of all”) and the other
stretching all the way to Mark 10:45 (Jesus declaring he “did not come to
be served, but to serve”). In each encounter, Jesus finds himself in
conversation with those who are unpracticed in “servant-of-all” living. Most
of us can relate. We know how easy it is to slip into ways of interacting that
reflect emerging cultural values more than the gospel.
When the Pharisees posed the question to Jesus about divorce, Jesus
knew this was a point of ongoing debate. There had emerged two points of
view about what Moses intended when it came to justifying divorce. And
now the energy was on figuring out the size of the escape hatch, not on
saving the marriage. In the story of the blessing of the children, the
disciples viewed the invasion of parents and children as an exasperating
interruption of their campaign to make Jesus into the Messiah they
envisioned.
In the first case, Jesus moved the conversation from that of calculating
personal rights to considering the divine design “from the beginning” that a
man and woman experience a oneness they must mutually serve rather
than exploit. And in receiving the children, Jesus demonstrated that the
blessing of living under God’s rule and reign “belongs to such as these”
who are the last, rather than the first.
Father, we confess we easily become self-consumed, and are
unpracticed in serving. Forgive us and lead us into the freedom of
being “the very last.” Amen.
Inside Look
Mark 10:17-31
Maybe you noticed, too. In the opening section (10:17-22), we do not
discover that the person talking with Jesus “had great wealth” until the end
of their conversation. We know only that “a man” caught Jesus just after
His blessing of the children (10:13-16). Perhaps this man had watched
Jesus take each child in his arms. Maybe one of those children was his
own. Quite possibly, Jesus’ declaration, “Anyone who will not receive the
kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it,” had stirred in him the
very question he posed to Jesus: “What must I do to inherit eternal life?”
Some have portrayed the question as the man’s ploy to display his own
excelling righteousness. But the text doesn’t support this. The man didn’t
go away angry at Jesus for judging his life-long record of righteous living to
be insufficient. Instead, the man “went away sad.” It has been noted that
his sadness shows he had come to Jesus sincerely and that this sincerity
remained intact even when Jesus said, “sell everything” and “follow me.”
Could it be the man went away sad because he saw for the first time that
his treasure was not in heaven, and that his heart was not God’s alone?
Perhaps this is why Jesus’ words to his disciples so amazed them. That
the man’s efforts and genuine sincerity was not enough had shaken their
confidence in their own standing with God. “Who then can be saved?”
they wondered. Jesus reminds them that “all things are possible with God.”
When we come to Jesus sincerely, He sees this and loves us (v. 21), and
then reveals to us what we need to see. Sometimes, it is sobering.
Thank you, Lord, that the impossible in my heart is not
impossible for You.
Courageous Living
2 Corinthians 4:6, 8-9
The idea of persecution is thrown around frequently in our society today.
We see people around the world fleeing their homelands because of
violence and potential death because of their beliefs or ethnicity. We see
people in America claiming persecution at the hands of government laws
and policies. As Christians however, should we be surprised by hardships
and trials? We see it many times throughout scripture and those words call
us to be prepared to face and accept the inevitable persecution in
whatever forms it may arise. Paul tells us that it was “…God, who said,
“Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give
us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in
despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”
Do not lose heart – God is in control. This life of ours on this earth is but
just a glimpse of the eternity that we will share with all of heaven. Let us be
courageous and let the light of Christ shine through us into our broken
world despite what it may cost us in worldly definitions. And let us keep in
mind that there are those who do not live in a place where they can openly
practice their Christian faith for fear of imprisonment and death.
Jesus, you paid the ultimate price, dying on the cross at the
hands of your persecutors but fulfilling the will of the Father.
Please help me to see beyond myself and be a light to my friends,
neighbors, co-workers, and others in my community. When I
experience pain for the sake of who You want me to be, help me
to stand strong in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Tunnel Vision
2 Corinthians 4:18
“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what
is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
When my wife and I lived in Virginia, one of the things we enjoyed most
was taking short trips to nearby destinations such as Washington D.C.,
Baltimore, and the beach.
To get to Virginia Beach we would drive through several tunnels. Each
time we would go, we would approach this one particular tunnel and a
sense of anxiety would begin sweeping over me. “What if the walls would
fail and collapse? What if there is an accident and it blocks us from getting
out? What if there is a leak?” Of course I tried to tell myself that nothing
would happen and we would end up on the other side with nothing going
wrong. Luckily for us there were very smart people who designed those
tunnels to prevent the very things my mind was getting me all worked up
over. But the reality is that I was anxious because of these unknown
factors that I couldn’t control and that I couldn’t see. I couldn’t see the sky,
the end of the tunnel, the ocean, or natural light; things that would give me
comfort. All I could see were walls surrounding us. They call it tunnel vision
for a reason.
In our walk with God it is easy to lose sight of the big picture because of
how easy it is to just focus on what is seen right in front of us. Often times
it is the temporary pain, loss, frustration, and fear that clouds our ability to
trust that God is doing something much larger, something eternal. But He
is. Today, what are the things in your life that may be giving you tunnel
vision and keeping you from embracing the unseen fullness of God?
Dear Lord, will you reveal to me anything that is consuming me. I
surrender those things to you in faith and trust you with the thing
seen and unseen in my life. Amen.
Living In Freedom
Hebrews 9:11-15
Worship is a frequent topic within the church and often can be polarizing
and contentious. All of us have differing opinions about how often to
receive communion, how many songs with what instrumentation should be
sung, what styles of songs should we have, how long should the preacher
preach and in what way, what worship is, and on and on. For each of us,
there are that many and more perspectives because of our faith journey
and life experience.
Until Christ came and became the ultimate sacrifice, worshipers of God
would bring an offering to sacrifice to the Lord. It varied, but it could be
crops from harvest, blood of an animal, or a live animal. The sacrifice was
not offered by the worshiper but by the priest and then only the high priest
could enter the Holy of Holies with the blood of the animal. But how
wonderful it is for us that we live under the new covenant because Christ
came and changed all of that. “For this reason Christ is the mediator of a
new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal
inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free...”
Living under the new covenant, we have direct access to God the Father,
through Christ the Son, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Think about that for
a moment…we have direct access to God. Freedom in Christ is available
to us but often we hinder the work of the Spirit by allowing our opinions,
sin, or fear to paralyze us. But Christ desires that we throw off everything
that would hinder us and live in freedom and in unity with the body of
Christ. When we gather to worship as the church, may we embrace our
diversity and worship in “spirit and truth” with freedom.
God, thank you for sending your Son to die for my sin so that I
may have eternal life. Help me to live in the freedom that only you
can provide and not allow myself to stand in the way. Let me keep
you at the center of my heart and mind. Amen.
In Anticipation
John 12:23-26,31-32,36
23
Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24Very truly
I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a
single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. 25Anyone who loves their life will
lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
26
Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My
Father will honor the one who serves me.
31
Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be
driven out. 32And I, when I am lifted up [a] from the earth, will draw all people to
myself.
36
Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of
light.”
Anticipation can be seen in the eyes of little children as they behold the
Christmas tree on Christmas morning. The high school basketball player
bounces the ball nervously, while he stands on the free throw line in
anticipation of shooting a “win the game” free throw. Someone says a
heartfelt and bittersweet goodbye to a loved one in anticipation of a
heavenly home going. Anticipation… sometimes a happy expectation of
good things to come. At other times, a bittersweet acknowledgement of the
inevitable. Anticipation, as described by Webster’s dictionary, is the act of
preparing for something or visualizing a future event. In our passage
today, Jesus is anticipating the fulfillment of His time on earth. All through
the Gospels, Jesus anticipates His crucifixion. In anticipation, Jesus
showed his disciples how to:
--love their neighbor as themselves;
--be a leader through servant hood;
--participate in God’s love story by giving up one’s life to save it for all
eternity;
--be the light of the world in order to dispel the darkness of sin.
In this Lenten season, we have been preparing our hearts and minds for
participation in and celebration of Christ’s sacrifice. In anticipation today,
let us love our neighbors and be a servant giving our life away as we share
the Good News of Jesus Christ with a world that desperately needs the
light of God’s love.
Thank you Jesus for who you are. Today we pray that you will
help us to love unconditionally and to serve wholeheartedly.
We love you.
The Cost of the Cross
Hebrews 12:1-3
1
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us
throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run
with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the
pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross,
scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
3
Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow
weary and lose heart.
“I dare you, no I double dog dare you”…. If you spend enough time on a
playground or around children, you are going to hear those words. Those
words often challenge someone to do something they most likely don’t
want to do. Either it deals with eating something gross or doing something
embarrassing. In determining whether to accept the dare or not, you have
to weigh the good and bad consequences of the dare.
That split second thinking is called counting the cost. What is the cost to
me physically or emotionally, if I take the dare? We all count the cost in
decisions. Should I take this new job? How should I spend my money?
What should I do today?
In today’s passage, the writer of Hebrew’s tells us about Jesus counting
the cost of the cross. The experience of crucifixion was humiliating,
shameful, tortuous, painful and horrendous. Why would Jesus choose
this? When he was counting the cost of the cross, what were the good
consequences that outweighed the horrendous pain of the cross? Five
short words in the NIV supplies the answer. For the joy set before
him….that is why he chose the cross, but what does that mean? What joy
was set before him? You. You were set before him. I was set before him.
Your children, parents, friends, and everyone in the world were set before
him. The love for everyone, the wholeness available to all, and the
fellowship of all through His sacrifice on the cross was what was set before
him. Jesus counted the cost and His love for you outweighed the horrible
cost of the cross.
Thank you for loving us so much you accepted the pain of the
cross. Help us to never forget the cost of our salvation. Today,
help us to live for you.
The Full Extent: Maundy Thursday
John 13:1-17, 31b-35
John uses a remarkable phrase in verse 1. He says that at the Passover
meal, Jesus prepares to show his disciples the “full extent”(NIV) of his
love. I’m amazed because I would think John might reserve that phrase for
the cross, but he doesn’t. Instead Jesus assumes the role of a lowly
servant and washes the feet of his disciples. John refers to this act as the
“full extent” of Jesus’ love. The irony and impact of this moment is not lost
on us—The King of Heaven is kneeling and serving those he came to
save.
Maundy Thursday finds its name in a Latin word meaning “mandate.”
Taken literally, this is Mandate Thursday. But what mandate? What are we
supposed to be doing on this day? What kind of mandate do we receive
from Jesus? A little later in John 13, Jesus says, “A new command I give
you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one
another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one
another.” (John 13:34, NIV) This is the mandate, this is the command: To
love one another.
What is so powerful about this command is that it comes after Jesus
washes the disciple’s feet? It is the action tied to the command that gives it
such power. Jesus not only commanded, he demonstrated what it looks
like to love one another.
As we approach the crucifixion and anticipate the resurrection, it would be
a powerful demonstration to a watching world if we too tied our words and
our actions together. Let us love in word and deed this Maundy Thursday
after the example of the One who gave his all for us.
“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
Psalm 19:14, NIV
Warring Against Surrender: Good Friday
John 18:1-11
Nowhere is it more evident that the disciples misunderstand Jesus than
here. While Jesus is offering himself up to those who would arrest him,
Peter is drawing a sword and swinging it. Even after so long with Jesus,
Peter is so very…like us. He simply cannot get past what he sees and
feels. He cannot overcome his natural tendencies and human emotions.
He wants to fight for Jesus; even kill in his name. (You don’t think Peter
was aiming for an ear do you?)
Jesus willingly offers himself to his captors knowing that what they plan to
do to him only hastens the work he came to complete. Jesus speaks
calmly to his accusers, Peter fights wildly against them.
How often I resemble Peter. I fight with madness the circumstances
around me. My ignorance results in wounds to those within reach and I
humiliate myself in futility.
All the while Jesus simultaneously offers himself for me and cleans up the
bloody scene of my desperation. In the face of danger I come unhinged.
In the face of death Jesus continues to heal, redeem, and sacrifice.
I cannot embrace the cross until I put away my sword. I cannot embrace
Jesus until I stop flailing about. I cannot have victory until I surrender. I
cannot be raised with him until I die to myself.
Today we remember the willing sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. To rage
against it would show weakness. To calmly submit to it, grace; terrifying to
his enemies; precious to those who love him.
Lord Jesus, help me to stop warring against surrender. Enable me
to trust that even death is no boundary to you. I lay down my sword
and embrace your cross. Teach me, Master, to be like you.
When Nothing’s Happening
John 19:38-42
The crucifixion is over and Jesus’ body has been laid in the tomb.
Jerusalem is quiet now, trying to recover from meteorological phenomena
and a city in uproar. The followers of Jesus huddle together nursing equal
parts shock and terror. Is this the end? Is there more to this story? If so,
what in the world would it be?
The tomb is still. Everyone has retreated and nothing appears to be
happening.
We feel this way on Holy Saturday. We’ve journeyed through Lent. We’ve
gathered during Holy Week but on this day…nothing, or so it seems. The
Bible is silent about this day, but the Apostle’s Creed is not.
“…I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended into hell…”
Though theologians haven’t agreed on the specifics of Jesus’ work during
these hours, the church has always understood Jesus to have descended
into hell to proclaim that the redemptive work of the cross is the once and
for all work of God. Christ is the Lord of death, the grave, and eternity. It is
in Jesus’ death and resurrection that we are saved.
When we question, as Jesus’ followers did; Where is Jesus? What
happens now? How can this be? We may lose faith. This Holy Saturday let
us not make this error. God is very much at work redeeming, even when
we cannot comprehend it with our senses. The tomb may appear still, but
the work of redemption continues.
What a lesson to shape our lives today! When it appears that nothing is
happening, Jesus is still at work redeeming! Praise his name!
God forgive my reliance on what I can see and touch. Remind me
that I experience you today by means of your Holy Spirit. Let me
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