Dan Sharp – Sharp Devotional

Advent 2026 is Coming!

Advent 2026 is coming!

Hear ye, Hear Ye! To all people possessing Advent to Ashes, Vol.1,(and to those who haven’t a copy yet) Advent is about a month away. I have had several people ask me when this season starts since it is different every year. To clarify, Advent begins four Sundays prior to Christmas Day. Since December 25 occurs on different days of the week, Advent can begin anywhere between November 27 and December 3^rd.

So, this year Advent 2026 begins on November 29^th, the first day you read. You will read your last day in Vol.1 on February 9^th and then begin Ashes to Fire, Vol.2 on February 10^th, 2027. You will stop reading Advent to Ashes, Vol.1 the day before Ash Wednesday. The date of Ash Wednesday also varies because Easter Sunday can be anywhere from March 22^nd to April 25^th. For this reason I have also put the dates of Ash Wednesday in your book. The Advent Yearly Calendar on page 413 tells you when to start Advent each year and also tells you when to shift to Ashes to Fire, Vol.2. and the beginning of the Lenten season leading into Easter in following year.

Now the fun part! If your book is one of the earlies printings, there is a mistake in the Ash Wednesday dates. The Advent dates are fine, but your book will list February 18^th as the date for Ash Wednesday in 2027 and February 10^th as the date for 2028. Ash Wednesday in 2027 is actually February 10^th and is actually March 1 in 2028 (as shown in 2029). So you look at the year you want and take the Ash Wednesday date for the next year! We had it changed as soon as we found it, so your book may be fine if you have a later printing. I haven’t found my Kindle yet from unpacking from our move, so I don’t know what the status is with the e-book dates. I apologize for this mistake.

Advent to Ashes, Vol.1 andAshes to Fire, Vol.2, and the other Uncommon Devotion books yet to appear are designed to be read every year. You may ask, “Why read a book you have already read year after year?” There are some very solid reasons. First, every year your world is different. People graduate, retire, have different work or health situations, people are born and others leave this earth, the world is never the same from year to year, there are elections, natural disasters, new wars, and so forth. So as we read each year, our context is always different. Consequently, the Scriptures speak into a new circumstance. After all, the word of God is alive and active (Heb.4:12). You are not reading a novel or fiction. Ever year the word speaks anew.

Second, you forget and I forget and we need to be reminded. God is well aware of our tendency which is part of the reason for all the Jewish festivals. God wants us to remember what he’s done, who we are, and what it means to follow him in obedience. We need reinforcement. As we have said often in the words of Dennis Prager, “Memory permeates faith. No memory, no faith.”

Third, in a world of shifting values, we need to hear the truth more than ever. Who would have guessed twenty-five years ago we’d be dealing with the issues we are in our society today? We need a Savior who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Coming back to the Scriptures again and again helps put our lives in an eternal context. We hear again, the truth does not change.

Finally, continuing daily reading of the Scriptures continues a pattern of growing in knowledge of the word and developing a solid discipline for tough times and for growing in faith and godliness. The relationship with Jesus is ever growing as we learn to know him better and better.

With these things in mind, is there someone you know who might benefit from regularly encountering God’s word? Advent to Ashes, Vol.1 may be the perfect early Christmas gift to help them encounter the Lord in his word whether they are a believer or searching their way.

I trust this little note will answer some questions as we embark on another Advent season. Can’t wait to see what the Lord has to say to us this year! He tailors his words specifically to your situation and to mine. What will he have to say to you?

The books are available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or (just added) ReaderHouse.com. You can get a 10% discount on your books by using this discount code: FFSave10 on all orders from ReaderHouse. Only Readerhouse has the code (FF=Family Friend!) Any bookstore can order the books.

Blessings to all,

Dan

Ashes to Fire, Vol.2 PUBLISHED

Dear Friends of Sharp Devotionals, (This is a little long, but I think it will be worth it!)

Finally after weeks of waiting, Ashes to Fire, Vol.2 of the Uncommon Devotions series is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, I-Tunes, or can be ordered in any bookstore! It follows Advent to Ashes, Vol.1. (Advent to Ashes, Vol.1 makes a perfect early Christmas gift of encouragement and also gives much insight into the significance and impact God taking on human flesh in the birth of Christ without getting lost in the swirl of the season.)

If you would like a signed copy(ies) of either book send me your mailing address and the name (s) you would like inscribed in the book (s). I’ll send you the cost which will include shipping. You can pay by check (Dan Sharp) or Zelle using my email dansharp9@gmail.com or phone 858-357-1686. Our new address: 1304 Staghorne Way, Bloomington, IL 61705.

A further word about understanding the purpose and format of these devotionals. I’ve written these books to help us know Jesus and the Bible better: what is the deeper context of this passage, what does it tell us about Christ, how might I think about my day-to-day living now and how can this passage impact my life eternally. I want us to develop a pattern of encountering Jesus each day in his Word. I want us to experience a wide variety of excellent music in expressing worship from around the world and through the centuries. Finally, I want us to learn to pray with the words of the saints of old and the saints of the present.

Here’s a further word about the books and those yet to come. (I’m a third of the way through Vol.3 (Pentecost to the Transfiguration). The books are to be re-read every year beginning with Advent. The reason is fourfold: the world situation is very different each year, personal circumstances are changing every year bringing new insights to the passages (marriages, graduations, deaths, job change, retirement, health issues), the Scripture is living, not a history book, as the Scripture speaks anew. Hopefully we’re growing and maturing as Christians and will read and pray with a deepening understanding. Finally, may these books be helpful to one who is seeking to better understand what Christianity is and what it means to surrender one’s life and follow Jesus.

One final word about the varying dates of Advent, Ash Wednesday, Easter (March 22-April 25), and Pentecost. It is not as complicated as it might seem! I’ve written the books to accommodate the variable dates of the seasons from the earliest possible dates to the very latest. For example: Advent begins on November 29 this year (November 27-December 3). This is the date you should begin reading Advent to Ashes. For this year, it means you will skip reading the Fourth Thursday in Advent and the Fourth Friday in Advent and go straight to the Christmas Eve reading. You’ll then read every day until February 9^th because Ash Wednesday in 2027 is on February 10^th (Indices in the back of each book will tell you when the differing seasons begin.) So, on February 10^th you’ll begin with Ashes to Fire, Vol.2. and you’ll read until May 15^th, Pentecost 2027. As a result, this year you’ll skip reading Feb. 10^th to March 9^th in Advent to Ashes. The reason for doing it this way is the varying seasons of the Christian year are geared and shaped by the life and ministry of Jesus. The idea for doing the readings this way is we are desiring to shape our daily lives around the life of Jesus rather than trying to fit Jesus into our daily routines. We hope to create a greater awareness and closeness to the living Jesus in our normal living.

I hope to finish Fire to Glory, Vol.3 this coming year and then on to Glory to Advent, Vol.4 to complete this project. People can still sign up (free) for the sharpdevotional.com email to have updates on the project and occasional additional emails. Have them go to: sharpdevotional.com and click signup by putting in their name and email address. You all are the main source of promotion: perhaps give your pastor a copy? I will greatly appreciate whatever you can do make this spiritual resource available to those who might benefit from it. Until next time…

Blessings as always,

Dan

Major move by the Sharp’s and Update on Ashes to Fire, Vol.2

Dear Friends, August 22, 2026

It has been a while since our last email and update. To say much has happened would be an understatement. If you have a few minutes, I’d like to tell you of the marvelous Lord working in the lives of a few of his children. God is in the details. His goodness is truly overwhelming. Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised. Most days are ordinary, and then there are those kairos days, (an unusually opportune time that is life changing). Such is the case for the Sharp’s.

The cliff notes version: we sold our house in Florida after 13 years, moved back to the farms in Congerville, Illinois, and bought a house in Bloomington, Illinois. Andrew moved as well and is living in mom’s house on the farm and got a job working for Honda. My second devotional book, Ashes to Fire, Vol.2, as part of the four-book series, Uncommon Devotions, is being printed at the publisher. I’m a third of the way into writing Fire to Glory, Vol.3. The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies has been embraced by and moved to Fuller Seminary in Pasadena, California. I have decided to retire from teaching after 26 years and have been awarded Professor Emeritus along with my teaching partner, Dr. Jack VanMarion. Other than that, it’s been a peaceful six weeks!

A brief word about the Uncommon Devotions series of books. They are meant to be read and re-read every year. There are good reasons: the Scripture speaks anew each time we read it, we are prone to forget which is why the word “remember” occurs so often in the Bible, and the world and our lives are in a very different place each year so our context is continually changing making each day’s reading unique, and depending on the year, there are entries you will skip and new entries you’ve not read previously. For example, this year, 2026, the first Sunday in Advent begins on Nov. 29^th so you’ll skip the last two devotionals in Advent to Ashes. Ash Wednesday begins on February 18^th next year, so you’ll skip the readings from February 19^th through March 9^th, and begin reading Ashes to Fire, Vol.2 on February 19^th! You’ll need to buy the book on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or get it from any bookstore. If you’d like a signed copy, email me your mailing address. These books make wonderful Christmas gifts!

Now for the wonder of our Lord guiding his children. In a total surprise to Nancy, Andrew, and me, we sold our house in Florida and moved back to the farms in Illinois! The following is a summary of our last several weeks. The singular point in sharing this is to point to the wonder and grace of God in leading his children. God is astounding! All glory to him.

I’m telling this story solely to point to the greatness and glory of our God. He is involved in details!

The starting place was this: None of us, Nancy, Andrew, and or me were contemplating moving at all. Nancy did not want to live in the cold…ever, Andrew was a committed Floridian hating the cold having experienced it while driving semi-trucks up north, and I couldn’t conceive of moving a 5-bedroom house and a baby grand piano anywhere. We had already done that several times. No thanks! Moving was not on anyone’s mind. Surprise! God was thinking otherwise! His ways are not our ways!!?

Nancy and I drive to the home farm in the summer every year and always stop at Yoder’s Kitchen in Amish country in Arthur, Illinois for lunch. We did it again this year. As we sat down to eat, Nancy said to me, “Dan, I want you just to listen. Don’t interrupt me and don’t ask any questions until I’m done.” She told me her idea was that we should move to the farm and I immediately said to her shock and mine, “That’s a good idea!” We then called Andrew and told him of the idea and that he could live in grandma’s house in Congerville, the little town of 500 people where I grew up and where the farms are. He said, “Let’s do it! Florida is so hot, the traffic is awful, and it’s getting more and more crowded. All three of our attitudes were changed 180 degrees to all of our amazements.

What triggered Nancy’s thought about moving? …the Lord. We knew of a good church in Washington, Illinois we had visited in a past summer. She was tired of months of heat and no seasons and looked up a house in Washington on a whim and found one she thought she could live in. It turned out not to be that house, but God’s plan was underway! Moving ahead…

So now we are in Illinois looking for houses and Andrew is lining up things in Florida to sell our house (early July). With our Illinois realtor, we arrive to see our then “current favorite” house in Bloomington (after about 10 other “not this one”)! But the lock box is unavailable for her to open, so we had to call the broker, Zach, who is listing the house. He says he’ll be over in twenty minutes. He arrives and in the chit chat he asks where we are moving from. We tell him Orlando but that we’re here because of our farms in Congerville.

To shorten the story, he lives in Congerville and we continue on with all the people we know in common while our realtor stands there with her mouth open! Not only that, the people selling the house are moving to Congerville as she is a teacher at the Congerville elementary school. The broker, Zach, is a pastor in the *Apostolic Christian church, a half mile from our house. Another pastor in that same church lives across the street from our farmhouse. Zach asks me my name, and I tell him and he says, “Are you Mary Sharp’s son?” Me, “Yes, she was my mother.” The father of the wife who’s selling the house with her husband was one of David, my brother’s best friends in grade school, and my sister, Martha, worked for her grandpa’s grocery store when she was in high school! Zack’s son mows the yard for us at our farmhouse! When Andrew, who was now living in mom’s house, was checking on the new house we bought, the lady cleaning it had taken piano lessons from my mom!

An example of God’s timing. Had we been able to unlock the box on the house we would have missed all of these connections, but God knew that! He was giving us a “smile.” By the way, they did accept our offer to buy the house in Bloomington which is about 35 minutes from the farmhouse. There is a story with that as well. As I was praying and writing it down in my prayer book regarding their acceptance of our offer, the phone rang a literal minute later letting us know they had accepted our offer without any adjustments.

(Isaiah 65:24)

I will answer them before they even call to me.
While they are still talking about their needs,
I will go ahead and answer their prayers!

Reasons for the move: 1) we want to be closer to Jonathan’s family and our grandkids (5,9,18), 2) nearer to Nancy’s declining sister, Joanne, 3) a niece and two nephews and their families, and all are within driving distance, 4) with the Institute for Worship Studies moving to Fuller Seminary in Pasadena, California and the decision to stop teaching there after 26 years frees us from traveling to Jacksonville every year, 5) we’re ready to experience the four seasons again, 6) ready for the peaceful uncrowded more rural life, and 7) while we have second cousins in Florida which we will miss, we have no immediate family in Florida. Most of all, we want to be near family as we conclude the remaining years before our departure from this earth. We hear birds and the rustle of corn leaves in our backyard with a cornfield immediately behind our back yard fence. Peaceful! Best of all, a new chapter of ministry lies ahead.

We are all curious as to what the Lord has in store. Another book and a half to write for sure. We’d appreciate your prayers as we all settle in and look for a body of Christ to become a part of. I will miss the Bach Choir greatly but hope to find a place to sing here. Watch for the Winter Park Bach Festival Choir on PBS this Christmas either right before or right after the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. I’m in the back row on the left side!

*The Apostolic Christian church is a small conservative Anabaptist denomination. Usually there are four pastors chosen from among the congregation. The pastors are not paid a salary but have other occupations (like the Apostle Paul). All the music is a cappella.

I’m reminded again of William Cowper’s…

God moves in a mysterious way his wonders to perform,

He plants his foot in the sea and rides upon the storm.

His purposes will ripen fast unfolding every hour

The bud may have a bitter taste, but sweet will be the flow’r.

Blind unbelief is sure to err and scan his work in vain,

God is his own interpreter, and he will make it plain.

Our new address is:

1304 Staghorne Way, Bloomington, Illinois 61705

Blessings on you all as always,

Dan

Dansharp9@gmail.com

drdanielsharp.com website

Easter Sunday

EASTER SUNDAY

DEATH IS DESTROYED FOREVER!

I Corinthians 15:1-7, 51-58

Let me now remind you, dear brothers and sisters, of the Good News I preached to you before. You welcomed it then, and you still stand firm in it. It is this Good News that saves you if you continue to believe the message I told you—unless, of course, you believed something that was never true in the first place.

I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said. He was seen by Peter and then by the Twelve. After that, he was seen by more than 500 of his followers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. Then he was seen by James and later by all the apostles.

But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed! It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed. For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies.

Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled:

“Death is swallowed up in victory.
O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?”

For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.

So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.

Some Thoughts

Paul reminded us elsewhere in this chapter that if Christ did not actually rise from the dead, then Christianity is a fraud and we have been sinisterly fooled. BUT (what a great three letter word), that is not the case. Jesus Christ was raised from the dead. Sin lost its grip and was crushed to an eternally fatal death this Resurrection day. The Lord has risen indeed, and life is changed forever. Forever means that chronological clock as we know it moves us into a different dimension. Death is the departure from this world to the heavenly world for which we were created, there to live eternally in the presence of our glorious Lord. For the Christian, to be absent from the body is to be in the presence the Lord. “No longer will there be a curse upon anything. For the throne of God and of the Lamb will be there, and his servants will worship him. And they will see his face, and his name will be written on their foreheads. And there will be no night there—no need for lamps or sun—for the Lord God will shine on them. And they will reign forever and ever” (Rev. 22:3-5).

Adam is the father of our earthly death. Jesus is our brother of heavenly life. Christ did what no one is able to do despite all human’s failed efforts to overcome death. You can easily recall article after article of human’s attempts to extend life, even though an endless life is still out of the question. Rather than trying to extend this earthly life in some way, Jesus killed death, and ushered in eternal life! Death no longer has power over people who put their trust in Jesus for their salvation. In Jesus, we have also defeated death! Though our physical bodies will at some point expire, the part that is “us” doesn’t actually die, we just change addresses. Christians go home, to the home they were made for.

Have you ever thought how worthless and pointless life would be if there was nothing after death? I had a neighbor who believed when your earthly life ends, there is nothing more. Next step oblivion or annihilation or some grand merger into nothingness. If that were true, all the suffering, war, persecution, hunger, pain, and disease would be for nothing. That kind of cruelty makes no sense. There would never be any justice for evil. If our hope in Christ only has benefits in this life, and sometimes Jesus doesn’t solve or relieve every trouble we face from our perspective, what is the point of putting trust in him? True, he gives grace to deal with difficulties, but in the end, we still die and not everything in this earthly life is fixed or comes out right as we see it. If this is the case, Jesus is nothing more than a medicine to ease the pain of a depressing life. But God has a bigger plan and purpose for the Christian’s life than this world alone. No, there is judgment, there are rewards, and there is eternal life for everyone. There is ultimate justice after all, if not in this life, there is in the next, either in the presence of God or apart from God.

There is so much more than this earthly life. No, life is not worthless or pointless. By the grace of God, we know that the most glorious Savior, the Lamb of God, the one who is of greatest worth to God and to all the world, is worthy of all glory and honor, especially to those who put their trust in him.

Music “Worthy Is the Lamb and Amen Chorus” Voces8

Prayer

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who in his great mercy gave us new birth into a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Praise be to Jesus the Son, the Lamb of God, who has taken on himself all the sin of the whole world and has risen this day to everlasting life and glory. Praise be to God the Holy Spirit, who raises us to new life with Christ. Praise and thanks and blessing be to God the King and Savior of all creation on this day of victory and light. Glory be to Thee, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

Holy Saturday in Holy Week

Holy Saturday before Easter

A DAY OF QUIET

Some Thoughts

Had you or I been one of the believers in Jesus’ day, today would have been the worst of our lives. We had seen miraculous things Jesus had done with our own eyes. We’d seen him raise Lazarus, heal blind people instantly, and walk on water. We heard him say firsthand that he was the Son of God. He granted us forgiveness for sin, something only God could do. He said the kingdom of heaven was among us whatever that meant. He rode into Jerusalem as king. Then later he was arrested and the leaders had him killed. He didn’t put up any resistance. I guess we were wrong about him. His last words yesterday? He said, “It is finished.” What do we do now?

But on this side of the resurrection things are much clearer. His atoning work as the sacrificial Lamb of God is what was finished. There was another similar time when, after the sixth day of the creation, God the Father had finished his work of creation and rested on the seventh day, the Sabbath and called it holy. But unlike the first six days of creation, God did not say “it was evening and it was morning” in regard to the seventh day (Gen. 2:2-3). Why omit those words? We have yet to enter our final rest. This seventh day is not over.

In like manner, the Son of God finished his work on the sixth day of the week, Good Friday, and rested in the tomb on the holy Sabbath. But Jesus rose on the Eighth day, on the Jewish Feast of First Fruits, ushering in a new era as he paved the way for resurrection for all believers. We are still in the Sabbath rest awaiting our Eighth day and our future resurrection when Jesus returns to lead all people either to eternal life or to judgment (2 Cor. 5:1-10). As Paul wrote in First Corinthians, Christ was raised as the first fruit of the harvest; then all who belong to Christ will be raised when he comes back (1 Cor. 15:20). We are currently in that Sabbath rest, awaiting his return. Then the current Sabbath we are in will enter the Eighth eternal day when there is no longer an evening and morning and there is no end.

For the early church, this holy Saturday was a solemn day. At midnight, they gathered and held an Easter Vigil awaiting resurrection morning. There were four parts to this unique service: 1) a Service of Light in which Jesus was celebrated as the Light of the world overcoming darkness; 2) a Service of the Word in which the following passages were read outlining the entire biblical story from Genesis to the resurrection; 3) a Service of the Water in which new converts were baptized; and 4) a Service of the Bread and Cup in which the Lord’s Supper was celebrated. The below passages of Scripture telling God’s redemption story were read in this service. It was (and is) a special service awaiting the morning of the resurrection. You may be able to find such as service where you live.

This is a day of holy quietness and reflection. Perhaps change what you would normally do on a Saturday. Skip shopping and running errands. Stay home. Read these passages slowly reflecting on the significance. Ask God what he has to say to you as you read.

Scripture

Genesis 1:1-2:3 (ESV)

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.

And God said, “Let there be an expanse in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.” And God made the expanse and separated the waters that were under the expanse from the waters that were above the expanse. And it was so. And God called the expanse Heaven. And there was evening and there was morning, the second day.

And God said, “Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear.” And it was so. God called the dry land Earth, and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas. And God saw that it was good.

And God said, “Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind, on the earth.” And it was so. The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed according to their own kinds, and trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning, the third day.

And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years, and let them be lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light upon the earth.” And it was so. And God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars. And God set them in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth, to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning, the fourth day.

And God said, “Let the waters swarm with swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the heavens.” So God created the great sea creatures and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarm, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. And God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.” And there was evening and there was morning, the fifth day.

And God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures according to their kinds—livestock and creeping things and beasts of the earth according to their kinds.” And it was so. And God made the beasts of the earth according to their kinds and the livestock according to their kinds, and everything that creeps on the ground according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.

And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food. And to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the heavens and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so. And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.

Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation.

Exodus 14:10-31 (ESV)

When Pharaoh drew near, the people of Israel lifted up their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them, and they feared greatly. And the people of Israel cried out to the Lord. They said to Moses, “Is it because there are no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? What have you done to us in bringing us out of Egypt? Is not this what we said to you in Egypt: ‘Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians’? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.” And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”

The Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry to me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward. Lift up your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, that the people of Israel may go through the sea on dry ground. And I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they shall go in after them, and I will get glory over Pharaoh and all his host, his chariots, and his horsemen. And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I have gotten glory over Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen.”

Then the angel of God who was going before the host of Israel moved and went behind them, and the pillar of cloud moved from before them and stood behind them, coming between the host of Egypt and the host of Israel. And there was the cloud and the darkness. And it lit up the night without one coming near the other all night.

Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the Lord drove the sea back by a strong east wind all night and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. And the people of Israel went into the midst of the sea on dry ground, the waters being a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. The Egyptians pursued and went in after them into the midst of the sea, all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. And in the morning watch the Lord in the pillar of fire and of cloud looked down on the Egyptian forces and threw the Egyptian forces into a panic, clogging their chariot wheels so that they drove heavily. And the Egyptians said, “Let us flee from before Israel, for the Lord fights for them against the Egyptians.”

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea, that the water may come back upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen.” So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to its normal course when the morning appeared. And as the Egyptians fled into it, the Lord threw the Egyptians into the midst of the sea. The waters returned and covered the chariots and the horsemen; of all the host of Pharaoh that had followed them into the sea, not one of them remained. But the people of Israel walked on dry ground through the sea, the waters being a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.

Thus the Lord saved Israel that day from the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. Israel saw the great power that the Lord used against the Egyptians, so the people feared the Lord, and they believed in the Lord and in his servant Moses.

Exodus 15:20-21 (ESV)

Then Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women went out after her with tambourines and dancing. And Miriam sang to them:

“Sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously;
the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea.”

Isaiah 55:1-11 (ESV)

“Come, everyone who thirsts,
    come to the waters;
and he who has no money,
    come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
    without money and without price.
Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,
    and your labor for that which does not satisfy?
Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good,
    and delight yourselves in rich food.
Incline your ear, and come to me;
    hear, that your soul may live;
and I will make with you an everlasting covenant,
    my steadfast, sure love for David.
Behold, I made him a witness to the peoples,
    a leader and commander for the peoples.
Behold, you shall call a nation that you do not know,
    and a nation that did not know you shall run to you,
because of the Lord your God, and of the Holy One of Israel,
    for he has glorified you.

“Seek the Lord while he may be found;
    call upon him while he is near;
let the wicked forsake his way,
    and the unrighteous man his thoughts;
let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him,
    and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
    neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
    so are my ways higher than your ways
    and my thoughts than your thoughts.

“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven
    and do not return there but water the earth,
making it bring forth and sprout,
    giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,
so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;
    it shall not return to me empty,
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,
    and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

Luke 24:1-12 (ESV)

But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” And they remembered his words, and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles, but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened.

Romans 6:1-11 (ESV)

What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.

Music “Requiem” Faure, Voces 8

Prayer

O God, Creator of heaven and earth: Grant that, as the crucified body of your dear Son was laid in the tomb and rested on this holy Sabbath, so we may await with him the coming of the third day, and rise with him to newness of life, who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever Amen.

(Book of Common Prayer)

Good Friday in Holy Week

Good Friday in Holy Week

THE SUFFERING SERVANT

Scripture:

Isaiah 52:13-53:12 (ESV)

Behold, my servant shall act wisely;
    he shall be high and lifted up,
    and shall be exalted.
As many were astonished at you—
    his appearance was so marred, beyond human semblance,
    and his form beyond that of the children of mankind—
so shall he sprinkle many nations.
    Kings shall shut their mouths because of him,
for that which has not been told them they see,
    and that which they have not heard they understand.
Who has believed what he has heard from us?
    And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?
For he grew up before him like a young plant,
    and like a root out of dry ground;
he had no form or majesty that we should look at him,
    and no beauty that we should desire him.
He was despised and rejected by men,
    a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief;
and as one from whom men hide their faces
    he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

Surely he has borne our griefs
    and carried our sorrows;
yet we esteemed him stricken,
    smitten by God, and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our transgressions;
    he was crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
    and with his wounds we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray;
    we have turned—every one—to his own way;
and the Lord has laid on him
    the iniquity of us all.

He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,
    yet he opened not his mouth;
like a lamb that is led to the slaughter,
    and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent,
    so he opened not his mouth.
By oppression and judgment he was taken away;
    and as for his generation, who considered
that he was cut off out of the land of the living,
    stricken for the transgression of my people?
And they made his grave with the wicked
    and with a rich man in his death,
although he had done no violence,
    and there was no deceit in his mouth.

Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him;
    he has put him to grief;
when his soul makes an offering for guilt,
    he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days;
the will of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.
Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied;
by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant,
    make many to be accounted righteous,
    and he shall bear their iniquities.
Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many,
    and he shall divide the spoil with the strong,
because he poured out his soul to death
    and was numbered with the transgressors;
yet he bore the sin of many,
    and makes intercession for the transgressors.

Some Thoughts

Isaiah 52 and 53 are key prophetic passages in the First Testament. In some Jewish circles today, chapter 53 is the forbidden chapter because of multiple conflicting interpretations as to who the servant is. Some rabbinical thought suggests the nation of Israel as the suffering servant, or a righteous Israelite man, or a Jewish messiah. In some synagogues the reading stops in the middle of chapter 52 and picks up with chapter 54, as the passage is avoided altogether. From a Christian understanding, the words of Isaiah clearly refer to Jesus and the Passion. Let’s look a little closer at the text and its structure.

In the beginning and ending of this passage, the person described was referred to as my servant. Whose voice is the one referring to my servant? It is God’s. Rather than a powerful ruling king, this servant’s power was expressed in humble servanthood, much to the Jewish people’s surprise and disappointment in Jesus’ day. This pericope described the actions occurring on Good Friday in remarkable prophetic detail even though written some 700 years earlier.

The initial section of this passage describes the physical appearance of the servant as ordinary. Isaiah then describes the servant’s demeanor and the people’s rejection of him.

Notice then the purpose of the servant emerges as humans are brought into the picture with an abundance of third person pronouns. The abundance of human sin is the reason for the servant’s mission.

Then there is the reference to sheep. Why sheep? Unlike most people today, Isaiah’s readers would have known a great deal about the nature of sheep. Having grown up on our farm, we had sheep, hence, a little lesson on sheep! Sheep have a natural tendency to wander off. They are very flock oriented and cling together doing what all the other sheep do. You can drive cattle; you cannot drive sheep. They follow. They are stubborn, dumb, near sighted, and very easily frightened. Sheep do not think deep thoughts! In contrast, horses are brilliant. For their myriad of shortcomings, sheep have excellent discerning hearing. That Isaiah compares us to sheep is quite accurate and humbling.

Is there any doubt that our society and culture have left God’s path to follow its own arrogant way, shutting out the voice of God? Humans are definitely sheep following the flock wherever it goes. Unfortunately, the sheep of today follow the loudest hireling with little discernment as to the Shepherd’s voice or where they are headed.

God laid upon his servant the sins of everyone who has ever lived. In spite of the horrendous fatal burden of bearing all of the sins of the whole world at one point in time, the servant never said a word. He was silent throughout. Having compared humans to sheep, there is another interesting correlation, sheep are silent when they are being sheared. They sit quietly on their rear as the wool is being sheared. Our servant was led away, a man who remained silent as he was unjustly condemned. As it was, his life was the perfect sacrifice for our sin. Since he had no sin of his own as a human, this servant God-man was able to carry our sin effectively, and God’s justice was perfectly eternally satisfied. He died the death we should have died. As a result, we gain the life of one who is viewed by God as righteous. This servant is accorded greatest honor having utterly destroyed the power of sin, death and hell. He made the way for countless people to be healed, forgiven, and restored to God, freed from the stranglehold of sin. While the suffering servant uttered not a word, God the Father, however, did speak. The curtain in the Temple was torn from top to bottom and the earth shook in the Father’s affirmation of the ultimate and final sacrifice of the servant, the Lamb of God. Our sins are forever forgiven.

“Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.”—Agnus Dei

Music “Agnus Dei,” Voces8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LYnNEALm6o (Some of the most beautiful music written.)

Prayer

Today he who hung the earth upon the waters is hung upon the Cross. He who is King of the angels is arrayed in a crown of thorns. He who wraps the heaven in clouds is wrapped in the purple of mockery. He who in Jordan set Adam free receives blows upon his face. The Bridegroom of the Church is transfixed with nails. The Son of the Virgin is pierced with a spear. We venerate thy Passion, O Christ. Show us also thy glorious Resurrection.

(Hymns for Good Friday, Orthodox)

Maundy Thursday in Holy Week

Maundy Thursday in Holy Week

THE SERVANT IS EXALTED

Scripture

Isaiah 52:13

See, my servant will prosper;
he will be highly exalted.

John 13:12-17

After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them.

Philippians 2:5-9

You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

Though he was God,
he did not think of equality with God
as something to cling to.
Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;
he took the humble position of a slave
and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,
he humbled himself in obedience to God
and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor

and gave him the name above all other names,

Some Thoughts

What does it take to be a servant? To start off, there needs to be someone to serve. And someone must be willing to serve. Elementary! The servant takes the position of submission to the one served. We are all very familiar with Jesus’ words for even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many (Matt. 20:28). Jesus’ referring to himself as the Son of Man harkens to the title used in the book of Daniel to refer to his preexistence. In a real sense, Jesus has assumed that position in relation to his heavenly Father for all eternity, before creation came into being. At every point in his earthly ministry, Jesus bowed to his Father’s will (John 8:29). Jesus has never not served his Father. The fact is that his ministry was service to people. He served in every conceivable way: healing, comforting, feeding, teaching, loving, telling people the truth, pointing out hypocrisy, and even washing the feet of his disciples, even the one who betrayed him. It was on this night, Maundy Thursday, that the foot washing took place. The following story sheds light on what it means to be a servant.

I grew up in a small farming community in central Illinois. Our little Mennonite church had maybe 125 people. One of the common practices of the Mennonites then was foot washing as a part of the observation of the Lord’s Supper. As a little boy of eight who had just given his life to Christ, I was enabled to participate in the foot washing. Given this setting, I want to tell you what happened in one of my first foot washing experiences, an encounter that remains burned in my memory and heart these many, many years later.

I happened to be paired with a wonderful old gentleman by the name of Pete Oyer. Pete was one of the solid saints in the church and community. He was a janitor at our little grade school. There were twelve in my grade. He drove the school bus and had since retired. I’m guessing he was in his late 70’s or early 80’s. He was a kind of saint who had a very bad hip and walked with a cane with considerable difficulty. I was honored and humbled that I wound up being paired with Mr. Oyer. The foot washing happened in the church basement with two wooden chairs on either side of a white granite oval shaped pan placed on the concrete floor.

I went first and gingerly got down off my chair and knelt down to wash his gnarly old feet which possessed old toenails. Our feet are not our most beautiful feature, especially after seven or eight decades! There is also a vulnerability being shown, as we allow another to see and touch a rather humbling part of who we are. Apart from this physical aspect, I was greatly humbled to be washing the feet of this man. It truly was an honor, a privilege to serve this man in this way. Being on my knees before Mr. Oyer seemed like I was right where I should be, serving someone I esteemed.

I finished drying his feet and slid back onto the seat of my wooden chair. Then, the most powerful, moving moment occurred which changed my perspective on foot washing forever. Pete struggled down off his wooden chair, assisted by his cane, and proceeded with great difficulty to kneel down and wash my little eight-year-old, smooth skinned, barely broken in feet. He shouldn’t be doing this. I don’t deserve any of this. I haven’t accomplished anything. I have no place of honor in the community or church. I’m a little boy. The elder should not be serving the younger, especially when it brings physical pain and difficulty. Everything about this was wrong! In that moment I connected easily and quickly with Peter, “Lord, you shall never wash my feet!” It is not right! I realized then to a degree and am thoroughly convinced to this day that foot washing is not a cultural thing at all. It is a servant thing, a humility thing, and above all, a deeply spiritual thing. Washing one another’s feet is what Jesus told us to do. We are servants. Our model is no less than the Son of God. God washed his disciples’ feet. This text and musical setting was composed specifically for this holy day.

Music “Ubi Caritas,” Tenebrae

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTrMIJKBwRU (Do NOT miss this!)

Where charity and love are, God is there.

Christ’s love has gathered us into one.

Let us rejoice and be pleased in Him.

Let us fear and let us love the living God.

And may we love each other with a sincere heart.

Prayer Lord Jesus Christ, who on that treacherous night, did display unending, unconditional love, and proclaimed the fulfillment of a New Covenant of grace, we can find no words to express our love and gratitude for the difference your action makes in our lives today so many years later. We are nourished by the bread and the cup, your life-giving body. We live into that holy night rejoicing in the power unleashed by the Holy Spirit. You lived servanthood to the fullest. You live servanthood even now as you intercede before the Father on our behalf. Receive this our prayer Lord Jesus, who with Father and the Holy Spirit, reigns one God, world without end, forever and ever. Amen.

Wednesday in Holy Week

Wednesday in Holy Week

BETRAYAL

Scripture

Luke 22:1-6

The Festival of Unleavened Bread, which is also called Passover, was approaching. The leading priests and teachers of religious law were plotting how to kill Jesus, but they were afraid of the people’s reaction. Then Satan entered into Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve disciples, and he went to the leading priests and captains of the Temple guard to discuss the best way to betray Jesus to them. They were delighted, and they promised to give him money. So he agreed and began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus so they could arrest him when the crowds weren’t around.

Some Thoughts

The Passover was a Jewish festival in celebration of the great exodus from slavery in Egypt. Though careful not to do it on Passover, the Pharisees and teachers of the law plotted to kill Jesus, the firstborn Son of God. But God’s plan superseded theirs. Jesus willingly became the ultimate sacrificial lamb whose shed blood enabled all who put their trust in him to pass over death to eternal life, but not without an incalculable cost.

Betrayal is one of the most despicable acts one person can do to another. It is even more hideous because it is dependent upon the noble character of trust. Trust must be established for betrayal to accomplish its goal. With trust comes depth of relationship, respect, confidence, dependability, comfort, admiration, love, gratitude, appreciation, and serenity in the relationship. One act of betrayal destroys all these qualities instantaneously. The betrayer puts self and self-interest above the relationship in total disregard for the other person. If trust is ever regained, it is difficult, a long and often painful process.

In these most difficult hours of his life, Jesus experienced betrayal from one of his followers, a man who had traveled with him for three years, a man he had chosen to be one of the twelve. What makes it all the more painful is that Jesus knew who the betrayer was. Even in this circumstance, Jesus did not override the freewill of Judas and call him out on what he was about to do. From John’s account, we assume he even washed Judas’ feet (John 13:5,12). In honoring those he created, the Son of God did not usurp this human’s free will, even if it brought about his own crucifixion and death.

You’ll recall in Jesus’ temptation, Satan left him for a more opportune time (Matt. 4:1-11). This is one of those times. Unlike the other disciples, there was a place in Judas’ heart for Satan. Satan cannot enter one’s heart unless the person gives consent which Judas did of his own free will. We don’t know what Judas had in mind with his betrayal, but we do know he always had an eye out for money. My guess is that he wanted to force Jesus’ hand to lead a military rebellion against the Roman occupiers. By showing Jesus’ enemies where he was, knowing they were coming to arrest Jesus, he had perhaps hoped Jesus would fight back. But for whatever reason he might have had in mind, his act was the most despicable in history. Betrayal is so detestable because it violates a basic premise of human decency, trust, and moral character.

What was Jesus’ response to betrayal? He continued on the course his Father had laid out for him. He invited the twelve disciples to share the Passover meal with him knowing of Judas’ previous agreement with the Jewish leaders. Jesus honored Judas throughout the evening. He let the weight of Judas’ guilt take its toll. Jesus did not get pushed off center by the betrayal even though only hours later the other eleven disciples likewise abandoned him in another kind of betrayal. In Jesus’ case, his life’s mission was of far more significance than betrayal of friends.

A further word about betrayal. To be betrayed by a friend or spouse does not mean the end of trusting and a forever ruined life. Jesus brings healing, understanding, perspective, strength, and restoration to the broken-hearted. Men, women, and children have all experienced betrayal and found wholeness and trust again through God’s grace. God’s work in a person’s life does not stop because or when lying deception occurs. Jesus is our example. Fulfilling his mission to the world was at hand, namely the redemption and restoration of all his creation. But Judas was not the only one to betray the Savior. We all have sinned and been guilty of betraying Jesus, yet in his great love he extends the offer of forgiveness to all who will repent.

Music “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross,” Festival Choir

Prayer

Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son so he can give glory back to you. For you have given him authority over everyone. He gives eternal life to each one you have given him. And this is the way to have eternal life-to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth…I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message…Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began!

(Jesus praying for us, from John 17)

Tuesday of Holy Week

Tuesday in Holy Week

BELIEVE JESUS’ WORDS

Scripture

John 12:37-38; 42-50 (NIV)

Even after Jesus had done all these miraculous signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him. This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet:

“Lord, who has believed our message

and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?”

Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved praise from men more than praise from God.

Then Jesus cried out, “When a man believes in me, he does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. When he looks at me, he sees the one who sent me. I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.

As for the person who hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge him. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save it. There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; that very word which I spoke will condemn him at the last day. For I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it. I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say.”

Some Thoughts

If I can just see it, I’ll believe it. How many times have you heard that? It’s not true. Some of the people to whom Jesus was talking had seen him do miracles yet refused to believe in him. People can see and still not believe because they don’t want to, especially when it comes to faith. Jesus gave an illustration of this truth.

A few weeks prior to the passage you just read, Jesus told the story of Abraham, Lazarus, and the rich man. The parable was a bit more realistic in the sense that this was the only parable Jesus told where he gave the characters names. You know the story. The rich man told Abraham to send Lazarus to tell his brothers he was burning in Hades and that they should repent to God so they wouldn’t come to his place of torment. Abraham’s response was if they didn’t believe Moses and the prophets, they wouldn’t believe someone coming back from the dead. The irony today is that someone, Jesus, did come back from the dead and many did not then and many still do not believe today.

Jesus had done many public miracles as seen by thousands of people including teachers of the law and the Pharisees. What was at stake was a willingness to believe what they saw. The question for us is, “Am I willing to believe what Jesus said?” To believe in Jesus is to continue to make changes in my life. Belief in Jesus means an ever-increasing amount of light. As such, a Christian’s faith never arrives but must be ever-growing. What was the point of his miracles? The purpose was never for the sake of the miraculous itself but to understand and believe that Jesus was the one sent by the God the Father. The miracles always pointed to the identity of Jesus as the Son of God. The whole purpose of the miraculous signs was not to condemn people but to bring them to the light, to transformation (John 3:17).

Jesus had just raised someone from the dead a short time ago and had done other miraculous signs in the Pharisees’ presence and still most of them would not believe. Did it also register as you read that some believed but would not confess their belief because of social or peer pressure? Believing and confessing go together. Belief is not silent, anonymous, nor invisible. Belief is revealed in action. Here is a challenging word for the silent Christian. Notice Jesus was not influenced by anyone but his heavenly Father nor should we be. He spoke the exact words his Father gave him and in the way his Father told him to speak. Again, Jesus is our model. His being rejected did not change his message, nor should it ours. He was on a divine mission which was coming to an end. So are we.

With these things in mind, pay special attention to all that Jesus said in the next few days. A large percentage of the gospels are the words of Jesus spoken during the last five or six days of his life (Matthew 28%, Mark 37%, Luke 25%, John 48%). Note what is important to Jesus as he prepared to leave this earth for a return to his Father’s presence. What last words would you share with family and friends when death knocks at your door? My guess is they would be those things that are most important to you. That’s what Jesus did. Think about it. Belief is not silent nor static. Encourage those dear to you.

Music “Ah Holy Jesus,” Fernando Ortega and Quintessence Ensemble

Prayer

O Lord Jesus Christ, you have said that you are the way, the truth, and the life. Suffer us not to stray from you, who are the way, nor to distrust you, who are the truth, nor to rest in anything other than you, who are the life.

(Erasmus, 1469-1536)

Monday of Holy Week

Monday in Holy Week,

[The Scripture passages chosen for this week were all conversations Jesus had during these last few days prior to his crucifixion. These are roughly in chronological order.]

WEDDING FEAST

Scripture

Matthew 22:1-14 (ESV)

And again Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son, and sent his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding feast, but they would not come. Again he sent other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “See, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding feast.”’ But they paid no attention and went off, one to his farm, another to his business, while the rest seized his servants, treated them shamefully, and killed them. The king was angry, and he sent his troops and destroyed those murderers and burned their city.

Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding feast is ready, but those invited were not worthy. Go therefore to the main roads and invite to the wedding feast as many as you find.’ And those servants went out into the roads and gathered all whom they found, both bad and good. So the wedding hall was filled with guests.

“But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment. And he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ For many are called, but few are chosen.”

Some Thoughts

In this account Jesus told a parable on the Pharisees and leading Jewish priests. Just prior to this passage in Matthew’s gospel, Jesus made a similar point with the parable of the evil tenants who killed the vineyard owner’s son. In this parable the king is God the Father, his son, the bridegroom, is the Messiah. The religious leaders and the children of Israel represent the invited guests. An invitation is sent to the guests to attend the wedding feast. Their refusal to come is portrayed as their failure to rightly understand the prophetic messages of Old Testament prophets well as their current rejection of the Messiah.

The king then sent more servants with a second invitation describing the preparation, joy, and greatness of the wedding banquet. But they too were met with indifference and hostility, even killing the sent servants—the prophets. When the guests refused to come, the king destroyed the town. This harsh language is similar to Old Testament judgment verbiage. Finally the king then sent more servants out to invite everyone indiscriminately, good and bad alike. To the self-righteous Pharisees and Jewish priests this general invitation was damnable. Gentiles were despised. Recall Jesus’ words that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the teachers of the religious law and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 5:20). Jesus made the point that kingdom righteousness is beyond merely rigorous attempts to obey the law, the very thing the Jewish leaders stressed endlessly. Here, God’s grace was pictured firsthand which was more than the priests and Pharisees could handle.

Finally, when the king entered the feast, he noticed one of the guests was not wearing the proper wedding clothes. [Regardless of social position in Jesus’ day, everyone knew the necessity of wearing proper wedding clothes.] When confronted by the king, though called a friend, the guest had no answer. The fact that he had no response meant he knew he was guilty. The king had him thrown out into outer darkness. This guest was a fraud. [See Matt. 7:13-27 for Jesus’ further description of this guest.]The outer darkness is a metaphor for final judgment.

In the parable, Jesus described three kinds of people. Though all people were invited, there were those who refuse outright to come into the kingdom, there were those who came but refused to submit to kingdom norms and were thus rejected, and there were those who were chosen and embraced the kingdom through God’s grace. The Pharisees and leading priests understood this parable to be against them and were even more determined to kill Jesus.

The last verse reminds us that the grace of God is extends to everyone though only a few respond in faith. Notice, unlike the Pharisees and priests, we are not the ones who set the guidelines for entering the kingdom of God. You and I are the servants who go out into the roads and gather all we find. We don’t decide who’s worthy. Every person is graciously invited to come as they are. Continue to pray for those people who come across your path who have not yet embraced the narrow way to life in God’s kingdom. May the message of Holy Week and Easter continue throughout this year to penetrate the hearts of people from every tribe, nation, and tongue, and may we be helpful in the proclamation in our little part of the world.

Music “The Church’s One Foundation,” Duke Chapel Choir

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ECY2IIeRg8&list=RD2ECY2IIeRg8&start_radio=1

Prayer

Remember, O Lord, your Church, to deliver her from all evil, and to make her perfect in your love; and gather together from the four winds the sanctified Church into your kingdom, which you have prepared for her. For yours is the power and the glory forevermore. Amen.

(the Didache, c.120 AD)

Palm Sunday 2026

What’s below is an excerpt from the soon to be out, Ashes to Fire, Vol.2.

Blessings! Dan

Palm Sunday

TRIUMPHAL ENTRY

Scripture

John 12:1-2, 12-16

Six days before the Passover celebration began, Jesus arrived in Bethany, the home of Lazarus—the man he had raised from the dead.

The next day, the news that Jesus was on the way to Jerusalem swept through the city. A large crowd of Passover visitors took palm branches and went down the road to meet him. They shouted,

“Praise God! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hail to the King of Israel!”

Jesus found a young donkey and rode on it, fulfilling the prophecy that said:

“Don’t be afraid, people of Jerusalem.
Look, your King is coming,
riding on a donkey’s colt.”

His disciples didn’t understand at the time that this was a fulfillment of prophecy. But after Jesus entered into his glory, they remembered what had happened and realized that these things had been written about him.

Many in the crowd had seen Jesus call Lazarus from the tomb, raising him from the dead, and they were telling others about it. That was the reason so many went out to meet him—because they had heard about this miraculous sign.

Zechariah 9:9

Rejoice, O people of Zion!
    Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem!
Look, your king is coming to you.
    He is righteous and victorious,
yet he is humble, riding on a donkey—
    riding on a donkey’s colt.

Some Thoughts

Just to give us a little context for this pericope; we’ll retrace recent events. Jesus had raised Lazarus but a short time ago. There had been a party at the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus to honor Jesus. Many people, both friends and the curious, had come to see both Jesus and Lazarus. The sibling’s home was in Bethany just outside Jerusalem. Their party was last night, Saturday, and now we come to today, Palm Sunday. There was a buzz all over Jerusalem. Jesus was coming to town!

Like an out-of-control forest fire, word had been spreading about Jesus’ raising a man from the dead. This demonstration of Jesus’ power over death brought things to a breaking point as far as the religious leaders were concerned. Jesus was no longer a perceived challenger; he was an actual threat to their power and their interpretation of Scripture. His claim to fulfill the law put his authority above their oral tradition and interpretation of the law. He not only spoke on behalf of God, he claimed to be equal with God! The Pharisees and Sadducees plotted to do away with Jesus and with Lazarus as well. Jesus knew this would be his final week on earth. His earthly life and mission pointed to these very days. To prepare for his entry into Jerusalem, he sent two disciples to get a donkey, one on which no one had ever ridden. He told them what to say, and it happened just as he said. You know the story quite well.

The account is fascinating for several reasons. To begin with, Jesus’ riding on the back of a donkey does not seem all that appropriate for a supposed king. Really, a donkey? We need to know a little more Old Testament history and culture of the day. All the people shouting had heard about the glory days of King David, Israel’s greatest king. They also knew the Messiah would come from the royal tribe of Judah. Many knew Jesus’ genealogy hence their shouting “Hosanna to the Son of David!” With the waving of palm branches the hosannas also echoed the victory of the Maccabean revolt in roughly 160 BC. Jesus was fulfilling Old Testament prophecy and they knew it. In the peoples’ mind, now was the perfect time for Jesus to lead the revolt they had been waiting for and overthrow of the Roman occupation. But Jesus didn’t do what they expected or hoped would happen.

There is another note regarding the donkey. You will recall that when David’s son, Absalom, rebelled and stole the kingdom from his father, King David fled Jerusalem in sackcloth and ashes traveling on the road up the Mount of Olives some 1,000 years earlier. Now Jesus, the Son of David, was fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah by riding into Jerusalem via the very same road on which his kingly ancestor had escaped a millennium earlier. See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey (Zech. 9:9). What irony! Jesus came to bring peace, the peace of a heavenly kingdom, not a political overthrow. His riding on a donkey underscored this truth.

You see in this culture the donkey was the royal limousine. It was a gentle and humble animal, portraying the picture of a king coming in peace, not to do battle. Horses or mules, on the other hand, were signs of wealth, power, war, and aggression. Interestingly, God did not tell the children of Israel to gather horses or buy them from Egypt (Deut. 17:16). God, not horses fought Israel’s battles. Donkeys were the humble working servant of the economy. For example, Job had camels and donkeys, but no horses. By contrast, in Revelation 19:11 we read of King Jesus riding on a white horse in the final victorious battle where the beast and false prophet are defeated and cast into the lake of fire.

The peoples’ response in this passage reminds me of our response to God all too often. There are times when we have been in a difficult situation and want release from a self-imposed stress or outside pressure, and we have prayed that God will in effect do our will and get us out of our plight. Then when God doesn’t do what we think he should in our time frame, we complain, we doubt, and we might even get angry at God or each other in our frustration. Don’t forget. The point in the triumphal entry is not the peoples’ response, but rather the magnificent, costly unfolding of God’s plan to bring healing and restoration to all peoples. It was not about the peoples’ wishes or assumptions then, and it is not about us and our wills now. Rather, we should kneel in the Garden of Gethsemane with our Savior praying, “Not my will, but thine be done.” Remember, the triumphal entry pointed to Jesus’ mission. The donkey was the vehicle for the unfolding of the Father’s will. Let’s be the donkey, carrying Jesus to the world.

Music “Ride On King Jesus,” Moses Hogan Singers

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, the King of Glory, you entered a rebellious city filled with fickle people who had their own ideas as to what, when, and how you should rule. Sounds too familiar. Forgive the arrogance in my own heart which often expects and wants the specific things of you. Open my ears and let me hear your voice. May the reminder of the humble, gentle donkey be in my heart today and throughout this holiest of weeks as I reflect on your great love and sacrifice on behalf of all your people. Forgive my aggressive ways and calm me down to quiet service to you that your name may be carried wherever I go. In the Messiah’s name I pray. Amen.

Belle Isle, FL 32812

drdanielsharp.com website

dansharp9@gmail.com

c. 858-357-1686

Attachments area

Preview YouTube video The Moses Hogan Singers – Ride On, King JesusPreview YouTube video The Moses Hogan Singers – Ride On, King Jesus

Advent to Ashes Coming to and end!

Dear friends near and far,

I’m very aware that this coming Monday is March 9th, the last day of devotionals in Advent to Ashes. I had hoped to have Ashes to Fire, Vol.2, (Ash Wednesday to Pentecost) out by this time but it’s still at the publishers. The final editing is done and I’m waiting to get the galley back to sign off on it and then they will do the layout of the pages for the book. We’ll work on the cover with them in the meantime, so hopefully it won’t be too long until it is available on Amazon or Barnes and Noble or any bookstore.. Again, if you’d like a signed copy of either volume, just email me your address. I’ll let you know as soon as Ashes to Fire is available.

The fact that you are reading through March 9th this year won’t happen again until 2038! Normally, you would have switched reading to Vol.2 this year on February 18th, Ash Wednesday. Next year in 2027 Ash Wednesday falls on February 10th, so your last reading in Advent to Ashes will be on February 9th and you’ll start with Ashes to Fire on February 10th which goes all the way to June 13th, the latest possible date for Pentecost. Maybe by then I’ll have Fire to Glory, Vol.3 done! I’m writing on it now.

If you are curious, or not(!), you might wonder if Ash Wednesday has ever fallen on February 29th, a leap year. The answer is no, it never has, but hold on. For you young ones, in 2096 Ash Wednesday will fall on February 29th for the first time (!) in the 1,000 year history of Ash Wednesday! I trust there will be a grand celebration. However, I most likely will not be in attendance. Give my regards!

I trust you are having a meaningful Lenten season. Every year is so different. Think of what was going on in the world last year at this time. I’m curious what the world will be like next year when we read these passages again. We’ll be different, the world will be different still, but the word of the Lord is forever. We worship our God who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is truly our Rock through the ages. I pray for you all who read these devotionals every day as I read them. May the Lord continue his work in us day by day.

The Lord be with you,

Dan

One other thing, I’d be most grateful if you’d pass along a word about these books. We all know people who might benefit. The books also make great gifts for baptisms, graduations, birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, weddings, Mother’s or Father’s Day, Thanksgiving, Boxing Day, Ground Hogs Day, Valentines Day, Tax day,… you get the idea!

Daniel Sharp, DMA

4017 Isle Vista Ave

Belle Isle, FL 32812

drdanielsharp.com website

dansharp9@gmail.com

c. 858-357-1686

An Epiphany witness to God’s faithfulness

Friends,

Friends if you have a copy of my book, Advent to Ashes, and read today’s entry on Epiphany and light, not only did you get Mahalia Jackson singing “Sweet Little Jesus Boy,” but I want you to know the flashes and floaters in my eyes to which I referred, have never returned several years later and my eyes have remained very clear ever since. Yes, I’ve had my eyes checked since then! God did an instant work.

We’re doing the final editing on Ashes to Fire, Vol. 2. Hopefully it will be available by Ash Wednesday on February 18^th. Available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble among other bookstores and platforms.

Blessings on your New Year!

Dan

A Word about Today’s Devotional

Friends,

Just a note to remind those who have purchased Advent to Ashes, Vol.1. For today, skip reading the Fourth Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday in Advent and go straight to Christmas Eve on page 104. (In other years when Advent begins on a different day, you’ll have a chance to read those dates you skipped this year.) From now to February 17th you’ll read by the calendar date. Ash Wednesday in 2026 is February 18th. Hopefully Ashes to Fire, Vol.2 will be out by then and available. It’s at the publishers now going through the editing and publishing process.

Blessings and Merry Christmas!

Dan

Trouble with e-book Advent to Ashes

Friends,

I am aware that there is a problem with the e-book version of Advent to Ashes. We are working to correct the situation. I have been unable to load more than 6 pages. Just wanted you to know. The paperback version is fine.

Dan

Advent Begins in TWO Days

Friends, November 28

This Sunday, November 30^th,, is the first Sunday in Advent and the time to start reading in Advent to Ashes! You’ll read every day until you get to the 4^th Tuesday of Advent then skip ahead to Christmas Eve. This year you’ll skip three Advent days. Read the page on “How to Use this Book” on page xii. Next year it will be slightly different since Advent will start on November 29^th.

Since Ash Wednesday is February 18^th this year, you’ll stop reading Advent to Ashes on February 17^th and start Ashes to Fire, Vol.2 which will take you to Pentecost. Ashes to Fire, Vol. 2 is currently at the publishers. I hope to have it out before February 18^th! Of course both books are (Vol.1)or will be (Vol.2) available on Amazon.com. Both are also in the e-book version.

If you got the 1^st edition of Advent to Ashes, (bought it before October 24^th), there is slight date adjustment on p.413 in the Yearly Calendar. The Ash Wednesday dates are one year off! The date for Ash Wednesday in 2026 is February 18^th. February 10^th for 2027, March 1^st for 2028, etc. Any book purchased after October 24^th has the correction. The e-books may take a little longer for the correction to be made. Pass the word along. I’m working on Fire to Glory, Volume 3, Pentecost to the Transfiguration.

Bonus: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRSqp4hoFVo “The First Noel” This is one of the recordings from a day you’ll miss this year! Of course you may read all the days you miss.

Have a blessed Advent and beyond season.

Dan

drdanielsharp.com website

Happy Thanksgiving from Sharp Books and Music

Friends,

I want to wish you a happy Thanksgiving. It’s the best holiday of the year because it lasts nearly five days (Wednesday to Sunday. . .which happens to be the first Sunday in Advent!), involves lots of food, especially the leftovers, talking with family, playing board games, going through old family pictures, watching endless football, extra reading time (some people still do that!), or just resting. Here is something else you may enjoy.

I finished Ashes to Fire Vol.2. (Ash Wednesday to Pentecost) It’s at the publishers. Working on Fire to Glory, Vol.3, (Pentecost to Transfiguration).

Attachments area

Preview YouTube video Special Feature | Advent to Ashes by Daniel L. Sharp | Title Pitch MediaPreview YouTube video Special Feature | Advent to Ashes by Daniel L. Sharp | Title Pitch Media

drdanielsharp.com

More NEWS from Sharpdevotionals

Friends of Sharpdevotional.com, INTERESTING NEWS!

Advent begins one month from today on Sunday, November 30^th! As you know, there will be no Advent email devotionals this year but something better. Instead of 40 daily devotionals, we have a book I’ve written, Advent to Ashes, Volume 1, containing 104 daily devotionals taking you all the way to Ash Wednesday. The book or e-book is available on amazon.com or barnesandnoble.com. (Can you say stocking stuffer?) Pastors, this book is also an excellent resource to help your people grasp a deeper understanding that advent is not about waiting for Christmas to get here, lighting four candles, or reflections on four single words. There is much theology involved in embracing a much larger picture of the significance of the season. Advent to Ashes points us to the life disturbing nature of the season.

I have a second different kind of request. I just finished, Ashes to Fire, Volume 2. These devotionals go from Ash Wednesday through Easter on to Pentecost, 91 more daily devotionals. It’s in process of publication. Fire to Glory, Volume 3 is next and will go from Pentecost to the Transfiguration (87 days), and then Glory to Advent, Volume 4 (112 days) is from the Transfiguration to Advent and will conclude the Christian Year. I realize that adds up to 394 days, but I’ve built in the fluctuating dates of Easter and variable starting days for Advent so no matter what year, you’ll always have a day in the Scriptures.

Now, an unusual request: I would like to put some testimonial blurbs in volume 2 coming from ordinary people from all walks of life. Many of you have been reading these devotionals for several years. What I would like from you, if you so choose, would be for you to send 1-3 sentences about how the devotionals have touched or had an impact on you in regard to: 1) the choice of Scripture, 2) comment on my reflections on the passages, 3) a word about the music or the variety of music selection, or 4) something about the prayers. Pick only one of the 4 choices to write about. Put your name and where you live and or your occupation at the end. Depending on the responses, I will have to make choices as to what to include in volume 2. Just email your blurbs to me by December 1st at dansharp9@gmail.com .

The format in all these books is the same as your advent or Lenten emails in the past. I’ve entitled the four-volume work as Uncommon Devotionals for the Christian Year.

You might also check out my website at: www.drdanielsharp.com (very original name I know!)

Happy Thanksgiving and have a blessed season of Advent,

Dan

Advent Devotional Update 2025

Devotional friends old and new,

The season of Advent begins several weeks from now (November 30th this year) and I want to give you a heads up. Things are a little different this year. Rather than writing the usual forty devotionals, I’ve written a book, Advent to Ashes, Volume 1, covering those forty plus many more days. As a result, there will be no more daily devotional emails. This book is the first of four volumes of devotionals which will cover each day for the entire year. Volume two, Ashes to Fire, (Ash Wednesday to Pentecost), is completed and in the process of publication.

Each volume works with the same devotional format: a passage of Scripture, a reflective commentary on the passage, a musical link via QR code, and a concluding prayer. Advent to Ashes contains 104 entries giving it the flexibility to adapt to the earliest Advent (Nov.27) and to the latest Ash Wednesday (March 10). There are indices listing the dates for Advent and Ash Wednesday from now until 2075 so you’ll always know when to begin! The Indices also include a listing of the music selections, musicians, subject listings, and a scripture index.

Let me encourage you to pick up a copy in preparation for beginning this wonderful season as you feed your soul not only for Advent but for the following days. I’d also appreciate it if you’d pass the word along about the book. It could be a meaningful stocking-stuffer. Advent to Ashes, is available now on amazon.com or barnesandnoble.com. It is also available electronically on Kindle. You can check it out on the link below.

If you would like a signed copy, email me with your mailing address and I’ll email you back with the shipping cost. You can then pay with a check or Zelle.

Blessings to you all this upcoming Advent season,

Dan

Daniel Sharp, DMA

4017 Isle Vista Ave

Belle Isle, FL 32812

https://covenantbooks.com/books/?book=advent-to-ashes https://covenantbooks.com/books/?book=advent-to-ashes

dansharp9@gmail.com

c. 858-357-1686

Ascension Day

THE ASCENSION OF CHRIST

Scripture

Acts 1:1-12

In my first book I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up to heaven after giving his chosen apostles further instructions through the Holy Spirit. During the forty days after he suffered and died, he appeared to the apostles from time to time, and he proved to them in many ways that he was actually alive. And he talked to them about the Kingdom of God.

Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

So, when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?”

He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!”

Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, a distance of half a mile.

Some Thoughts

In driving around in the Amish country around Lancaster, Pennsylvania, it would be normal to see on the door of an Amish business “Closed for Ascension Day.” Though recognized in most liturgical churches, the day is seldom acknowledged in non-liturgical churches, and yet the Amish remember!

This event is an essential part of the whole gospel story. We often hear words like the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus as being the heart of the gospel. But it seems to me that such is only part of the whole story. Practically speaking, if there had been no ascension, Jesus would apparently still be on earth somewhere with his mission not yet completed. The Holy Spirit would not have come upon all believers, (no Pentecost), and Jesus would not be at the right hand of God interceding on our behalf. The enthronement of Christ would still be in the future. He would not be preparing a place for us as mentioned in the fourteenth chapter of John’s gospel. The Church would not have been launched. No missionary movement. The New Testament would not have been completed and we would never have heard of Paul. Think of all that happened after Pentecost . . . the rest of the New Testament.

The ascension of Christ forty days after the resurrection is a further step in God’s overall plan to bring restoration to the whole created order. The number forty, occurring often in Scripture, is a number indicating fulfillment or completion. Note that Jesus’ public ministry began by being led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness for forty days to be tempted by the devil. Following the resurrection and the defeat of the devil, he remained on earth forty days appearing at various times to different groups of people who believed in him. It is interesting to me that he chose not to appear to people who had rejected him. What would Caiaphas or Pilate have done had he appeared before them?

At the end of the forty days, his earthly mission completed, he returned to heaven with the promise of sending the Holy Spirit to take his place as a presence dwelling in his people. Rather than believers being limited by the physical presence of Jesus being in one place at one time, the Spirit would indwell all believers everywhere. John’s baptism and the descent of the dove began Jesus’ public ministry. Now, the descending baptism of the Holy Spirit began the disciples’ public ministry. It is interesting that even after the resurrection the disciples still expected Jesus to set up an earthly kingdom of God (Israel) in which he would rule as king. Despite all that Jesus had taught them, an earthly kingdom was still their perception prior to Pentecost.

The Ascension and Christ’s return to earth at some point in the future were the last things his followers were expecting. Two angelic witnesses affirmed the truth of what Jesus had said and gave them a reality check. Also notice the appearance of a cloud indicating the presence of God as Jesus is enveloped into the cloud. It may also be worth saying that Jesus did not go to someplace else in the universe as though heaven were a physical place in a far-off galaxy as I once heard a preacher suggest. Jesus entered heaven, into another dimension from the world in which we live. All of heaven rejoiced as Jesus was enthroned at this Father’s right hand, the place of honor, authority, and power to assume his kingly rule. His authority extends over the entire created order, over angels, over his Church, over nations, and all of mankind right now. The Ascension marks the completion of Jesus’ personal earthly work. Ten days later came the inauguration of the Holy Spirit’s work on earth until the return of Christ. This same Holy Spirit is present in the life of every believer today. We are now the hands and feet of Jesus’ work as the Spirit empowers us. Today is a good day to look for work!

Music “At the Name of Jesus” First Plymouth Church

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, ascended and hidden from our sight, yet really present to our faith, we acknowledge you to be Savior of the world and King of the new creation. Above our weakness and despair, above our strife and disunity, above our sin and rebellion, above the impersonal forces which threaten to crush us, you rule. Your love reigns supreme and can bring hope and peace and pardon and freedom. In our need of these gifts, we look to you. Lord Jesus Christ, alive forever, lifted high overall, unlimited by time or space, universal king, we worship and adore you. We pray this prayer in your own glorious name, Jesus the King. Amen.

(fromPrayers for Sunday Services, p.100)

Easter Sunday, April 20

He is risen! He is risen indeed!

Scripture: I Corinthians 15:1-7; 12-28

Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled:

“Death is swallowed up in victory.

O death, where is your victory?

O death, where is your sting?”

For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.

Music: “Messiah” Voces 8

“Worthy Is the Lamb,” Voces 8 (One of the top vocal ensembles in the world.)

“Hallelujah Chorus,” Voces8 The best I have heard so far.

“Messiah” part 3 Octopus Symphony Chorus

Prayer:

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

―Jude, the earthly brother of Jesus

Friends,

I want to thank you again for journeying together these past six and a half weeks leading to this glorious day! I trust your daily time in Scripture has continued or become a regular habit of yours. Our goal is to learn to walk each day with the Lord and to spend time with him each day, not just reading but interacting in prayer. I also hope you’ve come across some new musical groups you can follow. Nothing is more glorious in music than the human voice. To those of you who passed the link along, thank you! Word of mouth and the internet is our only advertisement. I’m always glad for your feedback!

The Lord be with you,

Dan

PS Watch for Advent to Ashes, Vol.1 (Amazon or Barnesandnobel.com iTunes e-book)

dansharp9@gmail.com

Lent 2025 Texts and Music

Scripture

Genesis 22:1-19, Mar. 17

Exodus 16:9-21, Mar.21

Exodus 34:1-9; 27-28, Mar.12

Psalm 77:10-15, Mar.14

Psalm 121, Mar.13

Psalm 130, Apr.6

Daniel 9:15-25a, Mar. 15

Joel 1:1-2, 12-17, Mar. 5

Jonah 3:10-4:11, Mar.7

Matthew 4:1-11, Mar.9

Matthew 6:1-4, Mar.25

Matthew 6:5-8, Mar.26

Matthew 6: 9-15, Mar.27

Matthew 6:16-18, Mar.28

Matthew 6:19-24, Mar.29

Matthew 17:1-9, Mar. 16

Matthew 18:1-7, Mar.8

Matthew 22:1-14, Apr.14

Matthew 27:27-38, Apr.18

Mark 11:15-19, Mar.19

Luke 15: 11-12, Mar.31

Luke 15:13-16, Apr.1

Luke 15:17-20a, Apr. 2

Luke 15:20b-21, Apr.3

Luke 15:22-24, Apr. 4

Luke 15:25-32, Apr. 5

Luke 19:28-40, Apr.13

Luke 22:1-6, Apr.16

John 3:1-13, Mar.22

John 4:5-15; 19-26; 39-42, Mar.23

John 9:1, 6-9, 13-17, 34-38, Mar.30

John 11:1-6, Apr.7

John 11:7-16, Apr.8

John 11:17-24, Apr.9

John 11:25-27, Apr.10

John 11:28-35, Apr.11

John 11:36-45, Apr.12

John 12:37-38; 42-50, Apr.15

John 13:1-20, 33-35, Apr.17

Romans 1:1-7, Mar.6

I Corinthians 15:1-7; 12-28, Apr.20

Ephesians 1:7-14, Mar.20

Hebrews 2:10-18, Mar.10

Hebrews 4:14-5:10, Mar.11

1 Peter 2:4-10, Mar.18

2 John 1:1-13, Mar.24

Music

“Abide with Me,” St. Olaf Cantori and Congregation Mar.20

“Agnus Dei,” Robert Shaw Festival Singers Apr.19

“Ah Holy Jesus,” Fernando Ortega and Quintessence Ensemble, Apr.15

“Amazing Grace,” Il Divo Apr.5

“And Can It Be that I Should Gain,” the Brits SING! Apr.7

“As the Deer,” Masters Chorale, Mar.28

https://www.youtube.com/watc?v=oYNNIUtQ160

“Be Thou My Vision,” Nathan Pacheco, Mar.29

“Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” Fernando Ortega Mar.24

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5b0FTKMYGZ4

“Come Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy,” Fernando Ortega Mar.14

“God Moves in a Mysterious Way,” Deo Cantamus Apr.8

“Go Down Moses,” Sam Robson Mar.12

“Goin’ Home,” Libera Apr. 1

“Goin Home,” Sissel Apr.2

“Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” A hymn sing in England Apr.4

“Hear My Prayer O Lord,” Purcell Voces 8 Mar.7

“How Deep the Father’s Love for Us,” Fernando Ortega Apr.3

“He Watching Over Israel,” Robert Shaw Mar.13

“Holy, Holy, Holy” Audrey Assad, Mar.6

“Hosanna to the Song of David,” Cambridge Singers, Apr.13

“If Thou Wilt Suffer God to Guide Thee,” Calvin Alumni Choir, Apr.9

“In Christ Alone,” All Souls Orchestra Apr.10

“I Need Thee Every Hour,” Sam Robson Mar.11

“It’s All About Me,” Rob Still Mar.31

“Jesus, Lover of My Soul,” Fernando Ortega Mar.10

“Jesus Loves Me,” Whitney Houston Mar.8

“Jesus Messiah,” Gaither Vocal Band Mar. 23

“Miserere Mei,” Tenebrae Choir, Mar.18

“Of the Father’s Love Begotten,” Out of Darkness, Mar.22

“O Sacred Head Now Wounded,” Fernando Ortega, Apr.19

“O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus,” Simon Khorolskiy, Mar.25

“Out of the Deep” Cambridge Singers Apr.6

“Requiem,” John Rutter, Apr. 19

“Requiem,” W.A. Mozart, Arsys Bourgogne, Apr.19

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LZ6gEh7yBM

“Ride On King Jesus,” Robert Shaw Festival Singers, Apr.13

“Salvation Is Created,” National Lutheran Choir, Mar.19

“Sanctus” from Requiem Durufle Robert Shaw Festival Singers Mar.16

“Steal Away,” Mahalia Jackson and Nat King Cole, Apr.12

“The Church’s One Foundation,” Duke Chapel Choir, Apr.14

“The Lord’s Prayer,” Andrea Bocelli, Mar.27

“This Little Light of Mine” Moses Hogan Singers, Mar.30

“To God Be the Glory,” Sissel Mar.21

“What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” Alan Jackson, Mar.26

“What Wondrous Love Is This,” Chelsea Moon with Franz Brothers, Mar.9

“What Wondrous Love Is This,” Robert Shaw Chamber Choir, Apr.16

“When I Survey the Wondrous Cross,” Massed Choirs, Weston Noble, Mar.17

“When Jesus Wept” The Orchard Enterprises, Apr.11

“Sweet Hour of Prayer,” Radiance, Mar.15

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ph43J3pnBDo,

“Ye People Rend Your Hearts and If with All Your Hearts” Andrew Haji, Mar.5

PRAYER BOOKS

The Oxford Book of Prayer, ed. Appleton, OUP

Valley of Vision, ed. Bennett, Banner of Truth Pub.

Prayers Ancient and Modern, Mary Wilder Tileston, 1897

A Diary of Private Prayer, John Baillie

Eerdmans’ Book of Famous Prayers, compiled by Veronica Zindel

Celtic Daily Prayer, Andy Raine and John Skinner, Northumbrian Community

The Quiet Corner, ed. Shirwood Wirt, Fleming H. Revell

Book of Common Prayer, Episcopal,1979

Guideposts Prayers for Easter, Julie Hogan, Ideals

Holy Saturday, April 19

Some Thoughts

Had you or I been one of the believers in Jesus, this day would have been the worst of our lives. We had seen what Jesus had done with our own eyes. We followed him everywhere. We’d seen him raise Lazarus, heal blind people instantly, walk on water and so much more. We heard him say firsthand that he was the Son of God. He forgave our sin, something only God can do. He said the kingdom of heaven was among us. He rode into Jerusalem as king. Then everything went south. Yesterday they crucified and buried him. I guess we were wrong about him. Talk about being depressed. It was like a terrible mix-up.

But think about it. What were his last words? He said, “It is finished.” But in our eyes, what was finished? He was dead; his life was finished. If ushering in the Kingdom of heaven was the goal, it surely doesn’t look like that project is finished. If I recall, there was another time when, after Friday, the sixth day of the week, God the Father used the same words. God said he had finished his work of creation and rested on the seventh day, the Sabbath and called it holy. But unlike the other six days of creation, God did not say “it was evening and it was morning” regarding this seventh day. Why omit those words for this particular day? How are these phrases connected?

Likewise, the Son of God finished his work on the sixth day of the week and rested in the tomb on the holy Sabbath. But Jesus rose on the eighth day ushering in a new era as he paved the way for resurrection for all believers. God did not say “it was evening and it was morning” regarding his Sabbath rest, because we have yet to enter our final rest. We are still in the sabbath rest awaiting our Eighth Day and our future resurrection when Jesus returns to lead all people either to eternal life or to judgment (2 Cor. 5:1-10). As Paul writes in First Corinthians, “Christ was raised as the first of the harvest; then all who belong to Christ will be raised when he comes back.” We are currently in that Sabbath rest, awaiting his return. Then the Sabbath will have an “evening and morning” as we enter eternal life where there is no longer an evening and morning, but one glorious never-ending day.

For the early church, Holy Saturday was a solemn day. Then at midnight, the believers gathered and held an Easter Vigil. There were four parts to this unique service: 1) a Service of Light in which Jesus was celebrated as the Light of the world overcoming darkness; 2) a Service of the Word in which the following passages were read outlining the entire biblical story from Genesis to the Resurrection; 3) a Service of the Water in which new converts were baptized; and 4) a Service of the Bread and Cup in which the Lord’s Supper was celebrated. Read some passages from each of the nine sections. This is a good day for quiet reflection thinking of the Savior’s love for you as you read and for listening to some of the musical suggestions. Make this day a different kind of Saturday in preparation for tomorrow.

Scripture:

Genesis 1:1—2:4a

Psalm 136:1-9, 23-26

Genesis 7:1-5, 11-18; 8:6-18; 9:8-13

Psalm 46

Genesis 22:1-18

Psalm 16

Exodus 14:10-31; 15:20-21

Exodus 15:1b-13, 17-18

Isaiah 55:1-11

Isaiah 12:2-6

Proverbs 8:1-8, 19-21; 9:4b-6

Psalm 19

Ezekiel 36:24-28

Psalms 42 and 43

Ezekiel 37:1-14

Psalm 143

Zephaniah 3:14-20

Psalm 98

Romans 6:3-11

Psalm 114

John 20:1-18

Music: “Requiem,” John Rutter, Apr.19

“Requiem,” W.A. Mozart, Arsys Bourgogne, Apr.19

Good Friday, April 18

Scripture: Matthew 27:27-38

Some of the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into their headquarters and called out the entire regiment. They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him. They wove thorn branches into a crown and put it on his head, and they placed a reed stick in his right hand as a scepter. Then they knelt before him in mockery and taunted, “Hail! King of the Jews!” And they spit on him and grabbed the stick and struck him on the head with it. When they were finally tired of mocking him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him again. Then they led him away to be crucified.

Along the way, they came across a man named Simon, who was from Cyrene, and the soldiers forced him to carry Jesus’ cross. And they went out to a place called Golgotha (which means “Place of the Skull”). The soldiers gave him wine mixed with bitter gall, but when he had tasted it, he refused to drink it.

After they had nailed him to the cross, the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice. Then they sat around and kept guard as he hung there. A sign was fastened above Jesus’ head, announcing the charge against him. It read: “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.” Two revolutionaries were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left.

Some Thoughts

This is a familiar heart-rending passage. It is stated in such a matter-of-fact manner. Jesus was hauled into headquarters and, notice, the entire regiment was called out. These soldiers had undoubtedly heard of Jesus and wanted to see him. They also wanted extra security no doubt. Can you picture a large group of coarse Roman soldiers insulting, mocking, and striping Jesus then giving him a scepter, the rod of a king? I can image all the things they said that are mercifully not recorded in Scripture. Jesus remained silent. I wonder if these soldiers became more and more off center as things progressed. They had crucified thousands of people before and I doubt any had responded in silence as did Jesus. The soldiers did offer him wine mixed with gall but Jesus refused after tasting it.

There is such irony. In mocking ignorance, the soldiers wrote the truth on the placard, “He is King of the Jews.” And you’ll notice, once again, the thieves are two witnesses to the truth, even though one does not believe (Deut. 17:6). But one thief testifies to the truth and believes. One of the things that stands out to me in this whole passage is Jesus’ restraint and acceptance of the abuse in all its forms. Can you imagine having the power to destroy the mockers with a single word, and not only not using it, but saying nothing, not even “Do you have any idea who is in your presence, your Creator and the Creator of the entire universe?”

What was Jesus’ basis for keeping quiet and not responding? Obedience to the Father and an unmovable commitment to fulfilling his mission of redeeming the entire created order, not just people. This was the moment in the history of the universe that would change and bring transformation to the entire creation in eternity. Other than Jesus and his Father, no other being had a clue as to what was transpiring. Despite the taunts, mockery, ridicule, and sick curiosity of others, Jesus remained on course. God the Father, however, did speak through his action. The curtain in the Temple was torn from top to bottom, the earth shook and split rocks, tombs opened, and many people were raised from the dead and left the cemetery in affirmation and acceptance of the Son’s atoning sacrifice. That must have been a frightening sight. The soldiers quickly gained perspective in their words; this man truly was the Son of God. In reading this passage again, I’m quite sure we have little idea of the depth of Christ’s love for the Father and the Father’s love for his Son. The Triune God has made it possible for us to experience being loved far more than we mortals can grasp. What a gracious God we have.

Music: “Agnus Dei,” Robert Shaw Festival Singers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6ilqJW3fV8&list=TLPQMjkwMTIwMjCrAh08LRSyCA&index=1 There are many recordings of this piece. It is extremely difficult to sing with very long phrases. Many conductors speed it up so it is easier to sing. This recording has terrific singers and Mr. Shaw lets the text determine the tempo. “Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, grant us peace.” This recording is also beautifully balanced among the parts. The music aurally paints the meaning of the text.

“O Sacred Head Now Wounded” Fernando Ortega

O Sacred Head Now Wounded

-Bernard of Clairvaux, 12^th century

O sacred head, now wounded,

with grief and shame weighed down,

now scornfully surrounded

with thorns, thine only crown,

O sacred head, what glory,

what bliss till now was thine,

yet, though despised and gory,

I joy to call thee mine.

What thou, my Lord, has suffered

was all for sinners’ gain,

mine, mine was the transgression,

but thine the deadly pain.

Lo, here I fall, my Savior!

‘tis I deserve thy place;

look on me with thy favor,

and grant to me thy grace.

What language shall I borrow

to thank thee, dearest friend,

for this thy dying sorrow,

Thy pity without end?

O make me thine forever,

and should I fainting be,

Lord, let me never, never

outlive my love to thee.

Prayer:

―Hymns for Good Friday, Orthodox

Maundy Thursday, April 17

Please plan to attend Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services somewhere if your church does not have them. It will change your Easter Sunday morning!

Scripture: John 13:1-20, 33-35

Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father. He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end. It was time for supper, and the devil had already prompted Judas, son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him.

When Jesus came to Simon Peter, Peter said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus replied, “You don’t understand now what I am doing, but someday you will.” “No,” Peter protested, “you will never ever wash my feet!” Jesus replied, “Unless I wash you, you won’t belong to me.” Simon Peter exclaimed, “Then wash my hands and head as well, Lord, not just my feet!”

Jesus replied, “A person who has bathed all over does not need to wash, except for the feet, to be entirely clean. And you disciples are clean, but not all of you.” For Jesus knew who would betray him. That is what he meant when he said, “Not all of you are clean.”

After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them.

“I am not saying these things to all of you; I know the ones I have chosen. But this fulfills the Scripture that says, ‘The one who eats my food has turned against me.’ I tell you this beforehand, so that when it happens you will believe that I AM the Messiah. I tell you the truth, anyone who welcomes my messenger is welcoming me, and anyone who welcomes me is welcoming the Father who sent me.”

“My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come.

“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.”

Some thoughts:

If you knew you were going to die in the next day or so, what would you say to your family and closest friends? What topics would you cover? I doubt you’d be talking about sports, the stock market, or work. My guess is you’d be telling your loved ones what was most important to you and how much you loved them. That you wanted them to love and look after each other and that you’d miss them, but that you’d see them again. That’s essentially what Jesus did in John’s gospel in chapters thirteen through sixteen.

The material you just read is found only in the gospel of John. His gospel is twenty-one chapters in length and chapters thirteen through nineteen cover about twenty-four hours! John does not record the observance of the Passover meal as do the synoptic gospels. Foot washing is unique to this gospel. Here also we find the details of Judas’ betrayal and Peter’s denial being predicted. Chapters fourteen through sixteen give great details of Jesus’ conversation with his disciples during the meal. Several times in Scripture we are told that Jesus went away by himself and prayed to his Father. I’ve often wondered what he prayed about. In chapter seventeen is a marvelous opportunity to listen in on Jesus praying to his Father in heaven. Notice the content of Jesus’ prayer. The theme of glory occurs again and again, God’s glory, Jesus’ glory. We have a clear picture of Jesus shared glory with the Father before the beginning of creation. Jesus earnestly prayed for his followers as they are sent out into the world. In verse twenty we see that Jesus also prays for us and prays that we will all be united in the presence of God to experience his glory firsthand.

I want to make an observation on something the rabbi, Jesus, did. Rabbis had disciples called talmudeen, a small group of people who followed them around wherever they went and did whatever the rabbi did. They copied his every move. They left their homes, left everything and followed him in order to become like him. In this setting, the disciples’ rabbi, humbled himself and took the role of a slave. He knelt before them and washed their feet. Unheard of. A rabbi would never ever do such a thing. His talmudeen would wash his feet. Jesus was demonstrating personal humility and servanthood. He was laying aside every personal right he had. Do you realize he also washed the feet of Judas, knowing that within minutes Judas would leave to betray him? What do you think was going on in Jesus’ mind . . . in Judas’ mind?

As many of you know, foot washing was part of my experience in growing up in our little Mennonite church. Though not shared by all, it is my opinion and experience that the practice of foot washing has tremendous significance and impact even today for many of the same reasons that it touched the hearts of the disciples so deeply. It is very humbling to have another wash your feet, and it is a great honor to wash another’s feet. I would encourage you to participate in foot washing if you ever have an opportunity. Email me if you are curious for more information.

The apostle John did us a great favor in recording all these final conversations of Jesus. Over the next couple of days, take your time and read chapters thirteen through seventeen in one sitting putting yourself in the midst of the disciples.

Music: “Ubi Caritas,” Ola Gjeilo, Central Washington Chamber Choir

The composer, Ola Gjeilo, is accompanying.

Ubi Caritas-author unknown

ancient text for Maundy Thursday

Where charity and love are,

God is there.

Christ’s love has gathered us

into one.

Let us rejoice and be glad in Him.

Let us fear and love the living God.

And may we love each other

with a sincere heart.

Where charity and love are,

God is there.

As we are gathered into one body,

Beware, lest we be divided in mind.

Let evil impulses stop,

let controversy cease,

And may Christ our God

be in our midst.

Where charity and love are,

God is there.

And may we with the saints also,

See Thy face in glory,

O Christ our God:

The joy that is immense and good,

Unto the ages through infinite ages. Amen.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus Christ, you stretched out your arms of love on the hard wood of the cross that everyone might come within the reach of your saving embrace: So clothe us in your Spirit that we, reaching forth our hands in love, may bring those who do not know you to the knowledge and love of you, for the honor of your name. Amen.

―the Worship Sourcebook

Wednesday of Holy Week, April 16

Scripture: Luke 22:1-6

Some Thoughts

Betrayal is one of the most despicable acts one person can do to another. It is even more hideous because it is dependent upon the noble character of trust. Trust must be established for betrayal to be effective. Trust grows out of the depth of relationship, love, confidence, affection, dependability, comfort, admiration, gratitude, and serenity in the friendship. One act of betrayal destroys all these qualities instantaneously. The betrayer puts self and self-interest above the relationship in total disregard for the other person. If trust is ever regained, it is a rare, difficult, painful process.

In these most difficult hours of his life, Jesus experienced betrayal from one of his followers, a man who had traveled with him for three years, a man he had chosen to be one of the twelve. Judas had experiences with Jesus only eleven other men had in the history of the world and he threw it all away. What makes the betrayal even more difficult is that Jesus knew who the betrayer was. Even in this circumstance, Jesus did not override the freewill of Judas and call him out on what he was about to do. In honoring those he created, God does not usurp a human’s free will, and, in this case, even if it brings about his own crucifixion and death. That is love.

What was Jesus’ response to betrayal? He continued in the course his Father had laid out for him. He did not get pushed off center by Judas’ betrayal, nor did he dwell on it, even though only hours later the other eleven disciples fled in another kind of betrayal. In Jesus’ case, there were more things of significance at hand, namely the redemption of the world. Perspective, friends, perspective. Jesus never lost it, even in betrayal. As painful, hurtful, and devastating as being unfaithful to a loved one is for the victim, Jesus kept God’s biggest picture in mind. God redeemed the situation at the cost of his only Son so deep was his love for his children. The betrayer received his just reward and justice was served. For the betrayer, forgiveness is always possible, just ask Peter. His betrayal of Jesus did not destroy his life.

If you want something interesting to do, read I & II Peter in the New Testament, keeping in mind these epistles were written by a man who betrayed his Savior and repented and was forgiven. Peter was one of the leaders in the early Church. His past actions did not sabotage his life.

Music: “What Wondrous Love Is This,” Robert Shaw Chamber Choir

-Appalachian folk hymn

What wondrous love is this,

O my soul, O my soul

What wondrous love is this, O my soul,

What wondrous love is this,

That caused the Lord of bliss

to bear the dreadful curse

for my soul, for my soul,

To bear the dreadful curse for my soul.

Prayer:

―Jesus praying for us, from John 17

April 15, Tuesday of Holy Week

Scripture: John 12:37-38; 42-50

Even after Jesus had done all these miraculous signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him. This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet:

“Lord, who has believed our message

and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?”

“As for the person who hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge him. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save it. There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; that very word which I spoke will condemn him at the last day. For I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it. I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say.”

Some Thoughts

“If I can just see it, I’ll believe it.” How many times have you heard that? It’s not true. We can see and still not believe, especially when it comes to faith. Jesus had just raised someone from the dead a short time ago and had done other miraculous signs in the Pharisees’ presence and still most of them would not believe. Did it also register as you read that some believed but would not confess their belief because of social or peer pressure? Believing and confessing go together. Action follows belief.

Notice Jesus was not influenced by anyone but his heavenly Father. He spoke the exact words his Father gave him and in the way his Father told him to speak. Being rejected did not change his message. He was on a divine mission on earth which was ending. I want to look closer at this portion of today’s passage.

The connection between Jesus and Father is apparent throughout Scripture; to believe in Jesus is to believe in the Father. John underscores and important point in a Jesus and me theology world. I wonder how conscious we are in thinking of Jesus in terms of the Triune God. Our Father is the judge and Jesus is the voice of the Father to the people. Jesus isn’t the one who condemns, but his words can bring condemnation. People condemn themselves by failing to believe what Jesus said, thereby failing to believe what the Father said through his Son. In a nutshell the non-believer says that God the Father is not telling the truth. That is a tough position to hold. Jesus’ mission is salvation. The Triune God’s desire for everyone is eternal life. Every worship service should reference the Trinity and the roles of each personage of the Godhead.

I find it also interesting that Jesus told us that the Father told him what and how to say his message. I would surmise the same is true for us as we listen to the Father. Jesus never went out on his own and improvised but was submissive to his Father. There is more to Christianity than Jesus and me. We worship a triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This passage reminds us of the dynamic relational dimension of the Trinity for it is the Spirit who reveals the light.

Music: “Ah Holy Jesus,” Fernando Ortega and Quintessence Ensemble

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3Rq7DoDmywPrayer: O Lord Jesus Christ, you have said that you are the way, the truth, and the life. Suffer us not to stray from you, who are the way, nor to distrust you, who are the truth, nor to rest in anything other than you, who are the life. ―Erasmus, 1469-1536

April 14, Monday of Holy Week

The Scripture passages chosen for this week were all conversations Jesus had during these last few days prior to his crucifixion. These are roughly in chronological order.

Scripture: Matthew 22:1-14

Jesus also told them other parables. He said, “The Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a king who prepared a great wedding feast for his son. When the banquet was ready, he sent his servants to notify those who were invited. But they all refused to come!

“So he sent other servants to tell them, ‘The feast has been prepared. The bulls and fattened cattle have been killed, and everything is ready. Come to the banquet!’ But the guests he had invited ignored them and went their own way, one to his farm, another to his business. Others seized his messengers and insulted them and killed them.

“The king was furious, and he sent out his army to destroy the murderers and burn their town. And he said to his servants, ‘The wedding feast is ready, and the guests I invited aren’t worthy of the honor. Now go out to the street corners and invite everyone you see.’ So the servants brought in everyone they could find, good and bad alike, and the banquet hall was filled with guests.

“But when the king came in to meet the guests, he noticed a man who wasn’t wearing the proper clothes for a wedding. ‘Friend,’ he asked, ‘how is it that you are here without wedding clothes?’ But the man had no reply. Then the king said to his aides, ‘Bind his hands and feet and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

“For many are called, but few are chosen.”

Some Thoughts

In this account Jesus is telling a parable on the Pharisees and leading Jewish leaders. The king is God the Father, his son is the Messiah. The religious leaders and the children of Israel are the invited guests. Their refusal to come to the wedding banquet is their rejection of God and his word through the years and their current rejection of the Messiah. The servants are the Old Testament prophets who proclaimed God’s message to Israel. When the guests refused to come, the king destroyed the town.

Jesus was predicting the destruction of Jerusalem which in fact occurred in 70 AD. In this parable the king then sent the servants out to invite anyone. By this action Jesus meant that God’s invitation was being extended to everyone, not just Israel. To the self-righteous Jewish leaders, this offer to anyone was damnable. Gentiles were despised and eating with them was an abomination. They would never be invited to a Jewish wedding feast.

Taking Israel’s place in the parable was the Church, the Bride of Christ. The Church is now God’s people. When the king entered the feast, he noticed one of the guests was not wearing the proper wedding clothes. The wedding garment would have been provided by the king and this particular guest rejected these special wedding clothes (clothes of righteousness?) given him, a direct affront to the king. The king had him thrown out into outer darkness. The wedding clothes correspond to spiritual fruit that demonstrates true faith. This guest was a fraud. (See Matthew 7:13-27 for Jesus’ further description of this guest.) The outer darkness is a metaphor for eternal punishment.

The Pharisees and leading priests understood this parable to be against them and were even more determined to kill Jesus. The last verse in this passage reminds us that the invitation from God is extended to everyone and the response is crucial. What can you do? Continue to share the invitation and pray for those people you know who have not yet found the narrow way to life in God’s kingdom. Pray that the message of Holy Week and Easter penetrates hearts not only of those around you, but people from every tribe, nation, and tongue throughout the world.

Music: “The Church’s One Foundation,” Duke Chapel Choir

The Church’s One Foundation

-Samuel Stone, 1886

The church’s one foundation

Is Jesus Christ her Lord,

She is his new creation,

By water and the word.

From heaven he came and sought her

To be his holy bride,

With his own love he bought her

And for her life he died.

Elect from every nation

Yet one o’er all the earth

The charter of salvation

One Lord, one faith, one birth

One holy name she blesses,

Partakes one holy food,

And to one hope she presses

With every grace endued.

Prayer:

—the Didache, c. 120 AD

Palm Sunday, April 13

Scripture: Luke 19:28-40

After telling this story, Jesus went on toward Jerusalem, walking ahead of his disciples. As he came to the towns of Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives, he sent two disciples ahead. “Go into that village over there,” he told them. “As you enter it, you will see a young donkey tied there that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks, ‘Why are you untying that colt?’ just say, ‘The Lord needs it.’”

So they went and found the colt, just as Jesus had said. And sure enough, as they were untying it, the owners asked them, “Why are you untying that colt?”

And the disciples simply replied, “The Lord needs it.” So they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their garments over it for him to ride on.

As he rode along, the crowds spread out their garments on the road ahead of him. When he reached the place where the road started down the Mount of Olives, all his followers began to shout and sing as they walked along, praising God for all the wonderful miracles they had seen.

“Blessings on the King who comes in the name of the Lord!

Peace in heaven, and glory in highest heaven!”

But some of the Pharisees among the crowd said, “Teacher, rebuke your followers for saying things like that!”

He replied, “If they kept quiet, the stones along the road would burst into cheers!”

Some Thoughts

Just to give us a little context we retrace recent events. Jesus had raised Lazarus within the last week to ten days. Last night (Saturday) there was a party at the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus to honor Jesus for the raising of Lazarus. Many people, both friends and the curious, came to see both Jesus and Lazarus. The day of the above passage was the next day, Sunday. Word had been circulating about Jesus’ raising a man from the dead and the Pharisees and Sadducees were plotting to do away with Jesus and with Lazarus as well. Jesus knew this would be his final week on earth.

You’ll notice all this coming week Jesus was completely in charge of everything. He sent two disciples to get a donkey, one on which no one had ridden . . . suitable for a king. He told them what to say and it happened just as he said. You know the story quite well. I want to make a few observations. In his ride down the Mount of Olives, Jesus announced himself as Israel’s king. He accepted the accolades from the crowd which further upset the Jewish and Roman leadership. When kings rode donkeys, they were coming in humility, in peace, and in reconciliation. When they rode horses, they were coming in battle. This donkey was a royal, peaceful limousine as it were. Jesus did not intend to raise a military army, much to the people’s disappointment.

King David, a distant relative of Jesus, a thousand years earlier, had exited Jerusalem as king on a donkey, fleeing before his son, Absalom, who attempted a coup, and who was, incidentally, riding a mule, an animal for war. The Mount of Olives was the place of Christ’s Ascension (Acts 1:9,12), is also the place of his return (Zechariah 14:4)!

As Jesus rode down the hill, great crowds gathered singing hosanna! (meaning ‘salvation now’) and waving palm branches as was typical in celebrating a hero, their king of Israel. What they sang is interesting. You’ll recall at the birth of Jesus, the angels sang, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earthto those with whom God is pleased.” Here the crowd is singing, “Blessings on the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in highest heaven! In both cases glory is offered to God. The birth of Jesus was to bring peace on earth, a situation that lies yet in the future, though millions have already experienced God’s indwelling peace. But Jesus did bring peace in heaven through the cross as he brought reconciliation between God and human beings. It is ironic the people shouting these texts from the New Testament did not realize what they were saying. Within a few days many of them were yelling “crucify him!” when he did not conform to the people’s expectations as to what he should do regarding the Roman occupation. Likewise, we need to be careful we don’t dictate how and when God should act.

Music: “Ride On King Jesus,” Robert Shaw Festival Singers

Bonus!

“Hosanna to the Song of David,” Cambridge Singers

Prayer:

O Christ, the King of glory who didst enter the holy city in meekness to be made perfect through the suffering of death: give us grace, we beseech thee, in all our life here to take up our cross daily and follow thee, that hereafter we may rejoice with thee in thy heavenly kingdom, who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end Amen.

―Prayers for Easter, p.34

Saturday, April 12

Scripture: John 11:36-45

Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him! But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?”

Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance.

“Take away the stone,” he said. “But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, (literally, “he already stinks!”) for he has been there four days.”

Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?”

So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”

When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.

Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, put their faith in him.”

Some Thoughts

Mary, Martha, the disciples, and the mourners get to see the rest of this story. Jesus enabled all of them to get to see the glory of God in raising Lazarus from the dead. In Jesus’ own resurrection from the dead, recall his empty grave clothes were left in the tomb, never to be needed or used again. In Lazarus’ case, he came out of the tomb wearing his grave clothes. Lazarus would need them again, not so with Jesus.

Notice Jesus’ words as he prayed . . . that they may believe that you sent me. The point in the raising of Lazarus was that Mary, Martha, and their friends would discover who Jesus really was, the one sent from God on a mission to bring redemption by ushering in the Kingdom of God. As a result of the raising of Lazarus, many more Jews put their trust in God. They had seen Jesus exercise power over death. Word spread. But this victory, while bringing joy to many, also was hugely significant in moving things ahead to the completion of God’s plan for redeeming the world. Some of the witnesses to the raising of Lazarus made a beeline to the Pharisees to tell them what had happened. The threat to their authority was growing.

Because of jealousy and Jesus’ challenge to the Jewish leadership’s status, power, and exposing their corruption, hatred from the Jewish leaders grew into a murderous plot. Because the status quo and positions of power and influence of the Romans were also being challenged by this itinerant carpenter from Nazareth, they, the Jewish leaders and Romans, joined together believing Jesus had to be killed.

On still a grander scale yet with the crucifixion and death of Jesus, it appeared that God’s master plan was going awry and that things were not going to turn out as they should have. If anything, we are shown again and again and again in the life of Jesus, that we can trust the Father regardless of how it looks at any given moment in our life. If we continue to trust, we will see the glory of God. The empty tombs of Lazarus and Jesus still speak.

Music: “Steal Away,” Mahalia Jackson and Nat King Cole None like her!

I can almost imagine Lazarus singing this song after being raised from the dead!

Bonus: The raising of Lazarus. from “The Chosen”

If you don’t know about The Chosen series, be sure to check it out. Start with Season One, Episode 1. Season five is in the theatres currently.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, here I am again praying with words, words, and more words. I seem stuck with the same ones all the time. I have trouble finding the right ones to express my love and complete gratitude for what you have done and continue to do on my behalf. Words are so limiting. If you had not done what you did on the cross, there would be no hope at all. I cannot begin to imagine what that would be like without you. I would be depressed and have to pretend that somehow life made sense but based on what I wouldn’t know. To keep sane, I wouldn’t think about it but live for the moment getting lost in basketball or music or technology or . . . anything. Thank you Lord, that is not the case. I very much connect with Paul Gerhardt’s phrase, “What language shall I borrow to thank thee dearest friend, for this thy dying sorrow, thy pity without end?” I still don’t have words, but please listen to my heart, it’s trying to tell you what’s in there. This I pray as Jesus intercedes on my behalf, my loving Lord. Amen. ―Daniel Sharp

Friday, April 11

Scripture John 11:28-35

And after she had said this, [Martha] went back and called her sister Mary aside. “The Teacher is here,” she said, “and is asking for you.” When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to him. Now Jesus had not yet entered the village but was still at the place where Martha had met him. When the Jews who had been with Mary in the house, comforting her, noticed how quickly she got up and went out, they followed her, supposing she was going to the tomb to mourn there.

When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”

When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. “Where have you laid him?” he asked.

“Come and see, Lord,” they replied.

Jesus wept.

Some Thoughts

Mary joins Martha in failing to fully grasp the power of the Son of God, even though they used his appropriate title. From their identical comments, “Lord, if you had been here, our brother would not have died,” they reveal a belief that Jesus needed to be physically present to do the healing, even though he at times had healed from afar. From Mary’s standpoint, Jesus needed to ask God for permission, failing to understand Jesus’ fully divine authority as God in the flesh. Jesus interacted with Martha with words. Now he interacts differently with Mary who fell at his feet weeping. Jesus’ response is somewhat of a surprise. Deep anger welled up within his own spirit in reaction to the response of the people’s mourning.

This shortest verse in the Bible is a kind of bottom line from Jesus’ perspective in this whole passage. Why did Jesus weep? He was about to raise Lazarus from the dead. He knew what was coming. The mourners visiting Mary and Martha, assumed he was weeping because of the death of his good friend. Or was he weeping out of pity for the sisters because of his empathy for their own sadness? But here, his weeping was of a different kind. Normal Jewish expression of sorrow at death would be a loud wailing which was the case of the sisters and those comforting them. The word used for Jesus’ weeping, dakryeino, is used only one time in the New Testament and it is here. The word is for a soft, subdued weeping. While those standing around seemed to think he wept because of the death of his friend, to me it seems more likely that his sorrow was for Mary, Martha, the disciples, and the world in general in not grasping who he was and what was his mission on earth. Three years in their midst, eating meals together, seeing all the miraculous works, hearing his teaching with such authority and still they missed it. Even when he told them point blank about what was to happen, they still didn’t understand. This community was so immersed in their own world, in their perception of Jesus, and in the limited view of their faith, that they were unable to understand and receive the Kingdom of God as proclaimed by the Son of God. They simply did not fully grasp who it was that was in their presence. Have you ever felt frustrated that someone you deeply loved, just couldn’t grasp the significance, and embrace the gospel and continue to resist? My guess is you’ve shed some tears over your loved one. Keep praying for the working of the Holy Spirit in their life. Our Savior understands. He is not willing that any should perish.

Music: “When Jesus Wept,” The Orchard Enterprises

William Billings was an early American composer at the time of the Revolutionary war.

When Jesus wept, a falling tear

In mercy flowed beyond all bound.

When Jesus groaned, a trembling fear

Seized all the guilty world around,

Prayer:

O Jesus who wept over the death of Lazarus, be with all who grieve. O Jesus who wept alone in Gethsemane, be with all who feel alone, all who face difficult decisions. O Jesus who cried, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” be with all who are tortured, all who are victims. O Jesus who offered up prayers with loud cries and tears, hear our prayers. O living God who knows all our pain and joy, be with us in our lives. Amen.

―The Worship Sourcebook, p.573

Thursday, April 10

Scripture: John 11:25-27

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

“Yes, Lord,” she told him, “I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world.”

Some Thoughts

No more glorious words have been spoken since the beginning of language. Is there life after death? Without a doubt! Jesus’ words and life couldn’t be clearer evidence. Believe in him and live on, even when your earthly physical body doesn’t. You’ll get a body not subject to death because death has been defeated. Death is extinct! You’ll recall when Jesus was a baby, Mary and Joseph took him to the old priest Simeon. Do you remember Simeon’s words about his own death? They were, Lord, now let your servant depart in peace (NASB). He didn’t say die in peace. The Greek word is apoluo meaning to let go. On the Mount of Transfiguration a similar concept was expressed in speaking of Jesus’ “exodus” from this earth.

Upon our death, our bodies are instantly transformed. We simply depart or are dismissed (NIV) from this body. This truth was brought home to me so clearly when my mother died. I was present with mom when she took her last breath and departed this life. I was overwhelmed with the truth that mom just left. It was as if Jesus said to me, Mary is not here anymore. The shell of her body on the bed was where she used to be. In her last moments she reached up with both hands and said, “home,” the only word she said in her unconscious state. An instant later she was in the presence of her Lord and Savior.

This Jesus is the same “I AM” who spoke to Moses in the burning bush, the Good Shepherd, the Light of the World, the Way, the Truth and the Life. The power of Christ is not only in the resurrection but also eternal life. Martha’s comment from yesterday’s passage that everyone rises on the last day told us she was thinking only of the final judgment day. As we have mentioned several times. Most of the time Jesus referred to himself as the Son of Man. Here Martha refers to him as the Son of God, believing in his divinity, recognizing who he is. Even at that, she did not fully grasp his power over life and death. Jesus and Martha were thinking on two different levels. Martha was thinking the biggest, end picture. Jesus’ thinking comprehended both the end but also its impact on the present circumstance.

Martha did what so many of us do; we think of the grand story of God and fail to grasp its impact on the present situation. That Martha hadn’t understood what Jesus was getting at is evidenced by her comment about not wanting to open the tomb because it will stink. We need to roll the stone away from our theological tombs more often and see the power of our great Savior working in the world in which we live right now. Faith in Jesus is always moving forward never pre-determining conclusions.

Music: “In Christ Alone” All Souls Orchestra Kristin Getty Glorious

This is a picture of the Body of Christ. The Brits sing again!

In Christ alone my hope is found, He is my light, my strength, my song

This Cornerstone, this solid ground, firm through the fiercest drought and storm

What heights of love, what depths of peace, when fears are stilled, when strivings cease

My Comforter, my All in All, here in the love of Christ I stand

In Christ alone, who took on flesh, fullness of God in helpless babe

This gift of love and righteousness, scorned by the ones He came to save

‘Til on that cross as Jesus died, the wrath of God was satisfied

For every sin on Him was laid, here in the death of Christ I live

There in the ground His body lay, light of the world by darkness slain

Then bursting forth in glorious Day, up from the grave He rose again

And as He stands in victory, sin’s curse has lost its grip on me

For I am His and He is mine, bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death, this is the power of Christ in me

From life’s first cry to final breath, Jesus commands my destiny

No power of hell, no scheme of man, can ever pluck me from His hand

‘til He returns or calls me home, here in the power of Christ I’ll stand

Prayer:

You are God and we praise you; you are the Lord and we acclaim you; You are the eternal Father; all creation worships you. To you all angels, all the powers of heaven, cherubim and seraphim sing in endless praise, ‘Holy, holy, holy, Lord, God of power and might; heaven and earth are full of your glory.’ Throughout the whole world the holy church acclaims you, Father of majesty unbounded; Your true and only Son worthy of all worship and the Holy Spirit advocate and guide. Come then Lord and help your people bought with the price of your own blood; and bring us with your saints to glory everlasting. Amen. ― from Te Deum, 4^th century

Wednesday, April 9

Scripture: John 11:17-24

On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.

“Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”

Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”

Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”

Some Thoughts

Does it ever seem like all hope is lost? Martha, the more impetuous of the two sisters, was the one who went to meet Jesus. Apparently, with Jesus’ two-day delay, he wouldn’t have gotten there in time anyway since Lazarus has already been in the tomb four days. If he had been in the tomb four days that means he died the day the message of illness was on the way to Jesus since Jesus was a day’s journey away. Jewish burial was normally held as soon as possible after death, meaning Lazarus was put into the tomb the day he died. Jewish belief was that the soul of the deceased hung around for three days for some possible means of entering the body again. By the fourth day all color was gone from the body and it left with no hope of resuscitation. John was perhaps making sure his readers knew that Lazarus was dead dead!

Many of Mary and Martha’s friends had come to the house to console the sisters . . .and eventually became eyewitnesses to the raising of Lazarus. The funeral custom in those days would have been to come and sit in silence sharing the grief with the mourners. I must add a personal comment here. When my father was killed in a farming accident in 1972, many people came to our house to express their sympathy with us. The most comforting and helpful solace came from a farmer who stood quietly outside for a while and said nothing. As he left, he just came up and said, “I’m so sorry” with tears in his eyes. I remember it to this day many decades later. His being there and words were the greatest comfort. It’s called the ministry of presence.

Martha’s response is kind of a mixed faith. She had been around Jesus and seen him heal people before and wished that he had been there earlier because he could have brought healing to her brother. She believed in an eventual final resurrection, but that was of little consolation now. She knew Lazarus was dead. That was final. This kind of situation was one of those challenging times when we have solid faith in the biggest picture but are still in great pain for the present time. Martha reached out to the Lord and expressed her broken heart. Jesus did not rebuke her for her response of sorrow. Notice that Jesus never reprimands genuine anger or frustration from his children. We never need to fear in expressing our pain to the Lord.

We live in a culture which has its own kind of denial of death. Funerals have morphed into memorials which have become celebrations of life . . .except that the person is dead. We have a convoluted sense of the reality of death and an inability to know how to respond to it. We too often seek to avoid grieving and push to get back to normal. Judaism on the other hand, has a set time of grieving in a period called shiva which is seven days from the funeral, followed by another period, sheloshim, which counts thirty days from the funeral, which happens on the day of death, if possible, though sometimes it is delayed these days to allow people to travel for the service. Then there is also the marking of a year anniversary of the death called the yahrzeit.

We can have wonderful memories, but the truth is that person is gone from this earth and we will never see them again this side of glory. That is heart-breaking and happy talk doesn’t deal with the reality of loss. Embracing the truth of life, death, and the resurrection of Jesus from the dead is what brings our only comfort in the death of a loved one. Never be afraid to express your true heart to the Lord in a tough time. Talk with the Lord and listen carefully with ears of faith. He understands better than anyone. He’s been through it. Sometimes there are surprises. Just ask Martha!

Music: “If Thou Wilt Suffer God to Guide Thee,” Calvin Alumni Choir

If You Will Trust in God to Guide You ―Georg Neumark, 1641

If you will trust in God to guide you and place your confidence in him,

You’ll find him always there beside you, to give you hope and strength within.

For those who trust God’s changeless love build on the rock that naught can move.

Sing, pray, and keep his ways unswerving, offer your service faithfully,

And trust his word; though undeserving, you’ll find his promise true to be.

God never will forsake in need the soul that trusts in him indeed.

Prayer:

And now unto him who is able to keep us from falling and lift us from the dark valley of despair to the bright mountain of hope, from the midnight of desperation to the daybreak of joy; to him be power and authority, for ever and ever. Amen.

―Martin Luther King Jr., 1928-1968

Tuesday, April 8

Scripture: John 11:7-16

Then he said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.”

“But Rabbi,” they said, “a short while ago the Jews tried to stone you, and yet you are going back there?”

Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? A man who walks by day will not stumble, for he sees by this world’s light. It is when he walks by night that he stumbles, for he has no light.”

After he had said this, he went on to tell them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.”

His disciples replied, “Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better.” Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep.

So then he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.”

Then Thomas (called Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”

Some Thoughts

That little phrase is far too often descriptive of my response to the way of the Lord. “But Lord, I thought that . . .” Here we see the single-mindedness of Jesus. A couple of months prior to the moment above, during the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah) in Jerusalem, Jesus and the disciples fled Judea and Jerusalem because the religious leaders attempted to stone them. Tension and hatred of Jesus was building ominously. Up to this point, Jesus had kept a lower profile and spent much time in the region of Galilee though it had become increasingly difficult to remain an unknown even there. Because of his growing notoriety, he stayed away from Jerusalem and the Jewish hierarchy of leadership. On this occasion he stayed east of the Jordan River out of Judea.

His response in this text of “there are twelve hours in the daylight” was his way of telling the disciples God, his Father, had given him a task to do. He was the Light of the world which he declared at the Feast of Dedication previously in the disciples’ presence. The disciples themselves were struggling in their own darkness trying to understand the Light who was among them. In their minds, why would Jesus go back to the place where they had nearly been killed? It didn’t make sense to them.

But the time was approaching for the completion of his earthly mission. The raising of Lazarus from the dead was part of his Father’s course of action to bring light. Jesus told the disciples plainly that he would wake Lazarus from his sleep. He did not explain more at this point. In Thomas’ final comment, he still doesn’t completely understand, but speaks for the rest of the disciples. Since their last time in Jerusalem ended in their leaving the city to avoid being stoned to death, we’ll go and die with you seemed a normal response. The next time you and I are tempted to respond, Lord, but I thought . . ., let’s listen to Moses’ words to the Israelites before crossing the Red Sea, be still and watch the mighty hand of God.

Music: “God Moves in a Mysterious Way” Deo Cantamus

Prayer: Lord God in heaven, who knows all things, who understands all things, who has power over all things, who has created all things, who sustains all things, who loves all things, who is over all things, who is everywhere present, who has been revealed in Jesus Christ, who is present in the Holy Spirit, who has given his written word, who has made provision for the restoration of the whole created order, grant us one more thing: faith to trust you when we cannot understand your ways in this world. This we pray through Jesus Christ, who reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, world without end. Amen.

―Daniel Sharp

Monday, April 7

(A side comment here. This week we will look at the account of Lazarus. This event happened shortly before Palm Sunday and was a major triggering event which stimulated the plot to kill Jesus. (John 11:51-53) As we move to the conclusion of Lent, our focus moves from more introspection and repentance in our own lives, to the events that led Jesus to Calvary. In the ancient church, yesterday, the fifth Sunday in Lent, was called the First Sunday of the Passion.)

Scripture John 11:1-6

Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair. So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.”

When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. Yet when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days.

Some Thoughts

Does it ever seem like God doesn’t do the right thing, or at least his timing is noticeably off? He clearly could do something and just doesn’t. In fact, sometimes it seems as if he deliberately ignores us. The Lord’s words in Isaiah 55 read for my thoughts are not your thoughts neither are your ways my ways. Then when that truth plays out in real life, we’re surprised.

Such was the case with Lazarus. He was at his home and very sick. Jesus was in another part of the country. His sisters sent word for Jesus to come, after all, Jesus had healed many people, why not their brother? Jesus was not mad at Mary, Martha, or Lazarus. They were all good friends and had honored him on various occasions. Yet, he enigmatically ignored their request and stayed two more days because, though they did not know it nor could imagine it, something better was in store.

Since when Jesus finally did arrive and Lazarus had been in the tomb four days, it is likely that Lazarus was already dead by the time Jesus received the first message given the travel time of both the messenger and Jesus’ travel time to Bethany. That something better was not the resurrection of Lazarus from the dead but the glorification of God and of Jesus as the Son of God, as the One who had the power over death. In the biggest picture of what God was doing, God’s timing was everything. The point in raising Lazarus was not that he brought him back from the dead as great as that was, for Lazarus eventually died again. The point was that even death submitted to the power of Jesus. For in between Lazarus’ two deaths, Jesus died once for all making Lazarus’ ultimate resurrection eternal.

Jesus’ glory continues for all eternity as the one who gained victory over death for everyone who believes, not just Lazarus. You may be going through the “Jesus stayed two more days” phase of your life and wishing he’d hurry up before it’s too late. Pray that God might be glorified in what is coming your way. As my father-in-law so often reminded us, “The Lord may tarry, but he is never too late.” Just ask Mary and Martha.

Music: “And Can It Be that I Should Gain,” the Brits SING!

Prayer: O Lord, let me not henceforth desire health or life except to spend them for you, with you and in you. You alone know what is good for me; do therefore what seems best to you. Give to me or take from me; conform my will to yours; and grant that with humble and perfect submission and in holy confidence I may receive the orders of your eternal providence and may equally adore all that comes to me from you.

-Blaise Pascal, 1623-1662

Sunday, April 6, Fifth Sunday in Lent

Scripture: Psalm 130

From the depths of despair, O Lord,

I call for your help.

Hear my cry, O Lord.

Pay attention to my prayer.

Lord, if you kept a record of our sins,

who, O Lord, could ever survive?

But you offer forgiveness,

that we might learn to fear you.

I am counting on the Lord;

yes, I am counting on him.

I have put my hope in his word.

I long for the Lord

more than sentries long for the dawn,

yes, more than sentries long for the dawn.

O Israel, hope in the Lord;

for with the Lord there is unfailing love.

His redemption overflows.

He himself will redeem Israel

from every kind of sin.

Some Thoughts

Psalm 130 is one of the classic psalms of lament, faintly reminiscent of Jonah’s prayer. In these days of the Lenten season, repentance is a central theme. This psalm gives us a beautiful pattern of the process. In the opening plea, we read of a person in deepest despair. They have given up fighting the problem on their own and called to the Lord for help. The next sentence revealed something of the relationship between the psalmist and the Lord with the words “Hear my cry, Lord. Pay attention to my prayer.” To pray those words said something about the transparency of his relationship with God. The psalmist addressed the Lord in the same manner as if he were talking face to face with a friend. He addressed the Lord in the second person. Please listen and pay attention to what I’m saying. I’m hurting badly. He was not afraid to ask the Lord to pay attention.

He then admitted if the Lord kept track of all his sins in a book, he’d be dead He was not trying to hide anything before the Lord. Transparency is essential in repentance and confession. What followed was interesting. God offered forgiveness so we can learn to fear him. What does that mean?

Fear in this sense I believe follows along the lines of Martin Luther’s explanation. There is a kind of fear that is truly afraid of heavy punishment. This use of the word is not that kind of fear. It is more like that of a child having great love and respect for her parents and wanting to please them. She has a fear, not because she is afraid of punishment from her mother, but rather of not wanting to disappoint her. This fear grows out of great affection and sense of security. The next sentence affirms this love with the words “I’m counting on the Lord . . . I put my hope in his word.” We see this love and longing continuing in the next line mirroring the sentries’ longing for the end of night and the light of another day, a beautiful image for lamenting heart. The focus of the psalmist shifts from despair to the unfailing faithfulness of the Lord. Remember Jesus’ frequent use of the light motive?

The psalmist then becomes a preacher! To this point, he has been expressing his own heart. Now he speaks to the whole community. Having expressed his relationship to the Lord in the second person, he now preaches of God to the whole nation of Israel in the third person. And sure enough, he speaks of God’s great love and redeeming power, encouraging the nation to experience God in the second person intimate relationship. The very last sentence speaks a word of prophecy. God himself will redeem Israel and the whole world from every kind of sin―on the cross of calvary. This psalm is also known by its Latin name―De profundus, “out of the depths.”

Music: “Out of the Deep” Cambridge Singers

Prayer:

O thou great Chief, light a candle in my heart, that I may see what is therein, and sweep the rubbish from thy dwelling place. ―An African schoolgirl’s prayer

Saturday, April 5

Scripture: Luke 15:25-32

“Meanwhile, the older son was in the fields working. When he returned home, he heard music and dancing in the house, and he asked one of the servants what was going on. ‘Your brother is back,’ he was told, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf. We are celebrating because of his safe return.’

“The older brother was angry and wouldn’t go in. His father came out and begged him, but he replied, ‘All these years I’ve slaved for you and never once refused to do a single thing you told me to. And in all that time you never gave me even one young goat for a feast with my friends. Yet when this son of yours comes back after squandering your money on prostitutes, you celebrate by killing the fattened calf!’

“His father said to him, ‘Look, dear son, you have always stayed by me, and everything I have is yours. We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!’”

Some Thoughts

Here we see the jealous heart of the other self-centered brother. While the younger son grabbed what was his and took off, the older brother blamed his father for not being generous toward himself. This was a giant narcissistic party. Serving his father he called slavery. Was he glad to see his prodigal brother? Was he concerned about the time his brother had been away? He even distanced himself from his sibling with the comment “this son of yours,” a further dig at his father. Did he feel his father owed him something for his self-righteous faithfulness? In a nutshell, he was bitter his father had forgiven his brother. His proud heart was embarrassingly laid bare before us. The older brother was completely unaware of his own need for repentance.

When the younger son demanded his inheritance and left, the father let him go. He gave him that freedom. But here in contrast, the father pleaded with the elder son to rejoice with them in the joy of a repentant son. The elder son would not move on from his brother’s past. He was stuck in his own pride and therefore missed the joy of the present moment. The father even reminded him that he was also an heir. The father treated both sons with the same love. Remember this was not a parable about raising children (!), Jesus meant to show the Pharisees and us the nature of God the Father’s love for the repentant sinner.

The elder son had likewise strayed from the father even though he never left home. And he had not yet returned. The sadness in this parable is that this older son had not yet realized his own sinful heart and need for repentance. Interestingly, his parable is left open-ended. We don’t know if the elder brother repented and joined the celebration or continued wallowing with the pigs his self-righteousness. Since Jesus told this parable about the Pharisees, it is open ended as to whether the elder son ever repented. Some Pharisees repented and believed (Nicodemus) and others did not and remained prodigals.

Music: “Amazing Grace,” Il Divo When you get to heaven, you can sing like this.

Prayer:

Gracious Lord of joy and delight, grant that I may rejoice with those who rejoice, cheer for those who are cheerful, laugh with those who laugh, be happy with those who are happy, be enthusiastic with those who are enthusiastic, discover with those who discover new things. Forbid that I should ever withhold my heart’s embracing of another’s joy for some silly, selfish, or jealous reason. Your kingdom does not need more joy monitors. From sour-faced saints, good Lord deliver us! ―Daniel Sharp

Friday, April 4

Scripture: Luke 15:22-24

“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.”

Some Thoughts

This part of the parable is about restoration and forgiveness. Notice the father (God) barely responded to the son’s words of confession. He clearly received them and moved on. The father was not slow to accept the words of confession. No lectures on past failures, foolish decisions, personal greed, and so forth. The father called for the “best” robe, the robe of royalty. The best robe was the father’s own robe. The son was fully restored to the family. No penalty box necessary for you hockey fans.

He put a signet ring on his son’s finger to remind him that he was still an heir, implying he still had an inheritance despite what he forfeited. The ring was an affirmation giving him authority. The son remained an heir, even though poor choices, running from home, and wonton self-will had marked him a prodigal. He was given shoes for his worn, dirty, and cracked feet. Perhaps a reminder to stay on the right path? The father completely restored the son’s position and identity. This called for celebration. Do you ever think of God “rejoicing” over you when you turn from self-will to his will? We all have prodigal moments. But are there some prodigals you have been praying for for a long, long time? Keep praying. They may not have made it to the pig pen yet. Keep watching the horizon and get ready to run. Skip your speech and hug them like they’ve never been hugged! That’s how God loves.

Music: “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” A hymn sing in England!! Note the broad cross-section of singers! Looks like the church universal.

Prayer:

Dearest Lord, may I see you today and every day in the person of your sick, and, whilst nursing them, minister unto you. Though you hide yourself behind the unattractive disguise of the irritable, the exacting, the unreasonable, may I still recognize you, and say: ‘Jesus, my patient, how sweet it is to serve you.’ Sweetest Lord, make me appreciative of the dignity of my high vocation, and its many responsibilities. Never permit me to disgrace it by giving way to coldness, unkindness, or impatience. Lord, increase my faith, bless my efforts and work, now and for evermore, Amen.

―Sister Teresa of Calcutta, 1910-1997

Thursday, April 3

Scripture: Luke 15:20b-21

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

“The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’”

Some thoughts:

We may think of this story as a parable about the two sons, but these words tells us it may be more about the boys’ father and his love for them. There is something here that is unique in all of Scripture. Something occurs in this parable that does not happen anywhere else in the Bible. Look again at the verses above and see if you can figure out what it is. Except for this parable, nowhere else does God ever “run” after his children. Jesus walked everywhere. God walked in the Garden in the cool of the evening (Gen. 3:8-10). The good shepherd went to find the lost sheep. He never ran to a situation. God walks beside us (Psalm 23:4). Sometimes he deliberately stayed where he was and made a point of not going after someone (when Lazarus died). God never runs after people. In Jewish culture, it was considered unseemly for an old man to run. Patriarchs did not run. Notice the father didn’t run after his son when he left but ran to his son in granting forgiveness.

In this parable by Jesus, the father, in self-humiliation for the sake of his lost son, ran to meet him. Jesus painted a picture of our heavenly Father and his love for his children. God does not force his way into people’s lives, but he is always near at hand ready to receive his own. He gives people freedom to receive or reject him. Those who truly seek, always find him. He makes sure of that.

Did you also notice that apparently the father was watching for his son’s return. He saw him “from a long way off.” The father was watching and waiting, hoping to see his son return (2 Peter 3:9 “God is not willing that any should perish”). Here is a beautiful picture of God’s love for the repentant person. The son had turned toward home and the father, filled with love, saw him and ran to him, put his arms around him and kissed him. God is patiently waiting for us to turn around when we launch down the road where the street sign says “Self”. There is not a bony fingered condemnation for our self-centered will, but a warm embrace to the repentant and a glad to have you back home. Can you offer this kind of love to someone today? Can you receive it?

Music: “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us,” Fernando Ortega

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLDGVl8D5UU Prayer

Wednesday, April 2

Scripture: Luke 15:17-20a

“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.’ So he got up and went to his father.

Some Thoughts

What was I thinking! Have you ever said that? When we first wander off the path, it’s hardly recognizable. We used to live in Seattle. We drove the 2,081 miles 30-hour trip (who’s counting) to the farm in Illinois every summer. There was a point in eastern Washington where the interstate highway I-90 splits. We could go straight and go the northern route through Montana or choose to make a slight veer to the south through Oregon and a day later be somewhere in Nebraska, hundreds of miles to the south of where we might have been. At the time of making the split, it didn’t seem like that significant, but it did set the course for the next several days. The longer we continued our course, the wider the separation.

When the prodigal son left home, all he could see was wealth and good times ahead! It was a much more exciting road than sitting around home. His father wasn’t that old. Why wait around for him to die. The prodigal’s chosen path, however, slowed down and became bumpier with more rocks and ruts. Finally, the ruts became more like a grave with open ends. A person immersed in sin is living outside of their true self (Romans 7:17-20). In the words of C.S. Lewis:

We all want progress. But progress means getting nearer to the place where you want to be And if you have taken a wrong turning, then to go forward does not get you any nearer. If you are on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road, and in that case the man who turns back soonest is the progressive man (Mere Christianity, Book I chapter 5).

If you are in fantasy land or on the wrong road, turn around (Just to clarify, it is not a sin to drive through North Dakota, though it apparently is if you are doing 90 mph . . .there is nothing out there . . .another story.) The seed of humility in the son we mentioned yesterday began to grow. As he moved toward his true self, he recognized his sin against not only his earthly father, but against heaven itself. This is key. Like King David, he realized his sin was first against God, his heavenly Father, and then against his earthly father. All sin is first and foremost against our Creator. The prodigal repented and went back to the place where he got off track. Home. Notice how much more there is here than a simple “I’m sorry, dad.” There is a complete attitude and heart change. A complete change in direction. That is what happens in true repentance. Where is the path you are on taking you? You are on a path to somewhere.

Music: “Goin Home,” Sissel The song of every prodigal. Sissel does a beautiful and sensitive recording of this classic. I know you heard this song yesterday, it’s worth hearing again in this rendition. Trust me!

Prayer: Fix thou our steps, O Lord, that we stagger not at the uneven motions of the world, but steadily go on to our glorious home; neither censuring our journey by the weather we meet with, nor turning out of the way for anything that befalls us. The winds are often rough, and our own weight presses us downwards. Reach forth, O Lord, thy hand, thy saving hand, and speedily deliver us. Teach us, O Lord, to use this transitory life as pilgrims returning to their beloved home; that we may take what our journey requires, and not think of settling in a foreign country. ―John Wesley, 1703-1791

Tuesday, April 1

Scripture: Luke 15:13-16

“Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.”

Some Thoughts

When the “Trinity of Self” was worshiped, it rewarded the indulgent worshiper handsomely. Welcome to the world of “self” son. Should we be surprised that no one gave him anything? That is one of the sorry benefits of this kind of worship; you are on your own. Look with whom he was spending his time and money. This was not a community that was known for giving or forgiving, certainly not sharing. This was the gang of the Trinity of Self, the takers. You see, in this world, it is only a pretend community. That truth became particularly evident when everything headed south for the son.

He was not in Jewish country. He lost his inheritance in a Gentile country, grounds for excommunication. Feeding the pigs was the lowest, degrading job for a Jew, a kind of Jewish Skid Row. He was truly in exile from his father. He personified a disgusting fool. Look at all the people and corporations today who have squandered their wealth on irresponsible living, people with their hands out wanting their share of the stash. Observe all those living beyond their means expecting someone else to bail them out after all, you don’t need to make a payment now . . .or ever. Politicians make a living promising more and more appealing to the envious and greedy. Please note, we speak here not of those who have genuinely fallen on hard times not of their own making, but of those who are absorbed with self, pleasure, and instant gratification.

We see the seeds of humility being planted in the son’s soil of desperation. His loneliness became overwhelming and spurred him to change his course and repent. He began to doubt the value of this “Trinity of Self.” Look for people in your life today who may be in the son’s situation and extend a hand in whatever way to bring them encouragement and hope. There is a little ToS in all of us. Perchance you may even be that person who left home. Go back home. Ask your heavenly Father forgiveness. You won’t be disappointed at his response.

Music: “Goin’ Home,” Libera The voices of angels!

Prayer: Lord, I am blind and helpless, stupid and ignorant. Cause me to hear, cause me to know, teach me to do, lead me. ―Henry Martyn, 1781-1812

Monday, March 31

Scripture:

Luke 15: 11-12

“Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.”

Some Thoughts

We live in the prodigal’s era of a new trinity. Unlike the real Trinity, this one is not mysterious in the least! You can figure it out naturally and it is easily understood by even the smallest child. It is the trinity of “me, myself, and I.” Those four little, simple, short words speak volumes. The season of Lent is about helping us to recognize how often that idea slips into and shapes our lives and how we are very unlike Jesus. We live in a society, and, indeed in our own lives, where we are very aware of our rights. Look at all the lawsuits and testimonial commercials advertising how much money a certain lawyer got for them in their lawsuit. Be sure you get what’s coming to you and the so and so law firm will get you what you deserve. What strikes me is not that someone was injured and the offending party has a responsibility care for the injured. The focus is we’ll fight to get you the most money possible. It’s all about you! Where did we get this idea of my rights? I think it started in the Garden of Eden.

In this parable, the younger son was a rightful heir, albeit an impatient, self-centered, short-sighted one. He used another version of the personal trinity with four words. Give me my share. I’m embarrassed for him. It revealed so much about his heart. Like Adam, he used what his father had given him to rebel against his father. Notice the Father did not reprimand him, humiliate, or dishonor him in his foolish demand. He granted the demand, knowing full well the consequences of this immature, greedy, self-serving request. What the son was saying in another way was that he wished his father would hurry up and die. He cared so little for his father.

There are certainly many times when our heavenly Father does the same for us. He does not impose his will or force us in any direction. He lets the truthfulness of our heart’s motives reveal themselves to us and to him. It is one of the ways God teaches his children.

The father here likewise does not override the son’s stupidity and immaturity. Can you imagine a love like this so honoring and strong, knowing the foolishness that lies ahead, yet gives his children freedom to fail? There is no “thy will be done” in this son’s demand. As you pray today, be careful of what you ask for. In God’s gracious way, he may give it to you.

Music: “It’s All About Me,” Rob Still Rob was one of my IWS students and has captured today’s cultural mindset in a beautiful way!!! Right! (He’s doing a worship seminar in Hungry.) A little musical change of pace today! (The theme song of the Prodigal!)

Prayer:

O God our Father, help us to nail to the cross of thy dear Son the whole body of our death, the wrong desires of the heart, the sinful devising of the mind, the corrupt apprehensions of the eyes, the cruel words of the tongue, the ill employment of hands and feet; that the old man being crucified and done away, that the new man may live and grow into the glorious likeness thy Son Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen. —Eric Milner White

Sunday, March 30, Fourth Sunday in Lent

Scripture: John 9:1, 6-9, 13-17, 34-38

As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth.

Then he spit on the ground, made mud with the saliva, and spread the mud over the blind man’s eyes. He told him, “Go wash yourself in the pool of Siloam” (Siloam means “sent”). So the man went and washed and came back seeing!

His neighbors and others who knew him as a blind beggar asked each other, “Isn’t this the man who used to sit and beg?” Some said he was, and others said, “No, he just looks like him!”

But the beggar kept saying, “Yes, I am the same one!”

Then they took the man who had been blind to the Pharisees, because it was on the Sabbath that Jesus had made the mud and healed him. The Pharisees asked the man all about it. So he told them, “He put the mud over my eyes, and when I washed it away, I could see!”

Some of the Pharisees said, “This man Jesus is not from God, for he is working on the Sabbath.” Others said, “But how could an ordinary sinner do such miraculous signs?” So there was a deep division of opinion among them.

Then the Pharisees again questioned the man who had been blind and demanded, “What’s your opinion about this man who healed you?”

The man replied, “I think he must be a prophet.”

“You were born a total sinner!” they answered. “Are you trying to teach us?” And they threw him out of the synagogue.

When Jesus heard what had happened, he found the man and asked, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?”

The man answered, “Who is he, sir? I want to believe in him.”

“You have seen him,” Jesus said, “and he is speaking to you!”

“Yes, Lord, I believe!” the man said. And he worshiped Jesus.

Some Thoughts

We mentioned yesterday Jesus’ many references to images of light in various ways in his interaction with people. Here is a classic example. Again, a little context is helpful. In previous chapters (7-8), Jesus was in Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles. One of the central themes of that festival was the lighting of the menorah and many more lamps creating great light in the Temple reminding the people of God’s presence, the Shekinah glory present in the wilderness Tabernacle and at the dedication of Solomon’s Temple. This particular festival also had messianic implications in its anticipation of the coming of the Messiah.

It was during this Feast that Jesus told the people he was, in fact, the Light of the world which created a great stir among the Jewish leaders. In this context, he encountered the blind man and healed him (darkness to light). The leaders refused to believe what they saw, particularly since they knew this person had been blind all his life. They remained in spiritual darkness. The facts didn’t fit their mindset so they sought in various ways to explain away reality. The Pharisees questioned the formerly blind man to no avail. Some of the Jewish leaders were rational and wondered how an ordinary sinner in their view could do such a miracle. There was clear division and dispute among the Jewish leaders. Their solution was to throw the blind man out of the synagogue. But the problem for the leaders is that truth never goes away. Jesus found the man and asked him if he believed in the Son of Man. For Jews “Son of Man” was a loaded question because it had clear and direct implications to the Messiah (book of Daniel). Neutrality was not possible.

This interaction is very similar to Jesus’ concluding conversation with the woman at the well in John 4. The formerly blind man believed and worshiped Jesus on the spot. The spiritually blind woman believed and worshiped Jesus on the spot. The great irony in this account is that a man who was born blind both physically and spiritually gained physical sight (light) and spiritual sight (light). While the spiritual leaders born with physical sight were the ones who remained spiritually blind. In a way, the healed man is symbolic of all humanity. Everyone needs the illumination of Christ, the Light of the world.

Note also that in giving the blind man sight, Jesus used a mixture of clay and saliva in restoring sight to this man much as God used the dust of the earth to create a human being in the Garden of Eden (Irenaeus’ observation). This man is the only blind person Jesus healed who was born blind from birth. The Pharisees, on the other hand, were so convinced and set in their ways, that they were willing to deny the reality in front of them in order to maintain their beliefs. What they saw didn’t fit with what they believed, so they rejected what they saw and remained in the dark spiritually though they claimed to be in the light. Their faith in Moses was not a living faith, for Moses had affirmed Jesus’ mission at the Mount of Transfiguration, though the Pharisees were unaware of that encounter. Jaroslav Pelican commented, “Traditionalism is the dead faith of living people and tradition is the living faith of dead people.” How true! The legalistic faith of the Pharisees died with Moses on Mt. Pisgah. But the grace of Moses’ faith clearly crossed the Jordan into the Promised Land and from there encouraged the Savior on his “exodus.” May we not be so certain in what we know that we miss the work of the Savior among us. He often works outside of our certainty.

Music: “This Little Light of Mine” Moses Hogan Singers

Prayer:

Give me grace, O my Father, to be utterly ashamed of my own reluctance. Rouse me from sloth and coldness and make me desire you with my whole heart. May my faith not be set in legalized stones but in living stones next to the Cornerstone. Teach me to love meditation, sacred reading, particularly Thy word, and a living life of prayer. Teach me to love that which must engage my mind for all eternity. Amen.

―John Henry Newman, Prayers for Easter, p.22, adapted D.S.

Saturday, March 29

Scripture:

Matthew 6:19-24

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

“No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.

Some Thoughts

As we narrow in on Jesus’ life an the ominous weight of the cross draws nearer, we see more and more clearly how single-minded and centrally focused he was. His earlier words, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth” was lived out in his words “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” He had no home. When he was killed, he had nothing other than the clothes he was stripped of. When he died naked on the cross, he had nothing. He was destitute of everything but breath which would leave shortly. He came to this earth with nothing and he left with nothing. Jesus did not store up treasure on earth. What treasure he stored in heaven, however, is glorious beyond our imagination! His heart was not set on earthly things, but in people. Have you noticed in nearly every mention of Jesus in the New Testament, he is engaged with people, his greatest treasure? Even when it describes him as alone, he is talking with this Father.

Secondly, have you observed the number of times Jesus refers to the subject of light? Healing blind men, calling the Pharisees blind guides, blind fools, I am the Light of the world, Nicodemas’ coming to Jesus at night when it was dark, you are the light of the world, are just some of the instances where Jesus seeks to open the eyes of the blind and to bring Light to “people who walk in darkness.” The reference is to the “eyes of the soul.”

Finally, Jesus makes very clear that to follow him, people must die daily to themselves. Having it both ways is not possible because both masters want everything. They will not share. People serve God or something else. A legitimate question we might ask is, “How much of my life (my time, energy, thought, money) is going into things or pursuits that are of little eternal consequence?” In C.S. Lewis’ words of wisdom, “Do not live these days for things in your life that will end when you do.” If we measure “treasure” only in terms of money, pleasure, leisure, identity, or the material, we see how quickly it can all fade. When we are in the grave, none of those treasures matter in the least. Billionaires take not one cent to the grave.

Do you see in Jesus’ words, the point is not earthly treasures, but the affections of the heart? The quality of the treasure is indicative of the quality of the heart. The character of the heart is central, not the treasure. It is for that heart’s affection that Jesus went to the cross. Where is your heart’s affection today? That is the treasure you are accumulating. Hopefully, it doesn’t end when you do.

Music: “Be Thou My Vision,” Nathan Pacheco

Prayer: May God support us all the day long, till the shades lengthen, and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done! Then in His mercy may He give us a safe lodging, and a holy rest, and peace at the last. ―John Henry Newman 1801-1890

Friday, March 28

Scripture: Matthew 6:16-18

“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Some Thoughts

Fasting has long been a religious discipline in many faiths. In the Jewish and Christian tradition it is most often associated with repentance and humbling oneself before God. A Jewish fast would typically be from morning until evening, eating only after sundown. Fasting twice a week was common. We read in the Scriptures frequently of fasting in sackcloth and ashes. There was likewise a keen awareness of one’s mortality. The longing that comes because of a lack of food during a fast, reminds one of our complete and utter dependence upon the Lord for life itself.

There are positive benefits in the discipline. Fasting produces a longing that must be resisted while denying a need or wish. This act is symbolic of the discipline it takes to turn away from sin. True fasting is not simply a repudiation of a physical act. Fasting truly sharpens the mind, sensitizes one’s spirit to the Lord, and quickens spiritual perception. Feeding on Scripture instead of food is of great good. The practice often enables one to gain a clearer focus on what is significant, what is unimportant, and clarifies the clutter of the mind and soul. Fasting can be instrumental in deepening one’s understanding of an issue of concern. We often think of fasting as related solely to food. But fasting can also include abstaining from a particular habit or practice for a period of time. Fasting of some sort is a normal part of Lent. In a kind of reverse fast, one may also take on a particular spiritual discipline for a period of time.

Again, Jesus said when you fast not if you fast. Sometimes there are short total fasts for a day or two or more. On other occasions there are longer fasts, maybe from specific foods, or perhaps choosing to eat only one meal a day for the specific purpose of being liberated from a fleshly habit or desire. Fasting was a normal and regular part of the life of every major character in the Bible. If this is a new area to you, it will be worth doing your own Bible study on fasting, and then adopting it in some form. As you’ll find out, fasting was never intended to manipulate or gain favor with God. As Jesus pointed out, the whole purpose is to deepen one’s relationship with our heavenly Father. Clearly, Lent is not simply about giving up something for the season.

Try setting aside a regular time to fast during these days, perhaps fasting for one meal or one day a week for starters. Of course be sure that you don’t have a medical condition that would make fasting unhealthy or dangerous. Giving alms for the poor, prayer, and fasting, three of the central themes of this season, are three of the disciplines practiced regularly by our Savior. Maybe he knew something we don’t know.

Music: “As the Deer,” Masters Chorale

https://www.youtube.com/watc?v=oYNNIUtQ160Prayer: Come now, little man turn aside for a while from your daily employment, escape for a moment from the tumult of your thoughts. Put aside your weighty cares, let your burdensome distractions wait, free yourself awhile for God and rest awhile in him. Enter the inner chamber of your soul, shut out everything except God and that which can help you in seeking him, and when you have shut the door, seek him. Now, my whole heart, say to God, ‘I seek your face, Lord, it is your face I seek.’ ―Anselm 1033-1109

Thursday, March 27

Scripture: Matthew 6: 9-15

“This, then, is how you should pray:

” ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’

For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

Some Thoughts

Right after Jesus talked about the importance of praying, he gave us an example. Notice his careful choice of words. He began, “Our Father in heaven . . .” He made a point of reminding us of the great reality of the moment. We are not simply saying words, we are talking to the Creator of the universe in real time. As we mentioned yesterday, there are a great many similarities between the Kaddish in the Jewish liturgy of Jesus’ day and the Our Father. You’ll note many, many prayers in the Old Testament begin not with requests but with an acknowledgement of the greatness of God. In the Our Father we are being reminded of whose we are (the Father’s) and at the same time reminding us of the existence of another world we cannot see. The Bible is the one book that presumes the reality of other dimensions and worlds outside the four dimensions in which we live. The writers never presume an allegorical or mythical mindset of heaven. Heaven is always treated as reality.

Perhaps it would be wise for us to think a little more carefully than we sometimes do in how we begin prayers. It might be that “God, we ask you to . . .” may not be the most thoughtful, respectful way to address our Creator. Our words belie our shallow understanding of the One we address. “God” is not meant as a punctuation mark. Notice the way Jesus addresses his Father in John 17. In that chapter John invites us to listen in on Jesus’ conversation with his Father. Jesus is always mindful of who he is and who his Father is. Certainly there are times when a prayer is as short and urgent as “Help, Lord!” Though Jesus is our friend, he is also our coming King, our constant Intercessor, our victorious Warrior, our compassionate Redeemer, our holy Savior, all of which do not make us equals. In his prayers, Jesus was ever aware of his own Father/Son relationship. Remember, we are praying to a Father in heaven who has adopted us as his children. That kind of awareness is perhaps something we can tune our hearts to in our prayers. As you pray this week, be very aware of with whom you are talking. Jesus always was.

Music: “The Lord’s Prayer” Andrea Bocelli

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, all the universe is yours. In its vastness you are everywhere present. No place is too far away to communicate. That you would interact with your creation is wondrous. Forgive us for those times we pray without thinking of the One to whom we are talking; for those times when we babble, lost in our words and our little world, oblivious to your grand design; for those times we drift off and forget we are praying; for those times when we tell you how to solve our problems and how to be God; and for those times when we are disrespectful and arrogant in our prayers as we seek to be clever or earthy. Teach us to pray as your dear Son prayed, for it is in his name that we offer this prayer. Amen. —Daniel Sharp

Wednesday, March 26

Scripture: Matthew 6:5-8

“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

Some Thoughts

Again in a plain, beautiful way Jesus simply comments “when you pray.” Prayer, our conversation with God, is a normal, daily part of the Christian life. When is a word of action. It occurs in time. It signals the beginning of an event. So in Jesus saying when, his full expectation is that prayer is a part of our daily lives. The hypocrites, who have turned praying into a show of spirituality, miss the heart of prayer, which is personal, intimate communion with God.

I couldn’t help but notice Jesus’ play on the word seen. Hypocrites were condemned for praying to be seen by others. Jesus then makes a point of praying in secret by going alone into one’s own room and shutting the door and praying to Father who is unseen. The humorous irony is that the unseen Father sees you and rewards you. The hypocrite’s shallow reward is from man, your eternal reward is from God.

Notice Jesus does not condemn many words, just words that are babble. The words we use are meant to be communion with God. Nor does he condemn repetition, only vain repetition. You’ll recall Jesus gave us a model prayer to pray (the Lord’s Prayer) . . . which is based on a Jewish prayer from the synagogue liturgy (Kaddish), a prayer still prayed today in Jewish worship. True prayer is not telling God what he already knows and our telling him what to do about it! True prayer is humbling ourselves before God in privacy and praying to our Father who knows what we need. In praying every day with the same request, we need to be careful not to do so with a detached heart in order to get through our prayer list. I’m talking to myself here!

Having said that, maybe you want to keep a prayer list or a prayer journal. It is very encouraging to be praying for some situation over a period of time and then see it come to fruition in God’s timing. While interceding for others is an important part of prayer, don’t neglect adoration, confession, and thanksgiving. I’ve noticed we’re very good at asking. In prayer we are turning to God in dependency as we turn from sin. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. One of the other important, though often neglected and difficult parts of prayer, is that of taking the time to listen to the Lord. My tendency is to be quiet a little bit and then get going. I’m still working on the listening part. There are a great many examples of prayer in Scripture to guide us along (Col. 1:9-14; Phil. 1:3-11; Dan. 9:1-19). Maybe during the Lenten season you’ll want to build a collection of all the prayers you can find in Scripture to deepen your prayer life as you learn from the saints.

Music: “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” Alan Jackson

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, our Intercessor, may our hearts be open to you, to see as you see. May we be obedient to your voice. Help us learn to be quiet and listen to you. May your voice become more and more familiar to our ears. May our prayer life with you multiply many times throughout the day. We ask that today you’d bring to our minds those people who need prayer. May we be free to pray with those in need as we go through the mornings, afternoons, and evenings of our lives. In all of this, may you receive glory. Thank you for praying for us continually. We pray this in the name of Jesus, who with the Father and Holy Spirit is worshiped and glorified, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

―Daniel Sharp

Tuesday, March 25

Scripture: Matthew 6:1-4

“Beware of practicing your piety before men in order to be seen by them; for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Some Thoughts

We don’t need big words to say powerful things. These words of Jesus have four or fewer letters and most have a single syllable. He couldn’t be clearer. Ours is a faith that expresses itself in actions. Giving to the needy is one of those expected actions that is done not to buy God’s favor, make him love us more, or earn salvation. We give to those in need as an expression of our loving relationship with our heavenly Father. Giving is what we do as Christians in expressing our love. Jesus was clear. He didn’t say if you give to the needy, but rather when you give to the needy. Giving alms (money, food, or clothing) is one of the three primary themes of Lent along with fasting and praying. Have you noticed that is exactly what Jesus did his whole life? He fasted regularly; he prayed often; he gave continually to all, especially to those in need.

In observing Jesus’ giving during his time on earth, I can’t think of one time when he gave money. The Bible doesn’t say anything about his bank account or if he even had one. When he paid his taxes, the coin was procured from the mouth of a fish! But in keeping with his words, Jesus did not broadcast when he gave to people so we don’t know about the money side of his life. He gave food to thousands when the five and four thousand were fed and clothing to the demoniac. What we do know is how much of his time he gave to people in need, all kinds of needs. His timing for giving was often guided by the needs of those around him. Jesus’ “when you give” seemed always to be tuned to the situation at hand. Also concerning the “when,” there is also no record of Jesus running anywhere. He often gave until he was exhausted and we are the beneficiaries. Not only is Jesus our model, but the Holy Spirit is also our source of strength to give. Does someone just need to be listened to? Expand your alms thinking. Ask the Lord to bring to mind someone you can encourage and give to in a practical way. It’s living the life of Jesus.

Music: “O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus,” Simon Khorolskiy

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, our Sustainer and Provider, help us to be your hands and feet to those in need. You have given to us so lavishly in so many varied ways. Tune our hearts to your own generous heart that we may more and more see as you see and do something about it. May the gradual transformation of our being into your likeness lead to the transformation of our doing. Thank you for coming to us in our great need. You are our only hope and salvation. May we bring hope, the hope found in you, to those around us. In Jesus’ name, Amen. ―Daniel Sharp

Monday, March 24

Scripture: 2 John 1:1-13

“This letter is from John, the elder.

I am writing to the chosen lady and to her children, whom I love in the truth—as does everyone else who knows the truth— because the truth lives in us and will be with us forever.

Grace, mercy, and peace, which come from God the Father and from Jesus Christ—the Son of the Father—will continue to be with us who live in truth and love.

How happy I was to meet some of your children and find them living according to the truth, just as the Father commanded.

I am writing to remind you, dear friends, that we should love one another. This is not a new commandment, but one we have had from the beginning. Love means doing what God has commanded us, and he has commanded us to love one another, just as you heard from the beginning.

I say this because many deceivers have gone out into the world. They deny that Jesus Christ came in a real body. Such a person is a deceiver and an antichrist. Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked so hard to achieve. Be diligent so that you receive your full reward. Anyone who wanders away from this teaching has no relationship with God. But anyone who remains in the teaching of Christ has a relationship with both the Father and the Son.

If anyone comes to your meeting and does not teach the truth about Christ, don’t invite that person into your home or give any kind of encouragement. Anyone who encourages such people becomes a partner in their evil work. I have much more to say to you, but I don’t want to do it with paper and ink. For I hope to visit you soon and talk with you face to face. Then our joy will be complete.

Greetings from the children of your sister, chosen by God.”

Some Thoughts

Have you ever noticed that many of the New Testament letters had to do with combating the heresies circulating in those days? (Galatians, Colossians, 2 Thessalonians, I Timothy, 2 Peter, Jude, John, and I, II, & III John!) Peter, Paul, Jude, and John all addressed the issue of false teaching about Jesus’ identity and what he taught. Notice also in this shortest book in the New Testament that John also stresses loving one another with discernment in the midst of confusing times. This is a striking letter in light of the 21st century church. But this is not the first time people have grappled and rejected the truth. Thomas Jefferson went through the Bible with a razor and cut out everything that had to do with the divinity of Christ or miracles and made up his own bible. It is a sad book. No hope, only moral teachings, no resurrection, no Pentecost, no Second Coming, no heaven, no sin, no relationship with God.

In our day, not only is there hostility toward Christianity in some places, but there is also conflict within the church itself. Denominations split over doctrine and interpretation of Scripture to the point where heresies have entered the church in some quarters. In some churches the Bible is viewed as non-authoritative and in need of being reevaluated and reinterpreted. Enlightened humans will decide what it says and means considering today’s culture. There are individual churches and some denominations which have reexamined marriage. In such places marriage is no longer between one man and one woman, there are other options. Gender is no longer simply male and female, there are additional choices. Killing children waiting to be born is re-interpreted to as a woman’s right to choose (notice a pregnant woman is not referred to as a mother-to-be). For others, Jesus is not the only way to salvation. Hell is more of an idea than a reality and so forth.

The divinely inspired words of the Scriptures span all of time. The challenge for us is to know what the Scriptures do in fact say, and most particularly, what did Jesus say regarding the Scripture of his day, the Old Testament. He freely quoted passages as God’s inspired word. He believed and taught every word of it as true. He fulfilled it. John points out here that we are to “remain in the teaching of Christ” that we might remain in relationship with both the Father and the Son.

Did you notice something else in this pericope? John wrote about loving brothers and sisters in Christ as an act of obedience to God’s commands. But in his next thoughts he reminded his readers to have nothing to do with those who taught heresy. Do not embrace their teachings. Do not encourage them. Love does not mean you agree with everyone in the name of love. Loving in a Christian manner is loving with discernment.

In our journey to the cross with Christ during this season, we can rest assured in the truth of his word and in Jesus’ view of the Scriptures. Such is the purpose of these daily devotionals, that we would spend time and encounter the Lord each day. Oh yes and remember to love your brothers and sisters in Christ and those potential brother and sisters.

Music: “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” Fernando Ortega

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5b0FTKMYGZ4

Make no mistake: if He rose at all it was as His body; if the cells’ dissolution did not reverse, the molecules reknit, the amino acids rekindle, the Church will fall . . . Let us not mock God with metaphor, analogy, sidestepping, transcendence; making of the event a parable, a sign painted in the faded credulity of earlier ages: let us walk through the door. ―John Updike

Prayer:

Lord God, your claims are absolute; we must accept them without bargaining. You are always right. Your demands are so full of blessings! I thank you for your severity as Redeemer, I thank You for never having allowed us to mingle the odor of death with Your perfume of eternity. I shall go towards You as towards my state of rest and my eternal life. In Your two hands You hold my being; and You are my reward, because the perfection of my being lies in You. Grant that I may love more and more of this life of faith, wholly irradiated by hope; grant that I may love this desert-place where You have put my soul, this immense plain with You in the center, where I stand always before You and someday soon, by Your Grace, by Your side. Amen.

―Florence Allshorn, The Quiet Corner, p.93

Sunday, March 23, Third Sunday in Lent

Scripture: John 4:5-15; 19-26; 39-42

Eventually [Jesus] came to the Samaritan village of Sychar, near the field that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there; and Jesus, tired from the long walk, sat wearily beside the well about noontime. Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Please give me a drink.” He was alone at the time because his disciples had gone into the village to buy some food.

The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans. She said to Jesus, “You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?”

Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.”

“But sir, you don’t have a rope or a bucket,” she said, “and this well is very deep. Where would you get this living water? And besides, do you think you’re greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us this well? How can you offer better water than he and his sons and his animals enjoyed?”

Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.”

“Please, sir,” the woman said, “give me this water! Then I’ll never be thirsty again, and I won’t have to come here to get water.”

“Go and get your husband,” Jesus told her.

“I don’t have a husband,” the woman replied.

Jesus said, “You’re right! You don’t have a husband—for you have had five husbands, and you aren’t even married to the man you’re living with now. You certainly spoke the truth!”

“Sir,” the woman said, “you must be a prophet. So tell me, why is it that you Jews insist that Jerusalem is the only place of worship, while we Samaritans claim it is here at Mount Gerizim, where our ancestors worshiped?”

Jesus replied, “Believe me, dear woman, the time is coming when it will no longer matter whether you worship the Father on this mountain or in Jerusalem. You Samaritans know very little about the one you worship, while we Jews know all about him, for salvation comes through the Jews. But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.”

The woman said, “I know the Messiah is coming—the one who is called Christ. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”

Then Jesus told her, “I am the Messiah!”

The woman left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village, telling everyone, “Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah?”

Many Samaritans from the village believed in Jesus because the woman had said, “He told me everything I ever did!” When they came out to see him, they begged him to stay in their village. So he stayed for two days, long enough for many more to hear his message and believe. Then they said to the woman, “Now we believe, not just because of what you told us, but because we have heard him ourselves. Now we know that he is indeed the Savior of the world.”

Some Thoughts

My guess is that you have read this particular passage many, many times and have listened to more than one sermon addressing this account of “Jesus and the Woman at the Well.” What more is there to say? I have found so often in Scripture that God has more things to tell me about himself that further alters the way I am to live and be, even from passages I’ve heard many times before. This pericope is another one of those conversations with God. The familiar part is that Jesus had walked a long way out of the way resulting in his being in hostile territory. It was noontime. He was tired. A questionable Samaritan woman came to the well for water. They were alone in a culturally improper, inappropriate setting. That is the general situation, now some context.

Jesus had been in Judea and was traveling back north to Galilee. The main road from Jerusalem to the Galilee region ran straight through Samaria (presently included in the West Bank). Normally Jews avoided Samaria altogether and traveled on the east side of the Jordan River, the eastern boundary of Samaria, which was both a region and the name of the capital. Rather than going the usual eastern route, Jesus went straight through the middle of Samaria. Sychar was a little village just outside the capitol. The Samaritans were half-breed Jews, coming from the ten northern tribes who had intermarried with various nations who had invaded their land in the past. Some scholars believe that Samaritan Sanballat, who had given Ezra and Nehemiah such grief in rebuilding the wall in Jerusalem, was the one who built the Samaritan temple on Mt. Gerizim.

In terms of religion, the Samaritans accepted the Pentateuch as their scripture and, like the Jews, were looking for the messiah. The Jews wanted nothing to do with Samaritans. They resented any blood relationship, which makes Jesus’ story of the “good Samaritan” even more pointed. Into this setting Jesus asks the woman for a drink. She was surprised and asked why he would ask her. He commented about living water. (Cisterns and wells had “dead” water. “Living water” was fresh flowing water. Samaria had no rivers and no “living water,” hence her comment.) She gave a little dig at him in her comment if he thought he was greater than our ancestor Jacob, reminding him that Jews and Samaritans had a common ancestor.

Then came Jesus’ comment about the husbands. What strikes me is her immediate comment suggesting he must be a prophet for only a prophet could know hidden truth. There was no way a normal person could know about her past. I think she realized she was talking to an authentic prophet and so asked him a question about the ongoing controversy of the day between the Jews and Samaritans, worship at Gerizim (Samaritan temple) or Jerusalem (Jewish temple)? Who’s right? A true prophet would know. Jesus’ response was salvation comes from the Jews, not the Samaritans. But Jesus continued carrying the conversation to an even deeper level to the heart of her question. Worship is not about a place but takes place in spirit and in truth. Worship is not a ritual. The doubting woman’s response was immediate. When the Messiah comes, he will explain everything to us. Then came Jesus’ most powerful response, “I AM the Messiah.” She ran to town to tell everyone what had happened. As a result, Jesus was invited to go into the town and many people became believers as a result.

Here are some things you may have noticed about Jesus in this encounter. He went out of his way into uncomfortable territory and crossed cultural barriers to meet someone who was socially unacceptable. He engaged her in her world. He asked something from her in starting the conversation. What followed were five questions from her. He led her into the truth. Though he knew her past, he did not condemn her. He went past her surface reactions and offered salvation and healing to her broken heart. He revealed himself to one who was truly open to the gospel. He forced nothing but responded to her questions. He followed up by staying more days in her town. Jesus has given us a model in sharing the gospel. Might we encounter a Samaritan man or woman today?

Music: “Jesus Messiah,” Gaither Vocal Band

Bonus:

Jesus and Samaritan woman from “The Chosen”

Prayer:

O God, who wouldest not [will] the death of a sinner, but that he should be converted and live: forgive the sins of us who turn to thee with all our heart and grant us the grace of eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. ―Early Scottish Prayer

Saturday, March 22

Scripture: John 3:1-13

There was a man named Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader who was a Pharisee. After dark one evening, he came to speak with Jesus. “Rabbi,” he said, “we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you.”

Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the kingdom of God.”

“What do you mean?” exclaimed Nicodemus. “How can an old man go back into his mother’s womb and be born again?”

Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it wants. Just as you can hear the wind but can’t tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can’t explain how people are born of the Spirit.”

“How are these things possible?” Nicodemus asked.

Jesus replied, “You are a respected Jewish teacher, and yet you don’t understand these things? I assure you, we tell you what we know and have seen, and yet you won’t believe our testimony. But if you don’t believe me when I tell you about earthly things, how can you possibly believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has ever gone to heaven and returned. But the Son of Man has come down from heaven.”

Some Thoughts

One of the more familiar accounts in the gospels is the interaction between Nicodemus, a leader of the Pharisees and one of the esteemed seventy rulers (like a Jewish Supreme Court), and Jesus. His coming at night presents a picture of one who is in the dark spiritually seeking light, a common theme in John’s gospel. In this portion of their conversation, one thing you notice is Nicodemus’ struggle to think beyond a literal physical birth in trying to understand the meaning of a spiritual birth or being born again. Jewish leaders did not believe they needed to repent of their sin. Their way to salvation was through observing the law and the traditions. They didn’t need to be saved or born again. After all, they were God’s chosen people. So Jesus’ idea of being born into the Kingdom of God did not fit their theology. But Nicodemus was open minded toward Jesus, hence this meeting under the cover of night.

Jesus’ challenge to Nicodemus was if you won’t believe what I tell you about earthly things, how can you possibly believe what I tell you about heavenly things? Jesus’ explanation was a magnificent account showing how earth-bound humans can be connected to heaven, to God, a relationship established through the action of the Holy Spirit resulting in a spiritual birth. No person has a spiritual birth simply as a result of rational thinking. The point Jesus was making was that human striving or effort will never get one into the kingdom of heaven. The Holy Spirit is the agent from above granting a new birth even as a person exercises faith. Baptism is the result of the gracious act of God and a believing human.

In Jesus’ words on entering the Kingdom of God, he said that it was necessary to be born of water and the Spirit. There has been much discussion through the centuries as to what born of water means. One thought was that it referred to John’s baptism of repentance. A second thought was that it refers to procreation and a third is that it alludes to Christian baptism, though that has not yet occurred at this point. Whichever view one holds, the main point is the activity of the Spirit in bringing new birth.

In giving added authority to his comment, Jesus then makes a once in eternity statement, “No one has ever gone to heaven and returned, but the Son of Man has come down from heaven!” In other words, there is no way humans can ever attain heaven on their own. In Jesus, earthly history and theology are melded into one. The Son of Man came from heaven, took on human flesh, died, rose again, returned to heaven awaiting his final return to earth. There is no religion in the world where the god became fully human, dwelt on earth, died, and rose again, and returned to heaven. Christianity is unique. Thank God today for your spiritual birth and continue to pray for those who have not yet been born of water and the Spirit. Be encouraged. Keep praying for the Nicodemus’ in your world.

While today’s music is often associated with Advent, it is music of the Incarnation and after all, Advent, Christmastide, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost are all part of the same story! The name of the group is perfect for today’s Scripture passage.

Music: “Of the Father’s Love Begotten,” Out of Darkness

Bonus:

Jesus interacts with Nicodemus in “The Chosen”

Prayer:

Gracious God, you brought Christ into the world to bear our afflictions, and by his stripes we are healed; we come with thanksgiving for his cleansing redemption. Purge the stain of sin within us and give us clean hearts, that we may serve you more faithfully. Renew right minds that we may enjoy the fruits of your Spirit and abound in the love, joy, peace, goodness, and faithfulness we find in the reconciling love of Christ Jesus, our Savior and Lord.

―Prayers for Easter, James G. Kirk, p.15

Friday, March 21

Scripture: Exodus 16:9-21

Then Moses said to Aaron, “Announce this to the entire community of Israel: ‘Present yourselves before the Lord, for he has heard your complaining.’” And as Aaron spoke to the whole community of Israel, they looked out toward the wilderness. There they could see the awesome glory of the Lord in the cloud.

Then the Lord said to Moses, “I have heard the Israelites’ complaints. Now tell them, ‘In the evening you will have meat to eat, and in the morning you will have all the bread you want. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God.’”

That evening vast numbers of quail flew in and covered the camp. And the next morning the area around the camp was wet with dew. When the dew evaporated, a flaky substance as fine as frost blanketed the ground. The Israelites were puzzled when they saw it. “What is it?” they asked each other. They had no idea what it was.

And Moses told them, “It is the food the Lord has given you to eat. These are the Lord’s instructions: Each household should gather as much as it needs. Pick up two quarts for each person in your tent.”

So the people of Israel did as they were told. Some gathered a lot, some only a little. But when they measured it out, everyone had just enough. Those who gathered a lot had nothing left over, and those who gathered only a little had enough. Each family had just what it needed.

Then Moses told them, “Do not keep any of it until morning.” But some of them didn’t listen and kept some of it until morning. But by then it was full of maggots and had a terrible smell. Moses was very angry with them.

After this the people gathered the food morning by morning, each family according to its need. And as the sun became hot, the flakes they had not picked up melted and disappeared.

Some Thoughts

This passage from Exodus is the iconic picture of humanity! I’m going to back up a bit to bring this portion into context. The Israelites were freed from 430 years of slavery to the Egyptians a month ago. They had just left an oasis and were continuing towards the Promised Land, the land God had given them. These people, a million plus strong, were complaining about Moses’ and Aaron’s leadership. In the people’s words, we sat around in Egypt with pots filled with meat and ate all the bread we wanted! They were slaves after all! They didn’t sit around at a barbecue in the evenings.

Complaining often blinds us to reality and tends to feed more complaining, which was true for these people. Moses was quick to remind them their gripe was against God, not against him and his brother. Moses wanted no part of the crabbing. The Lord then told Moses his plan which was to give the Israelites food one day at a time, just the amount they needed for that day. Then the day before the Sabbath, they should take a double portion because God would provide no manna on the Sabbath. God was resting from any work on that day and they should too. So far so good.

Then we come to the passage you just read. Aaron passed God’s words and plan along to the people. They had been complaining about meat and bread and God provided both, even with the same words of their complaint. (All the bread you want . . .) And the point? Then you will know that I am the Lord your God. And that phrase is the point. The awesome glory of God in the cloud was a visual, physical reminder to the people of God’s continuing presence with them. Notice God provided exactly what they needed and the amount they needed. They had to trust him for each day’s need. If they got greedy, the food spoiled. If they got lazy, they went hungry. And of course some people tried it both ways as the passage continues after the portion you read.

This account of the desert wanderings has a very clear point. We are to learn to turn to the Lord each day for sustenance. The purpose is to learn to rely on him for the immediate present. Don’t worry about next week. (Matthew 6:34, Jesus’ words, “Don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”) Go to him daily for relationship and for nourishment. He will always provide. And quit complaining imagining things are better in another situation. Have you ever noticed that complaining is always self-focused? P.S. That entire generation to a person, hundreds of thousands of people died in the desert, never arriving to the place God had promised them. The Israelites turned what should have been an eleven-day journey into the Promised Land into a forty-year death march. And all because they could not trust the Lord one day at a time.

Music: “To God Be the Glory,” Sissel

If you let it keep running after this video, there are additional videos of her singing this piece at different years in her life. A gorgeous voice. Not to be missed.

Prayer:

Almighty God, forgive my doubt, my anger, my complaining, my pride, my greed, my selfishness, my sinful thoughts, my impatience, my laziness . . . Lord, you get the idea. I am a sinner through and through. Lord Jesus, help me learn to live with a grateful heart, a patient heart, a trusting heart, a clean heart, a tender heart, a truthful heart, a heart more like yours as you live in and through me. May I grow in holy living. By your grace and nourishment I will endeavor to continue the journey through the desert of this world until I cross the Jordan into the Promised Land, the Land you have prepared for all your children to dwell in your presence for the rest of Eternity. In the name of the one who is the Bread of Life, even Jesus my Savior. Amen. ―Daniel Sharp

Thursday, March 20

Scripture: Ephesians 1:7-14

He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding. God has now revealed to us his mysterious plan regarding Christ, a plan to fulfill his own good pleasure. And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth. Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan. God’s purpose was that we Jews who were the first to trust in Christ would bring praise and glory to God. And now you Gentiles have also heard the truth, the Good news that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago. The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify him.

Some Thoughts

You may have often heard that God has a wonderful plan for your life. If you are like me, I find it easy to think of God’s plan in terms of specific things or events in my life. I’m not so sure this concept is always what God has in mind. Sometimes, yes, it appears to be the case. Maybe there was some event or action that you recognized had God’s hand all over it. But there are plenty of other times when it seems God’s plan is a complete mystery.

The pericope you just read is one of the clearest articulations of God’s purpose for his Son and for us. It tells us how God feels about human beings and how it is possible for humans to relate to God. His love for everyone and desire to forgive sin is clear. Christ will fulfill his plan and bring pleasure and glory to God as it comes to fruition. When there is a plan, it is important to know the end result when the plan is completed. What does it look like when it is finished? In these verses God gives us that picture. Those people who are his own are guaranteed an inheritance by the Holy Spirit in their lives. All the work of Christ happened so believers might offer praise and glory to God. All of this comes together under the authority of Christ at the right time. What detail, one that we wish were there, is missing in this passage? The timing of getting to the end of God’s plan. There is a reason.

As you read in the passage above, God’s plan is to fulfill his own good pleasure. If our desire is to bring glory to God in our lifetime, then we do want to be in accord with his plan. It is the only way glory will go to God. The italicized print clarifies the timing of such. My problem is I don’t know the timing and God isn’t telling me. Matthew Henry has two very pertinent quotes: “God has wisely kept us in the dark concerning future events and reserved for himself the knowledge of them, [why?] that he may train us up in a dependence upon himself and a continued readiness for every event.” And “Cast not away your confidence because God defers his performances. That which does not come in your time, will be hastened in his time, which is always the more convenient season. God will work when he pleases, how he pleases, and by what means he pleases. He is not bound to keep our time, but he will perform his work, honor our faith, and reward them that diligently seek him.” Well said, Matthew! Hang in there folks.

Music: “Abide with Me,” St. Olaf Cantori and Congregation

This is worth your 7 minutes and 12 seconds! THIS IS CONGREGATIONAL SINGING! Note the number of millennials in the congregation singing! Let’s hear it for the Lutherans!

Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide;
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me.

Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day;
Earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away;
Change and decay in all around I see—
O Thou who changest not, abide with me.

I need Thy presence every passing hour;
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s pow’r?
Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.

I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless;
Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness;
Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.

Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes;
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies;
Heav’n’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.

Prayer:

Almighty and ever-blessed God, I thank Thee for the love wherewith Thou dost follow me all the days of my life. I thank Thee that Thou dost inform my mind with Thy divine truth and undergird my will with Thy Spirit’s leading, and for all those little happenings which, though seeming at the time no more than chance, yet afterwards appears to me as part of Thy gracious plan for the education of my soul. O let me not refuse Thy leading or quench this light which Thou hast kindled within me, but rather let me daily grow in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ my Lord and Master. Amen.

―John Baillie, A Diary of Private Prayer, p.47

Wednesday, March 19

Scripture: Mark 11:15-19

When they arrived back in Jerusalem, Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out the people buying and selling animals for sacrifices. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves, and he stopped everyone from using the Temple as a marketplace. He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer for all nations,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves.”

When the leading priests and teachers of religious law heard what Jesus had done, they began planning how to kill him. But they were afraid of him because the people were so amazed at his teaching.

That evening Jesus and the disciples left the city.

Some Thoughts

If you knew you were to die for certain in three weeks, what would you do? My guess is you could care less about the news or the weather or sports or finishing up the quarterly report. My guess is we’d call together the people we are closest to and love dearly and tell them what is most important to us. I’ve always been curious as to those things which were significant to Jesus as he neared the end of his earthly life. A quarter to one half of each gospel is devoted to the last six days of Jesus’ life on earth. Unlike us, he knew he was going to die and knew when he would die. This pericope gives us one of the early insights into Jesus’ perspective as to what was important to God.

God’s house, the Temple, was to be a place of prayer for everyone, not just the Jews. That was a surprise to everyone in Jesus’ day. It was to be a place of communing with God the Father, of intimate conversation with the Creator. It had become something else, a place of crass religious business. As you might guess, the merchants were not pleased that he called them out and destroyed their crass business. So the religious leaders and teachers, encouraged by the merchants no doubt, began to hatch a plot to kill Jesus, even though he was very popular.

Jesus’ heart lay with all people communing with his Father in prayer. I wonder if that is what happens when the body of Christ gathers for worship these days? Is worship in your church a place of communing with the Father as a congregation or do we have a “high five, yeah Jesus time?” Is catching up with others on the past week the highest priority? Do we acknowledge the presence of God in our midst at a conscious level? When was the last time the body of Christ was on its knees in repentance in awe of our life-giving Savior. Just asking. So, what would you say to your children, grandchildren, or nieces or nephews, or some other close friends as you came to the end of your life on earth?

My father finished lunch, went out in the barnyard to move a grain elevator, and a split second later was in heaven when a cable snapped. What are the most important things you want to communicate to your loved ones? What’s keeping you? You know, you are not guaranteed next week or even tomorrow. I know what was most important to my dad. He lived it and taught it.

Music: “Salvation Is Created,” National Lutheran Choir

Prayer

Almighty God, the giver of all life and breath and hope, I worship and glorify your holy name. The whole creation has come into being through your power; and I rejoice that your purpose for creation is a loving purpose. You revealed your love for me in Jesus Christ; and I am privileged indeed to have been brought to a living faith in you. Forgive me, Lord, for the times I have made myself and my feelings the center of my worship. With people in every corner of the world I join our offering of worship with the offering that rises to you constantly from earth and heaven. Blessing and honor and glory and power be to our God―Father, Son and Spirit―on this day and always; through the priesthood of our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

―Prayers for Sunday Services, p.40, adapted Daniel Sharp

Tuesday, March 18

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:4-10

You are coming to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God’s temple. He was rejected by people, but he was chosen by God for great honor.

And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God. As the Scriptures say,

“I am placing a cornerstone in Jerusalem, chosen for great honor,

and anyone who trusts in him

will never be disgraced.”

Yes, you who trust him recognize the honor God has given him. But for those who reject him, “The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.”

And, “He is the stone that makes people stumble, the rock that makes them fall.” They stumble because they do not obey God’s word, and so they meet the fate that was planned for them. But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.

“Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people.

Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.”

Some Thoughts

In today’s passage, Peter reminds us that we are living stones, an actual part of the Temple in which Jesus is the cornerstone. This is not pretend faith. We are part of the real thing, a world that is bigger and extends beyond what you and I can see. It doesn’t feel like it, does it? As you are sitting somewhere reading this, my guess is that it doesn’t feel very spiritual. Us as living stones may seem more like a “theological principle” than reality is my guess. The truth is, we are part of another world. We’re so often caught up in this present world, that we forget about the biggest picture.

Did you notice how obedience to God’s word enters in here again? How often have you heard, “But I don’t feel like it.” Obedience doesn’t rely on feelings at its core. In the Hebrew mind, doing is the evidence that one has heard. Think of the Shema. If there is no action, one has not heard. Look at all the examples in the Scriptures. Action is the evidence that you have heard. In their growing up years, we sought to impress this concept upon our children― “Time to go to bed . . . ok, I heard you dad . . . Are you in bed . . . I’m going . . .” with varied results!

The mercy here is that we are God’s chosen children. He called us out of our bondage to sin and now we are marked with his identity. The season of Lent is concerned with God’s recovering and restoring a people for himself. We are a part of a great human exodus, an exodus from slavery to sin to freedom from sin, from darkness to light. Sadly, there are always those who wish to remain in Egypt under the yoke of slavery to sin. But we are a royal priesthood, a holy nation. The Tabernacle in the wilderness is us, the place of God’s dwelling. Can you doubt we are living in a wilderness? You and I are parts of God’s physical kingdom on earth. We didn’t used to be, but, having come to faith in Jesus, now we are living stones in his earthly Temple. So, do the work of a priest today. Bind the broken-hearted, support the weak, honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit. It doesn’t really matter how you feel. Do it!

Music: “Miserere Mei,” Tenebrae Choir

This is a setting of the confessional Psalm 51

Prayer:

Go forth into the world in peace, be of good courage, hold fast to that which is good, render to no one evil for evil, strengthen the faint hearted, support the weak, help the afflicted, honor all people, love and serve the Lord rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit, and may God Almighty, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit be with you and remain with you now and always. Amen. ―1928 Book of Common Prayer

Monday, March 17

Scripture: Genesis 22:1-19

Some time later, God tested Abraham’s faith. “Abraham!” God called.

“Yes,” he replied. “Here I am.”

“Take your son, your only son—yes, Isaac, whom you love so much—and go to the land of Moriah. Go and sacrifice him as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you.”

The next morning Abraham got up early. He saddled his donkey and took two of his servants with him, along with his son, Isaac. Then he chopped wood for a fire for a burnt offering and set out for the place God had told him about. On the third day of their journey, Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. “Stay here with the donkey,” Abraham told the servants. “The boy and I will travel a little farther. We will worship there, and then we will come right back.”

So Abraham placed the wood for the burnt offering on Isaac’s shoulders, while he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them walked on together, Isaac turned to Abraham and said, “Father?”

“Yes, my son?” Abraham replied.

“We have the fire and the wood,” the boy said, “but where is the sheep for the burnt offering?”

“God will provide a sheep for the burnt offering, my son,” Abraham answered. And they both walked on together.

When they arrived at the place where God had told him to go, Abraham built an altar and arranged the wood on it. Then he tied his son, Isaac, and laid him on the altar on top of the wood. And Abraham picked up the knife to kill his son as a sacrifice. At that moment the angel of the LORD called to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!”

“Yes,” Abraham replied. “Here I am!”

“Don’t lay a hand on the boy!” the angel said. “Do not hurt him in any way, for now I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld from me even your son, your only son.”

Then Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught by its horns in a thicket. So he took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering in place of his son. Abraham named the place Yahweh-Yireh (which means “the LORD will provide”). To this day, people still use that name as a proverb: “On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided.”

Then the angel of the LORD called again to Abraham from heaven. “This is what the LORD says: Because you have obeyed me and have not withheld even your son, your only son, I swear by my own name that I will certainly bless you. I will multiply your descendantsbeyond number, like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will conquer the cities of their enemies. And through your descendants all the nations of the earth will be blessed—all because you have obeyed me.”

Then they returned to the servants and traveled back to Beersheba, where Abraham continued to live.

Some Thoughts

As the Lenten season begins to point more specifically toward the cross, we come to this familiar story of Abraham and Isaac. There are so many familiarities and Christological types in the First Testament. Another way to look at these accounts is what the Scriptures call shadows. Abraham was a type of God the Father figure in that he did not withhold his son, his only son whom he loved. We are reminded of Jesus on the mount of Transfiguration when the Father spoke from heaven “this is my beloved son, my chosen one, listen to him.” Isaac was a type of Christ figure. He was the chosen one rather than Ishmael. As Jesus carried the wooden cross on his back for his sacrifice, so also Isaac carried the wood on his back for his sacrifice. A lamb was eventually sacrificed in place of Isaac, but Jesus, as the Lamb of God, laid down his life as our sacrifice. There were two servant witnesses who accompanied Abraham and Isaac but did not observe the eventual sacrifice. There were two thieves who bore witness to the crucifixion of Jesus. (Jewish law required the testimony of at least two witnesses to verify the truth in any situation. Deut.17:6)

The sacrifice of the ram took place on Mt. Moriah, which can also be a region, the eventual site of Solomon’s Temple as well as Golgotha. A donkey went with them reminding us of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. The sacrifice was offered on the third day. As it turned out, Isaac, was in effect, raised from the dead on the third day. As God the Father raised Jesus on the third day, so Abraham believed God would raise his slain son (Heb.11:19). I’m not making this up! The one performing the burnt offering was also the one who slayed the sacrifice. A burnt sacrifice was consumed completely by the fire, unlike other types of sacrifices which often had some portion of the sacrifice go to the priest. This sacrifice was to atone for a sinful state, rather than for forgiveness of a specific sin. The sacrificial victim was to be in perfect health at the onset of the prime of its life. While the sacrifice of the ram was a substitute in place of Isaac Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross was in our place. Indeed, as the Scripture says, “On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided.”

Abraham returned home with his son. And we await the return of our Father in heaven with his Son. The ultimate sacrifice has been completed. So where does this account register with us today? What difference does it make? What happened to Abraham in the story, happens to each of us every day if we will recognize it. While certainly not as dramatic, the core principle certainly presents itself. When God called Abraham, his response was “Here I am.” The Hebrew word is hineni. The closest we can get in meaning in English is readiness, alertness, attentiveness, very responsive to instructions. I think of asking your dog if he wants to go for a walk! Imagine God asking you that question every morning. Do you want to walk in my path today? He does. And we have a choice to die to ourselves each morning. Will I rely on my own insight in every situation that arises? Will I listen for God’s voice today? Will I trust God when a situation looks impossible? Will I be obedient to what God shows me even if it doesn’t make sense to me? Will I act on what God shows me? Jesus is our perfect model.

Music: “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross,” Massed Choirs, Weston Noble,

-Isaac Watts

When I survey the wondrous cross

On with the Prince of glory died,

My richest gain I count but loss

And pour contempt on all my pride.

See from his head, his hands, his feet

Sorrow and love flow mingled down,

Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,

Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Were the whole realm of nature mine

That were a present far too small

Love so amazing, so divine,

Demands my soul, my life, my all.

(This may well be the grandest hymn in the English language.)

Prayer:

You are God and we praise you; you are the Lord and we acclaim you; you are the eternal Father; all creation worships you. To you all angels, all the powers of heaven, cherubim and seraphim sing in endless praise, Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might; Heaven and earth are full of your glory. The glorious company of apostles praise you; the noble fellowship of prophets praise you; the white-robed army of martyrs praise you. Throughout the whole world the holy church acclaims you, Father of majesty unbounded, your true and only Son worthy of all worship, and the Holy Spirit advocate and guide. To you eternal God, three in one we give you praise. Amen.

-Te Deum, 4^th century

Sunday, March 16 Second Sunday in Lent

Scripture: Matthew 17:1-9

Six days later Jesus took Peter and the two brothers, James and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone. As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light. Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking with Jesus.

Peter exclaimed, “Lord, it’s wonderful for us to be here! If you want, I’ll make three shelters as memorials—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”

But even as he spoke, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy. Listen to him.” The disciples were terrified and fell face down on the ground.

Then Jesus came over and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” And when they looked up, Moses and Elijah were gone, and they saw only Jesus.

As they went back down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

Some Thoughts

What would have it been like for you as one of his disciples to travel with the famous Jesus? He was a rock star. Great crowds of people showed up wherever you all went. You saw his miracles with your own eyes. You lived and travelled with him. He even gave you power to do a few miracles yourself. Now as Peter, James, or John, you were a part of his inner circle yet you couldn’t quite figure him out. Where was he headed with his mission? Sometimes you were almost afraid of him or fearful of asking him to clarify what you didn’t understand. This was a pretty heady time for you as a very ordinary blue-collar disciple. The only really unusual thing was that he chose you to follow him in the first place. And now you have this unusual experience.

Jesus often referred to himself in the third person as the Son of Man. In fact, just before the passage of Scripture you just read, he had asked the twelve disciples this pointed question, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” Peter (of course) answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus then told the three not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah. To a disciple, this must have seemed to be a very strange request.

A short time later Matthew recorded an event called the Transfiguration. Jesus took his inner circle, Peter, James, and John with him to a mountain top. There is speculation as to on which mountain this occurred, though Mt. Tabor is assumed to be the location according to tradition. This unique event affirmed three things: the identity of Jesus as the Son of God, his relationship to the Old Testament greats, as well as the Father’s affirming of his mission.

The presence of Moses and Elijah may seem a curious pair at first. Why these two men? Moses died 1400 years earlier and Elijah around 850 BCE. Moses led the first exodus of Jews from the bondage of slavery to freedom in a shadow of what was to come. We learn from the Synoptics that the conversation among Moses, Elijah, and Jesus concerned Jesus’ own “exodus” from this world, that’s the word Luke used (Luke 9:31). The Transfiguration showed that Jesus was the new and better Moses leading all peoples enslaved to sin to a path to eternal freedom. Moses died looking into the Promised Land and was buried by God himself in an unknown grave. Moses was held in highest esteem by the Jews, as the one who received and represented the Law, after all, he had talked with God directly and represented the very best of tradition and truth under the Law. In contrast, Jesus fulfilled the Law, died and entered a known grave, overcame death, rose again, and opened the way for all to enter the Promised Land.

You’ll recall Elijah did not die, but rather was taken by a chariot of fire straight to heaven. He was viewed as one of the greatest prophets of the Old Testament. He was the prophet Malachi announced would appear to prepare the way of the Lord (Malachi 4:5. Note that Malachi also pairs him with Moses and the Law in the previous verse). The Transfiguration fulfills Malachi’s prophecy concerning Moses and Elijah. Here the disciples saw two very noteworthy, prominent Old Testament figures in Moses and Elijah appearing from that Promised Land. They apparently came to comfort and give solace to Jesus as he prepared to give his life as the ultimate Lamb of God in freeing all peoples from the bondage of sin. When the cloud lifted the disciples saw only Jesus indicating that the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah) had been fulfilled as only Jesus was left standing in shining brilliance. Their work was finished as Jesus embarked on his. Clearly, Peter’s suggestion of building three equal booths was inappropriate. The disciples were witnesses to the brilliance of the event and the affirmation of Jesus as God spoke from heaven.

Then we read further that Jesus told these three to say nothing of what they had seen and heard. Why? It was not yet God the Father’s timing. Why did these three get to see this event and not the other disciples? It appears Jesus was grooming them for leadership after he was gone. After the resurrection and ascension, Peter and John did assume significant leadership in the early days of the church. James was killed early on (Acts 12:2). Peter later referred to seeing Jesus’ glory (2 Peter 1:16-21) and cited the experience as giving him greater confidence in the truth of Jesus as the Son of God as they led the early church. Remember, the disciples were trying to understand Jesus’ mission.

What does this have to do with Lent? We can always have great confidence in the great and detailed care God gave in bringing redemption to all tribes, tongues, and nations. His plan begun before the dawn of creation, came to a pivotal point in the Transfiguration, and continues to this day. It will culminate in the Lord’s Return which will usher in the heavenly realm for all eternity . . . and all Jesus’ disciples worldwide will be there!

Music: “Sanctus,” from Requiem Durufle Robert Shaw Festival Singers

“Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Hosts. Heaven and earth are full of thy glory. Hosanna in the highest.”

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, until the day when we see Thee face to face in all Thy glory, when we don’t have to come down the mountain but dwell in Thy presence forever, when we see what we’ve never even conceived, when we hear music that our ears have never even imagined, when the whole world sees the glory of the glorious Son of God, until then may we be faithful. May we not keep quiet, but go into all our world preaching the great Good News of redemption in Christ in deeds, in words and in demeanor. Amen.

―Daniel Sharp

Saturday, March 15

Scripture: Daniel 9:15-25a

“O Lord our God, you brought lasting honor to your name by rescuing your people from Egypt in a great display of power. But we have sinned and are full of wickedness. In view of all your faithful mercies, Lord, please turn your furious anger away from your city Jerusalem, your holy mountain. All the neighboring nations mock Jerusalem and your people because of our sins and the sins of our ancestors.

“O our God, hear your servant’s prayer! Listen as I plead. For your own sake, Lord, smile again on your desolate sanctuary.

“O my God, lean down and listen to me. Open your eyes and see our despair. See how your city—the city that bears your name—lies in ruins. We make this plea, not because we deserve help, but because of your mercy.

“O Lord, hear. O Lord, forgive. O Lord, listen and act! For your own sake, do not delay, O my God, for your people and your city bear your name.”

I went on praying and confessing my sin and the sin of my people, pleading with the LORD my God for Jerusalem, his holy mountain. As I was praying, Gabriel, whom I had seen in the earlier vision, came swiftly to me at the time of the evening sacrifice. He explained to me, “Daniel, I have come here to give you insight and understanding. The moment you began praying, a command was given.And now I am here to tell you what it was, for you are very precious to God. Listen carefully so that you can understand the meaning of your vision.

“A period of seventy sets of seven has been decreed for your people and your holy city to finish their rebellion, to put an end to their sin, to atone for their guilt, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to confirm the prophetic vision, and to anoint the Most Holy Place. Now listen and understand! Seven sets of seven plus sixty-two sets of seven will pass from the time the command is given to rebuild Jerusalem until a ruler—the Anointed One—comes. Jerusalem will be rebuilt with streets and strong defenses, despite the perilous times.”

Some thoughts:

The reading today is the concluding portion of Daniel’s prayer to the Lord. Daniel had been given a vision concerning the time to come. Interestingly, the message was given by the angel, Gabriel, the same angel who would hundreds of years later speak to Zachariah and Mary. Here again is news concerning the Messiah and Jerusalem. This task seems to be Gabriel’s job. The understanding of his message has been subject to a wide variety of interpretations. Our interest is with his prayer.

This prayer gives us much insight into the act of prayer itself, one of the key themes of the Lenten season along with fasting, and giving to the poor. Notice several things in Daniel’s words: 1) We are reminded of God’s covenant promise to his people. In prayer it is always good to begin with reiterating the great truths about God. It puts our heart and mind into the right context for the rest of our prayer. [cf. Yesterday’s devotional] 2) Daniel confessed his own sin as well as the sins of his people. Moreover, he did not say we’ve made mistakes; we’ve used bad judgment; we should have been wiser, we misread the situation. His words were: we were wicked; we rebelled; we turned away; we did not listen. There is complete admission that we have been in the wrong.

In looking at today’s pericope we read the expression of a truly repentant heart and one of the most touching passages in Scripture. We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, hear and act! For your sake, O my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name. Note the thrice appeal. There are few three’s in the Bible, this is one of them. It is worth reflecting on these appeals in light of the Trinity. We also see that the fervent prayer of a righteous person avails much (James 5:16). Daniel’s prayer moved heaven itself. What does all this tell us? Prayer is effective in the courts of heaven and on earth. There are times when God is moved to action by our prayers. Gabriel’s words to Daniel were the moment you began praying, a command was given. Prayer is not limited to earthly chronological time. Keep praying God’s timetable. In his prayer, Daniel was given God’s perspective on the situation since he had been reading Jeremiah’s prophecy prior to beginning this prayer (Dan.9:2-3). As you pray today for those things on your heart, listen for God’s perspective in the Scriptures. What has he put on your heart. Pray for that. You may have to sit, be quiet, and meditate on his word.

Hymn: “Sweet Hour of Prayer,” Radiance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ph43J3pnBDo

Prayer: God of compassion, you are slow to anger and full of mercy, welcoming sinners who return to you with penitent hearts. Receive in your loving embrace all who come home to you. We confess that we have been wayward children. We have disobeyed your commands; our ears have been deaf to your call; our hearts have been cold to your love. In thought, in word, and in deed, in attitude we have hurt others and dishonored your name. Our sin is against you. Receive us yet again as your beloved children, not because we are worthy but for the sake of him who loved us and gave himself for us. Amen. -Anonymous

Friday, March 14

Scripture: Psalm 77:10-15

And I said, “This is my fate;

the Most High has turned his hand against me.”

But then I recall all you have done, O Lord;

I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago.

They are constantly in my thoughts.

I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works.

O God, your ways are holy.

Is there any god as mighty as you?

You are the God of great wonders!

You demonstrate your awesome power among the nations.

By your strong arm, you redeemed your people,

the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.

Some Thoughts

Asaph, the author of this psalm had nearly given up on God. His words? This is my fate; the Most High has turned his hand against me. Have you ever felt that God is working against you? There is no worse feeling than concluding that someone has given up on you . . . especially when it’s you. It’s even worse when that someone is God. What’s the use? It’s over. We’ve made too big a mess. It can’t be fixed. Even in that state, if we’re honest, we’re hoping for a deep down miracle of someone changing their mind about us or that the situation will miraculously turn around or melt away. “The Most High has turned his hand against me . . .” Is there a way to be convinced that God hasn’t slammed the door on us?

There is the famous little three letter word “but” followed by “recall”. Yes, in those moments of greatest doubt and discouragement, let history come to the rescue. History is much longer than the time you are in and may also provide a better perspective than you have in this moment. Why do you think that throughout the entire Old Testament God continually reminded the people to recite their history? I’m indebted to Dennis Prager for this thought. Memory permeates faith. No memory, no faith. Memory permeates gratitude. No memory, no gratitude. God commanded that his people remember certain feasts for that very purpose (Passover, Pentecost, Tabernacles).

On top of that, God has selective memory and so should we. He cannot remember sin, but he does remember his covenant. In moments of greatest doubt go to what you know is true from the past. The psalmist writes “I recall all you have done O Lord.” Truth filled history adjusts and corrects current perspective. The psalmist lets God’s past action permeate his mind. “I cannot stop thinking about . . . they are constantly in my thoughts.”

There is another thing to note about this psalm. Our passage begins with verse ten. The first nine verses you haven’t read are a cry from one who feels forgotten by God. Verse ten, our beginning sums up the first nine verses. Once the psalmist moves from his perspective to God’s history things change. The last four verses which we do not have, name specific acts of redemption of the people’s history with God

The next time you are low and are convinced God has forgotten you, stick a big “but” in the middle of your thoughts. Then shift your thinking and remember God’s actions toward you in the past. Let his past work in your life permeate your mind. As you remember God’s actions, you’ll most likely hear his voice talking to you reminding you what is true. God will never forget you.

Music: “Come Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy,” Fernando Ortega

Prayer:

Give us, O Lord, steadfast hearts, which no unworthy thought can drag downwards; unconquered hearts, which no tribulation can wear out; upright hearts, which no unworthy purpose may tempt aside. Bestow upon us also, O Lord God, understanding to know you, diligence to seek you, wisdom to find you, and a faithfulness that may finally embrace you, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

―Thomas à Kempis, 1380-1471

Thursday, March 13

Scripture: Psalm 121

I look up to the mountains—

does my help come from there?

My help comes from the Lord,

who made heaven and earth!

He will not let you stumble;

the one who watches over you will not slumber.

Indeed, he who watches over Israel

never slumbers or sleeps.

The Lord himself watches over you!

The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade.

The sun will not harm you by day,

nor the moon at night.

The Lord keeps you from all harm

and watches over your life.

The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go,

both now and forever.

Some Thoughts

You have read at different times in the First Testament how the pagans worshiped in “high places” and on hilltops under spreading trees. Why? The reason is in order to be closer to the gods! This idolatrous cultic practice on mountains had an unhealthy attraction for God’s people. The opening of this psalm could be read as a rhetorical question expecting a negative answer. Your help does not come from gods worshiped on mountain tops. Your help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth and the mountains!

This psalm is an underscoring of Genesis 1:1. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Though this great Creator God created all that exists, he is still concerned and cares about you. He is always tuned to his creation for he never slumbers or sleeps. Think about it. Our God is always awake dialed into everything going on in his creation in all parts of everywhere in the known and unknown worlds since before time began. It’s exhausting even thinking about it. And God does all of this without expending himself in any way. He never tires. He never has a pause. He watches over nations and over you and me right now.

The sun and the moon were objects of cultic worship in those days and in our day in New Age thought as well, so the psalmist makes clear the Lord is master of both sun and moon. They have no power as gods in any way. You need not fear them. The Lord’s eye is on you at all times and in all places.

On a little different note, this psalm is similar to many Hebrew psalms in that it is antiphonally conceived. The poetry of the psalms is not of words rhyming, but of parallel thoughts. The speaker in verse one asks a question. Another speaker (verse two) answers the question. Sometimes the response adds to or restates the first idea in different words (v.3 & 4) or adds information or explanation (v.5 & 6 and 7 & 8). If someone is with you as you read this, you may want to go back and reread the psalm antiphonally. For several thousand years these particular verses have been heard as people ascended to Jerusalem to worship on Mt. Moriah.

The people traveled to Jerusalem to the Temple to worship God, the Temple being located on Mt. Moriah. God’s Holy Name hovered over the Ark in the Temple. God’s presence had come down to the people. Jesus was crucified and gave his life on Mt. Moriah. Yes, our help comes from the Lord. The people didn’t go to the mountain to get close to god, God came to the mountain to redeem the people.

Whatever it is going on in your life today notice God and the verbs in this psalm. “Help comes from the Lord; He will not let you; he watches over you; he watches over Israel; Lord himself watches over you; Lord stands beside you; Lord keeps you from all harm; watches over your life; Lord keeps watch over you. Do you get the idea that God is looking out for you? Rest well in his peace.

Music: “He Watching Over Israel,” Robert Shaw

Prayer:

Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord, my soul to keep. If I should die before I wake, pray the Lord my soul to take. Amen.

―My bedtime prayer in my childhood. (I always slept well!) Daniel Sharp

Wednesday, March 12

Scripture: Exodus 34:1-9; 27-28

Then the Lord told Moses, “Chisel out two stone tablets like the first ones. I will write on them the same words that were on the tablets you smashed. Be ready in the morning to climb up Mount Sinai and present yourself to me on the top of the mountain. No one else may come with you. In fact, no one is to appear anywhere on the mountain. Do not even let the flocks or herds graze near the mountain.”

So Moses chiseled out two tablets of stone like the first ones. Early in the morning, he climbed Mount Sinai as the Lord had commanded him, and he carried the two stone tablets in his hands. Then the Lord came down in a cloud and stood there with him; and he called out his own name, Yahweh. The Lord passed in front of Moses, calling out,

“Yahweh! The Lord!

The God of compassion and mercy!

I am slow to anger

and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.

I lavish unfailing love to a thousand generations.

I forgive iniquity, rebellion, and sin.

But I do not excuse the guilty.

I lay the sins of the parents upon their children and grandchildren;

the entire family is affected—

even children in the third and fourth generations.”

Moses immediately threw himself to the ground and worshiped. And he said, “O Lord, if it is true that I have found favor with you, then please travel with us. Yes, this is a stubborn and rebellious people, but please forgive our iniquity and our sins. Claim us as your own special possession.”

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write down all these instructions, for they represent the terms of the covenant I am making with you and with Israel.”

Moses remained there on the mountain with the Lord forty days and forty nights. In all that time he ate no bread and drank no water. And the Lord wrote the terms of the covenant—the Ten Commandments—on the stone tablets.

Some Thoughts

In Hebrew the Ten Commandments are simply called “The Ten Words.” These are the only things we’ve ever had in God’s own handwriting. They were designed to be memorized―ten words, ten fingers. Easy to remember. There are some significant things to note here. There were two sets of tablets that went into the Ark of the Covenant, one to remind the people of what God said and one to remind God of his covenant with his people. These words were given specifically to God’s Covenant people as indicated in the preface. I am YHWH, your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt. Memory is so key to exercising faith.

Like Moses’ previous trip up Mt. Sinai to meet God, we are reminded of God’s holiness with the prohibition of anyone or any animal entering the holy ground. God descended in a cloud, the cloud being a biblical indication of God’s presence (E.g. a pillar of fire and cloud to lead Israel, a cloud at the Transfiguration, a cloud at the Ascension). In the Scripture preceding this pericope, Moses had a rather pointed conversation with God regarding God’s presence among his people. Moses asked God to show him his presence (Ex.33:18). (This is the place where God hid Moses in a crack in the rock and he saw the backside of God as God passed by.) Moses desperately sought God’s presence with his people.

To better understand “The Ten Words,” it would be better to view them as God’s description of what a community in covenant with himself should look like. This covenant relationship with God dealt in reality. Daniel Block writes, “We should interpret this document not as a law code but as a foundational covenant document, intended to create a picture of life within the community of faith governed by covenant principles.” (For the Glory of God, p.85) Our response to the Ten Commandments should grow out of our relationship with God rather than attempting to look at them as simply a set of legalistic rules to follow. This perspective does not lessen their force or impact, but it does put them into a context of relationship with God, their original context and purpose.

What does all this have to do with Lent? In this season, “The Ten Words” admonish us to treat others with great care. Contrary to our world with its great concern with marches for “my rights,” have you noticed the concern of “The Ten Words” is for others to be treated fairly, treated well, and with selfless compassion. The first four are concerned with treating God, the next six are for treating others. Notably missing is treating ourselves. Apparently, contrary to all our private wishes, we are not the center of the universe! Again, as we journey to the cross with our Savior, who, out of his great love put aside his rights and privilege and lay down his life that we all might have life. Where can you lay down your life for others today?

Music: “Go Down Moses,” Sam Robson God is in the business of redeeming his people, then and now.

Prayer:

Why is it, Lord, that we think trying to keep rules is enough? It’s so easy to be a Pharisee and feel good about ourselves because we haven’t done anything terrible, at least terrible in our eyes. We look at other people and we aren’t as rude as that driver, or as foul mouthed as that co-worker, or as self-centered as our neighbor. We don’t talk about ourselves all the time when we are with others. We’re doing OK. We do break the Ten Words occasionally, but not too bad and so far have avoided the really bad ones. But Lord, our hearts are dull toward you. Too often we read the Bible more from obligation rather than to converse with you or to hear your voice. We may pray when we think of it, but we seldom encounter you in our prayers. Lord this prayer is more me than I wish. God of mercy, forgive my foolish ways. May my heart burn for you. Don’t let me stay the same, please. Help me to live our covenant as you summarized in the two greatest commandments, love you and love my neighbor. May my living out our relationship express our being of one mind, your mind living in and through me. In my Savior’s glorious name. Amen.

―Daniel Sharp

Tuesday, March 11

Scripture: Hebrews 4:14-5:10

So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

Every high priest is a man chosen to represent other people in their dealings with God. He presents their gifts to God and offers sacrifices for their sins. And he is able to deal gently with ignorant and wayward people because he himself is subject to the same weaknesses. That is why he must offer sacrifices for his own sins as well as theirs.

And no one can become a high priest simply because he wants such an honor. He must be called by God for this work, just as Aaron was. That is why Christ did not honor himself by assuming he could become High Priest. No, he was chosen by God, who said to him,

“You are my Son.

Today I have become your Father.”

And in another passage God said to him,

“You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”

While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death. And God heard his prayers because of his deep reverence for God. Even though Jesus was God’s Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered. In this way, God qualified him as a perfect High Priest, and he became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey him. And God designated him to be a High Priest in the order of Melchizedek.

Some Thoughts

Yesterday we spent some time underscoring why Jesus had to take on human flesh in order to accomplish his ultimate purpose. Today we read further of his unique position as a human being to bridge sinful humans and a holy God. As you read this, Jesus is our flesh and blood in heaven right now. The perfect, sinless human Son of God is in heaven interceding on our behalf. What is more is that he is our High Priest. There are some things we need to be reminded of in regard to this position.

The High Priest must be appointed by God. Aaron, Miriam, and Moses did not make a family decision that Moses would be the leader, Aaron would be the priest, and Miriam would lead the music! There was no election and no lobbying for positions. God chose the person and God gave the qualifications. Such was the case with every high priest. The high priest must be a Levite and from the lineage of Aaron. He had to be a male and one of the people . . . another reason for the humanity of Jesus. The position was for life.

As you know, the high priest entered the Holy of Holies one day a year after having offered sacrifices for his own sin, the sins of his family and then for the sins of the people. On the Day of Atonement, only the high priest could offer sacrifices on behalf of the people. The people could not make sacrifices on behalf of themselves. In Jesus, whose earthly descendants were from the tribe of Judah, we have a High Priest who was named to this position by God even though he was not of the lineage of Aaron, but in the order of Melchizedek.

A brief word about Melchizedek may be helpful. His name means “king of righteousness.” Melchizedek was not a Jew, in fact there is no record of his ancestry, no beginning no ending of his life. He was king of Salem (Jerusalem= king of peace). He was also a priest of God Most High. In Melchizedek’s blessing of Abram, whose descendant centuries later was the God appointed high priest, Aaron, indicates the superiority of Melchizedek ranking above Aaron’s priesthood. The fact that Abram also paid a tithe to Melchizedek demonstrates the same truth.

In Jesus’ case, the high priestly position in the order of Melchizedek is for all eternity. Jesus’ role as an eternal high priest fulfills the Old Testament Law perfectly. Because of his humanity, Jesus is the perfect High Priest because he understands the challenges humans face regarding the temptation to sin since he himself faced everything we face. We are invited to come to him again and again with our struggles and intercessions knowing he understands perfectly. Have you noticed how Jesus never presumes anything in relation to his Father? Because he is the Son of God, he never says, “Because I’m who I AM, I get a pass. God’s rules don’t apply to me.” As the Son of God, he always submits to his Father. Our big brother doesn’t pull executive privilege. Remember, you have a high priest who continually intercedes on your behalf and a priest who will hear your confessions day or night. Ask the living Christ in you this day to shape your heart and mind even as he prays for you.

Music: “I Need Thee Every Hour,” Sam Robson

I know I’ve used this one in other years. Sam communicates our need for our High Priest interceding on our behalf beautifully.

Prayer:

O God of my delight, Thy throne of grace is the pleasure ground of my soul. Here I obtain mercy in time of need, here see the smile of thy reconciled face, here joy pleads the name of Jesus, here I sharpen the sword of the Spirit, anoint the shield of faith, put on the helmet of salvation, gather manna from thy Word, am strengthened for each conflict, nerved for the upward race, empowered to conquer every foe. Help me to come to Christ my High Priest, my Intercessor, as the fountain head of descending blessings, as a wide-open floodgate of mercy. I marvel at my insensate folly, that with such enriching favors within my reach I am so slow to extend the hand to take them. Have mercy upon my deadness for thy name’s sake. Quicken me, stir me, fill me with holy zeal. Strengthen me that I may cling to thee and not let thee go. May thy Spirit within me draw all blessings from thy hand. When I advance not, I backslide. Let me walk humbly because of good omitted and evil done. Impress on my mind the shortness of time, the work to be engaged in, the account to be rendered, the nearness of eternity, the fearful sin of despising thy Spirit. May I never forget that thy eye always sees, thy ear always hears, thy recording hand always writes. May I never give thee rest until Christ is the pulse of my heart, the spokesman of my lips, the lamp of my feet.

―The Valley of Vision, p.150, adapted Daniel Sharp

Monday, March 10

Scripture: Hebrews 2:10-18

God, for whom and through whom everything was made, chose to bring many children into glory. And it was only right that he should make Jesus, through his suffering, a perfect leader, fit to bring them into their salvation.

So now Jesus and the ones he makes holy have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters. For he said to God,

“I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters.

I will praise you among your assembled people.”

He also said,

“I will put my trust in him,”

that is, “I and the children God has given me.”

Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying.

We also know that the Son did not come to help angels; he came to help the descendants of Abraham. Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested.

Some Thoughts

We’ve seen pleas on commercials for people to adopt homeless pets. Adoption is a unique process and a wonderful old concept. One may adopt a dog, but by adopting you don’t become part of the dog’s family pedigree. You can love a dog, but you can’t become a dog. When you get sick, you don’t go to the vet. And the dog, in spite of what some people think, can’t become human!

I don’t know if you’ve ever given it thought as to why Jesus became a human being. In all other religions, the god remains distant, separated from this world. There is no relational, personal, or physical human dimension in any of these gods. Face-to-face encounters are not possible. One of the great challenges to those of the Jewish faith is the reconciling of God who is Spirit with a human Jesus who claims to be God incarnate, God with human flesh, and not just human flesh, but also completely human in every way. The above Scripture is profound. If God were not completely human in every way, then the sacrificial death would be a faux sacrifice. A spiritual god dying a spiritual death would not solve the human problem.

Looking at things from the human side, if humans were to become brothers and sisters of our Lord, then the Lord would truly have to become one of us in order that we might be able to be adopted. Dogs and people are not of the same family. Heaven and earth are not of the same family unless . . . heaven condescends to earth . . . unless the spiritual takes on flesh and blood, born of a virgin woman. The conception had to come from God the Spirit in order to unite the two worlds.

The glorious truth is that now, death is forever defeated as, by the power of God, the God-Man, Jesus was raised from the grave destroying the devil’s power over death. Notice also this passage has no bearing on angels which are not human beings. This comment reflects a clarifying factor for the Jewish readers who held angels in highest esteem. The portion you read is part of a larger discussion the author is writing regarding the superiority of Jesus over angelic beings. In this season we are reminded anew of the humanity of Jesus and his dealing with all the temptations and struggles of this life of ours. He knows; he’s experienced it. He is able to help us, even this day. He’s adopted us into his family and signed the papers with his blood.

Music: “Jesus, Lover of My Soul,” Fernando Ortega

Prayer:

Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior, who has taken up our humanity to be seated at the right hand of God the Father, we bow before you again this day with hearts filled with gratitude. That you have willingly laid aside the glories of heaven to become one of us in human flesh for the purpose of restoring the whole world, is truly more than we can ever comprehend. It is beyond our imagination or conception as to what the heavenly realm is like as we have only veiled and shadowy thoughts at this point. We can only think like humans but it is still hard for us to truly grasp. Maybe when we are in heaven with you, we may have greater understanding and comprehension of your great love. But as one of your followers, Jesus, in your humbling to become one of us as our brother, we offer our deepest gratitude for adopting us into God’s immortal family. All praise and glory to you, one God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, world without end. Amen. ―Daniel Sharp

Sunday, March 9 First Sunday in Lent

Scripture: Matthew 4:1-11

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry.

During that time the devil came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.”

But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say,

‘People do not live by bread alone,

but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

Then the devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say,

‘He will order his angels to protect you.

And they will hold you up with their hands

so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’”

Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’”

Next the devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. “I will give it all to you,” he said, “if you will kneel down and worship me.”

“Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say,

‘You must worship the Lord your God

and serve only him.’”

Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus.

Some Thoughts

Yesterday we heard Jesus’ words regarding one who would cause another to sin and how it would be better for that person to be drowned in the depths of the sea. In the passage you just read, we see the devil occupying that position as one tempting Jesus to sin. This was not Satan’s first attempt to thwart God’s plan of redemption, though his goal and his tactics are always the same . . . bring death and separation from God. In the Garden of Eden the temptation concerned food (the fruit of the tree) the physical need; testing God’s word (Did God really say?); tempting to distrust God; and worship (“you will be like God”); self-rule. The devil’s desire to be God and to be worshiped, “I will be like the Most High,” got him kicked out of heaven (Is.14:13-14; Ezek. 28:14-17).

The Second Adam, Jesus’, food was nourishment from the word of God (1 Cor. 15:45-49). To Jesus spiritual sustenance was more important than physical satisfaction as was trusting his Father for daily bread. Jesus always did his Father’s will. Secondly, rather than frivolously test God, Jesus trusted God’s word of protection. And finally, rather than worship the devil, Jesus would not live apart from his Father’s will and humbled himself and worshiped and served his Father in obedience. The First Adam in the Garden fell and did something to us, he brought death. The Second Adam triumphed over the devil and did something for us, he brought eternal life. Remember, the devil’s ultimate goal is to drive a wedge and separate you from God. Anything to accomplish that is fair game, even good things.

The devil is relentless both then and now. He tried to kill Jesus at his birth. He tempted Jesus in this passage. Through Peter’s words, he sought to convince Jesus not to give his life as a ransom for sin eliciting Jesus’ strongest rebuke to Peter, “Get behind me Satan!” (Matthew 16:23). Perhaps the final time of testing Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane as Jesus sweat great drops of blood coming to his conclusion, “Not my will, but thine be done.” Once again, as he had throughout his earthly life, Jesus submitted to his Father’s will. Would that we had as much love for the Father. Make no mistake, the devil continues to create as much havoc as possible on this planet and seems to be doing a good job. In our world of competing ideas, values, and viewpoints, remember Jesus’ words above all other words, “It is written . . .” Stay in the Scriptures each day as you converse with the Lord. It behooves us to know “what is written.”

Music: “What Wondrous Love Is This,” Chelsea Moon with Franz Brothers

Prayer:

Give me, O Lord, a steadfast heart which no unworthy affection may drag downwards;

Give me an unconquered heart which no tribulation can wear out;

Give me an upright heart which no unworthy purpose may tempt aside.

Bestow on me also, O Lord my God, understanding to know you, diligence to seek you, wisdom to find you, and a faithfulness that may finally embrace you, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. ―Thomas Aquinas 1225-1274

Saturday, March 8

*Be sure to read the Preface if you haven’t.

Scripture: Matthew 18:1-7

About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?”

Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them. Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.

“And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me. But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea.

“What sorrow awaits the world, because it tempts people to sin. Temptations are inevitable, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting.”

Some Thoughts

It’s important to know something of the context of this passage from Matthew. Just prior to this time Peter, James, and John had been with Jesus on the mountain when he was transfigured in their presence and the four of them were joined by Moses and Elijah in a most remarkable encounter. On the way down the mountain, Jesus told them to say nothing about what they had experienced.

I have to wonder if they kept their mouths shut. Peter, as well as the brothers James and John, apparently spent more time with Jesus than the other nine disciples. When you recall that James’ and John’s mother asked Jesus if her boys could sit on his right and left sides in the kingdom and the negative reaction that followed from the rest of the disciples, we may get the idea that there may have been some jealousy and rivalry among the men from time to time. At this point they still did not fully grasp Jesus’ mission on earth.

We then come to the passage you just read and their question to Jesus as to who was the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. Notice how Jesus defined greatness. The disciples were ambitiously thinking position and power, responsibility and authority will define greatness. Dismissing those attributes, Jesus defined greatness along the character side of things: transparency, humility, repentance, dependance, and trust as to keys of greatness. And this mind set simply marked entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus pointed out that the disciples clearly need to repent of their heart attitudes. He taught it is childlike faith which establishes greatness. Have you noticed how Jesus is always more interested in character and actions of the heart than he is in position or power?

This is a season for us to examine our own hearts. What do we give great value in our own lives? Is it our position, our reputation, our knowledge, our resources, our prestige, our goals, or our family? Jesus is most interested in your heart attitude toward him. He confronted the disciples more than once on this issue. He also made it very clear that to cause another person with a childlike, humble, trusting heart to fall into sin is very grave to the point of your being better off dead. This day give yourself to transparency, humility, repentance, and trust to the Lord as you interact with all those with whom you come in contact. One of simplest, most profound summaries of childlike faith is: “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.”

Music: “Jesus Loves Me,” Whitney Houston

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, we have to admit that sometimes, like the disciples, we chase work, ambition, success, pleasure, and a host of other things and neglect a childlike faith. Humility is hard for us. What if people don’t notice what we’ve done or given? All too often we do things so we can tell others what we’ve done. Forgive our childish ways and give us child-like innocence. But we do love you and just get off track from time to time. We know you love us in our unfaithfulness and pride, because your word tells us you are faithful even when we are faithless toward you. We confess our tendency to drift from a dependent, tender trust in you. Forgive our foolish ways as we seek once again to draw near to you this day. In the name of Jesus who is strong when we are weak. Amen.

—Daniel Sharp

Friday, March 7

*Be sure to read the Preface if you haven’t.

Scripture: Jonah 3:10-4:11

When God saw what they had done and how they had put a stop to their evil ways, he changed his mind and did not carry out the destruction he had threatened.

This change of plans greatly upset Jonah, and he became very angry. So he complained to the Lord about it: “Didn’t I say before I left home that you would do this, Lord? That is why I ran away to Tarshish! I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying people. Just kill me now, Lord! I’d rather be dead than alive if what I predicted will not happen.”

The Lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry about this?”

Then Jonah went out to the east side of the city and made a shelter to sit under as he waited to see what would happen to the city. And the Lord God arranged for a leafy plant to grow there, and soon it spread its broad leaves over Jonah’s head, shading him from the sun. This eased his discomfort, and Jonah was very grateful for the plant.

But God also arranged for a worm! The next morning at dawn the worm ate through the stem of the plant so that it withered away. And as the sun grew hot, God arranged for a scorching east wind to blow on Jonah. The sun beat down on his head until he grew faint and wished to die. “Death is certainly better than living like this!” he exclaimed.

Then God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry because the plant died?”

“Yes,” Jonah retorted, “even angry enough to die!”

Then the Lord said, “You feel sorry about the plant, though you did nothing to put it there. It came quickly and died quickly. But Nineveh has more than 120,000 people living in spiritual darkness, not to mention all the animals. Shouldn’t I feel sorry for such a great city?”

Some Thoughts

One of the central themes of the Lenten season is that of repentance; in fact, it should be a central theme of the Christian life. You have just read the tail end of a familiar story, with three characters: the narrator, God, and the beleaguered prophet Jonah. God called Jonah to go to Nineveh and preach repentance. To Jonah’s great disappointment, the people listened to his message and repented en masse . . . even the animals wore sack cloth! There are several interesting questions here: Shouldn’t Jonah have been pleased that the people repented? Do animals live in spiritual darkness? What’s the point of the withering plant? Why did Jonah so resist his mission from God? Those would be interesting discussions, but the question I want to reflect on is in the very first verse we read, “When God saw what they had done . . . he changed his mind and did not carry out the destruction he had threatened.” Does an omnipotent God change his mind? And what are the ramifications? What does that say about God?

One of the principles of Scripture in dealing with a question like this is to ask, are there any similar situations in other parts of the Bible. There is the instance of Noah and the flood where God regretted that he had made man and wiped out all the people save eight and started over. Think of Moses coming down from Mt. Sinai with the Ten Commandments and the Israelites worshiping the golden calf. God told Moses he would wipe out Israel and start over with Moses himself and rebuild the nation. Moses argued with God on behalf of the people and God changed his mind (Ex. 32:14). Notice God is not afraid when we push back. The Hebrew expression, nihem ‘al, is “to regret, to change one’s mind.” In these passages in both Exodus and Jonah, it is a case of God’s changing his mind from negative to positive. In Noah’s case, God’s regret did not lead to his changing his mind to destroy what he had created and start over from a man he viewed as righteous. A final judgment for all creation lies ahead following Christ’s return.

Though more complex than we have space for here, we need to avoid extreme interpretations. God changing his mind does not mean he is out of control nor that he is surprised by what happens. We must likewise not assume the two instances we cited are merely hypothetical. While God is sovereign above all and immutable in his character, omniscient, and unchanging, he is likewise dynamic and relational and loves his people with great passion. His heart can be broken (Gen. 6:6). According to Scripture as evidenced in these situations, when people repent and turn from their wicked ways, God can change his response. What does that say to us? Earnest, fervent prayer moves the heart of God when people pray for those threatened with judgment. Pray for repentance throughout the land.

Music: ““Hear My Prayer O Lord,” Purcell Voces8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74Q33UL7ugc

Prayer:

O our God, hear your servant’s prayer! Listen as I plead. For your own sake, Lord, smile again on your desolate world. O my God, lean down and listen to me. Open your eyes and see our despair. See how your world—the creation that you made—lies in ruins. We make this plea, not because we deserve help, but because of your mercy. O Lord, hear. O Lord, forgive. O Lord, listen and act! For your own sake, do not delay, O my God, for your people and your whole created order, forgive our determined rebellion and repeated rejection of you. We have greatly sinned and repent of our evil ways. We have not loved as we ought; we have not valued babies waiting to be born; we have failed to care for the poor as we should; we have twisted the clear truth of your word to satisfy our own bent desires. We have become arrogant. O Lord, hear, O Lord forgive. This we pray through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. ―adapted from Daniel 9. Daniel Sharp

Thursday, March 6

*Be sure to read the Preface if you haven’t.

Scripture: Romans 1:1-7

This letter is from Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, chosen by God to be an apostle and sent out to preach his Good News. God promised this Good News long ago through his prophets in the holy Scriptures. The Good News is about his Son.

In his earthly life he was born into King David’s family line,

and he was shown to be the Son of God

when he was raised from the dead

by the power of the Holy Spirit.

He is Jesus Christ our Lord.

Through Christ, God has given us the privilege and authority as apostles to tell Gentiles everywhere what God has done for them, so that they will believe and obey him, bringing glory to his name.

And you are included among those Gentiles who have been called to belong to Jesus Christ. I am writing to all of you in Rome who are loved by God and are called to be his own holy people.

May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.

Some Thoughts

What is your purpose in life? Why are you on earth? To enjoy life? Live comfortably? Stay healthy? Make enough money to retire? Advance in your occupation? Find someone to love? Get married? Have children? Have a great career? It’s Lent, a time to reflect on how life is going in relation to our journey with Jesus on his way to the cross, namely living and dying to self, day by day. In the words of Irenaeus (130-202 AD) “The Son of God became what we are, that we might become what He is.” In his opening statement, Paul makes clear to the Romans his calling by God and his purpose in life, namely that of preaching the gospel as a servant of Christ. He then quotes what some scholars believe may have been a hymn or creed of the early church. The parallel structure of the Greek writing is decidedly different from the rest of this letter as noted above. Paul had not started a church in Rome at this point and actually did not know the people he was writing to so he laid out the gospel in his salutation.

I want to focus a bit on the very last part of this passage: “you who are loved by God and are called to be his own holy people.” As followers of Christ, we are called to be a holy people. P.T. Forsyth commented, “The miracle of the Incarnation is not [merely] the Word made flesh, but the Holy made sin for us.” He was our sin dying on the cross. Part of the focus of the journey of Lent is that we might grow in holiness, not only individually but corporately as the body of Christ, that our churches may also grow in holiness. Christianity is not “Jesus and me.” We are his Body, the Church universal through the ages. Just as we do not become more humble by our human effort, we cannot become more holy by trying to be holy. It is only when we are filled with the mind of Christ living in us that true humility and holiness flourish. We are all called to be his holy people. Absorb him in his word each day and we will increasingly, in the words of Irenaeus, “become what he is.”

Music: “Holy, Holy, Holy” Audrey Assad https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgHrNNM23p8

Prayer:

God, my God, I am all weakness, but Thou art my Strength; I am ever anew bowed down by any trial, but Thou can and wills to lift me up. Let me not fail, O God my Strength; let me not be discouraged, O God, my Hope. Draw me each day, if it be but a little nearer unto Thee; make me, each day, if it be but a little less unlike Thee; let me do or bear each day something, for love of Thee, whereby I may be fitter for Thee. Let no day pass without my having done something pleasing unto Thee. Thus alone would I live, that I may live more unto Thee, becoming more like unto Thee; thus would I die, longing to love thee more. Amen.

―Edward Pusey, 1800-1882, Prayers Ancient and Modern, p.88.

LENT 2025

A Journey with Jesus

The Preface

Today marks the beginning of Lent, a forty day, six-week period leading up to Easter Sunday. Six weeks is forty-two days, but since Sundays were not fast days, that leaves only thirty-six fast days so four more days were added, thus Lent always begins on a Wednesday, Ash Wednesday.

The Lenten season while reflective is not morbid. Prayer, fasting, and giving to those in need are themes, but the heart of the focus is on Jesus’ journey to the cross and his taking on our dust and solving our mortal problem, our death. “From dust you came to dust you will return” (Gen. 3:19). As C.S. Lewis commented, “100 percent of us die, and the percentage cannot be increased.” Well, yes and no. You will die physically at some point, but that’s not the end. God has the last word and it is not death for those who die in Christ Jesus. A better word for Christians is departure. You depart this life for your life beyond death. The daily devotionals over the next six weeks will reflect on these truths.

It is important to understand the meaning and purpose of this season. For some people being reminded about death and having to “give something up” are their primary thoughts regarding Lent . . . and are two good reasons to think about something else. The root of the word “lent” simply means “spring” new life, buds, blossoms, the end of the long winter. Sounds more like life than death to me. Though observing a season of fasting and prayer were practiced regularly during the first centuries of the church, the days prior to Easter were initially devoted to the final preparations for those being baptized into a new life in Christ. The primary time for baptisms in the early centuries of the church was on Easter Sunday. As Christianity was made legal, by the fourth century we began to see more widespread evidence of a six-week period of preparation for Easter by the whole Christian community, with fasting, almsgiving, and prayer being key elements (Matthew 6:1-13). You see, Lent is not a Roman Catholic thing or having to give something up as many people believe. It is a time of taking spiritual inventory in our walk with Jesus as we look to him.

The heart of the Christian faith is our participation in the life, suffering, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus as Lord. While Advent is concerned with the final Judgment, the Incarnation, and the birth of Jesus in history, this season points us to the price paid for our redemption. During these coming days may we grow spiritually through repentance, prayer, fasting, giving, and reflecting on our walk with Christ and his incomparable demonstration of his love for all he created. We might even think of it as a spiritual spring cleaning to a degree.

A short word about the Scripture passages themselves. The Bible was written originally without chapters and verse numbers. With that in mind, I left out the verse numbers so that it reads a little differently. I find it easier to grasp the whole thought this way. I trust you will find the same. The translation I used is the New Living Translation. The music we have chosen comes from a wide variety of sources and ensembles simply reflecting the wonder and creativity of God’s handiwork. No music you hear or see is original, the composers and musicians have merely arranged the musical notes God made.

One final word, feel free to pass the link along to family, friends, and co-workers around the country and the world who may benefit from these devotionals. The link to subscribe is: sharpdevotional.com. It’s that simple and thank you for subscribing and passing the link along! Then they will receive the emails in their boxes each morning at 5:00 EST. Of course subscribing is free.

March 5, Ash Wednesday

*Be sure to read the Preface if you haven’t.

Scripture: Joel 1:1-2, 12-17

Blow the trumpet in Zion;

sound the alarm on my holy hill.

Let all who live in the land tremble,

for the day of the Lord is coming.

It is close at hand—

a day of darkness and gloom,

a day of clouds and blackness.

Like dawn spreading across the mountains

a large and mighty army comes,

such as never was in ancient times

nor ever will be in ages to come.

“Even now,” declares the Lord,

“return to me with all your heart,

with fasting and weeping and mourning.”

Rend your heart

and not your garments.

Return to the Lord your God,

for he is gracious and compassionate,

slow to anger and abounding in love,

and he relents from sending calamity.

Who knows? He may turn and relent

and leave behind a blessing—

grain offerings and drink offerings

for the Lord your God.

Blow the trumpet in Zion,

declare a holy fast,

call a sacred assembly.

Gather the people,

consecrate the assembly;

bring together the elders,

gather the children,

those nursing at the breast.

Let the bridegroom leave his room

and the bride her chamber.

Let the priests, who minister before the Lord,

weep between the portico and the altar.

Let them say, “Spare your people, Lord.

Do not make your inheritance an object of scorn,

a byword among the nations.

Why should they say among the peoples,

‘Where is their God?’”

Some Thoughts

Have you noticed how many things are bad for your health or you should be doing what you are not doing? Whatever is the best for you or your health, you are not doing it and need to change your ways. That’s called advertisement! We’re told that sugar is not good for you, so you need to get this product. You also need to drink a gallon of water a day. Some form of cholesterol is good for you but there is also bad cholesterol. Some forms of fat are beneficial and other forms are detrimental. Bottom line: if you do this and this, you’ll live longer. According to yearly studies, the five leading causes of death in 2024 were: heart disease, cancer, accidents, respiratory diseases and strokes. While I’m all for good health and living as long as possible, I have my own unofficial study as to the three leading causes of death. Number three is disease, old age is number two, and the leading cause of death, (tada!!) . . . is life! Life brings on death 100% of the time without fail. But good news! There is a cure. The season of Lent addresses the problem.

On Ash Wednesday we are reminded at least once a year of the ultimate statistic and this absolute truth, you will die. The actual number of deaths per 1,000 people is 1,000. The passage we read in Joel gives warning that the final day on earth does come, but also that life continues after death. Life in this world is not all there is. Joel urges his people and us to repent and turn to the Lord while there is still time. “Tear your hearts, not your garments.” One of the demonstrable signs of repenting and mourning was the tearing of garments (E.g. Esther 4:1). The prophet gives an impassioned plea for his people to turn their hearts to the Lord. The Lord wants your whole heart. That is also our plea as we begin this season of Lent. Let us come to our Savior with pliable, humble hearts, tuned to the fragile nature of this life and to the reality of our own mortality. Let go of anything that would hold us back. In the words of C.S. Lewis, “Do not live these days for things in our life that will end when you do.” Praise be to Christ who assures us of life everlasting when we do in fact return to dust on this earth. For the believer, unlike the Garden of Eden, this time our dust will rise from the grave to be transformed into a glorified body and soul which lives forever having been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. We’ll say more about Lent in the coming days.

Music: “Ye People Rend Your Hearts and If with All Your Hearts” Andrew Haji

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fyD4WIsXzw A beautiful setting of this passage from Joel in Mendelssohn’s magnificent oratorio “Elijah.”

Prayer:

Almighty God, you have created us out of the dust of the earth: Grant that ashes may be to us a sign of our mortality and penitence, that we may remember that it is only by your gracious gift that we are given everlasting life through your Son Jesus Christ. Lord God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

―Book of Common Prayer, Ash Wednesday Collect

Monday, Epiphany, January 6

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

2 Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking,²“Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.”

³King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. ⁴He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?”

⁵“In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said, “for this is what the prophet wrote:

⁶‘And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah,
are not least among the ruling cities of Judah,
for a ruler will come from you
who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.’”

⁷Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared. ⁸Then he told them, “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!”

⁹After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. ¹⁰When they saw the star, they were filled with joy!¹¹They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

¹²When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod.

Additional Scriptures: Isaiah 60:1-6; Ephesians 3:1-12; Psalm 72:1-4; 10-14

Some thoughts

We come to the day known as Epiphany, the revealing of Christ to the nations. Epiphany is an older holiday than Christmas Day. When “a light goes on,” we say someone has had an epiphany. New light is shed on something that was previously not seen or recognized. Throughout the Old Testament, it was clear that God would bless his people as they exercised obedience to the law. He had made a covenant with his people. He also said that through Abraham all the families of the earth would be blessed. From time-to-time non-Jews, had a role in the unfolding of God’s plan (E.g. Rahab). But clearly the thinking of the Jews was that God was a God for the Jews. The Gentiles were outside the fold. To be accepted, Gentiles had to submit to Jewish law and practice. This was an issue of discussion in some of the epistles in the New Testament (Acts, Romans, Galatians, Hebrews).

So the visit and worship of the Gentile magi was an epiphany to the Jewish people and everyone else. Non-Jews kneeling and paying tribute to the Messiah, the King of the Jews was revolutionary. The reality set in. Jesus had come as King and Savior for all peoples and nations. The promise to Abraham 2,000 years earlier that all nations would be blessed through his descendants was now a reality. If you read the additional Scriptures listed above, you will see how this visit of the magi was prophesied hundreds of years earlier. God provided a GPS star to guide the magi.

People have surmised there were three wise men based on the three gifts, but as you read, the Scriptures do not specify how many there were or how soon after the birth they arrived. Jesus is referred to in Matthew as a child rather than a baby. It seems most unlikely for a number of reasons that the visit was on the night of Jesus’ birth. Matthew also calls the place of the visitation a house rather than a manger. The fact that Herod’s order was for two years old and younger would seem to mean that there was some delay between the birth and the visit.

Christianity is the most inclusive faith in the world. Jesus Christ came for every human being, every tribe, every nation, all peoples, all culture. Jesus is the Light of the world, the epiphany for all who would believe. In him is no darkness at all.

Music: “We Three Kings of Orient Are” Kings College

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lx35_DRIZ8g

Prayer:

Almighty and everlasting God, the Brightness of faithful souls, fill the world with Thy glory, we pray Thee, and show Thyself, by the radiance of Thy light, to all the nations of the world, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. —Gregorian Sacramentary, A.D. 590

Postscript:

Thank you all for being a part of these past thirty-five days. I trust that the Scriptures have encouraged you in your walk with the Lord as we looked into the Old and New Testaments. But most importantly, I trust you have drawn closer to our great God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and that he has spoken through his words and communed with you day by day. My heart’s desire is that you have established a pattern of opening the Scriptures every day and searched the mind and heart of God that you might grow ever deeper in your love and obedience to our Lord and King. Hopefully Avent to Ashes will be out before long. I’ll keep you informed.

Blessings,

Dan Sharp

dansharp9@gmail.com

Sunday, January 5

Scripture: Hebrews 11:32-12:2

³²How much more do I need to say? It would take too long to recount the stories of the faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets. ³³By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions,³⁴quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight. ³⁵Women received their loved ones back again from death.

But others were tortured, refusing to turn from God in order to be set free. They placed their hope in a better life after the resurrection. ³⁶Some were jeered at, and their backs were cut open with whips. Others were chained in prisons. ³⁷Some died by stoning, some were sawed in half, and others were killed with the sword. Some went about wearing skins of sheep and goats, destitute and oppressed and mistreated. ³⁸They were too good for this world, wandering over deserts and mountains, hiding in caves and holes in the ground.

³⁹All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised. ⁴⁰For God had something better in mind for us, so that they would not reach perfection without us.

12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. ²We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.

Additional Scriptures: Psalm 72; Joshua 1:1-9

Some thoughts

As we have entered a new year while still celebrating the twelve days of Christmas, the last couple of days our Scripture passages have directed our attention to living out our faith. The first part of the chapter looked closely at Moses’ exercise of faith, and then touched on Rahab, a less noble person. Today we have a short and interesting list of people who were also commended for their faith. If you know their stories, you are surprised to see some of their names. Samson was pretty much an impatient playboy. Gideon was a chicken. Jephthah made a rash, foolish promise, which resulted in his daughter’s death. Barak was a wimp. What a class of champions of faith! There is hope for us.

[One of the beauties of the Scriptures is that the writers didn’t sugarcoat anything. Such writing speaks of the authenticity of the people and of faith. Christianity is very believable unlike myths in Hinduism for example where elephants hold the world on their backs while standing on the back of a turtle.]

The writer of Hebrews then moves on to the description of courageous saints who died horrible deaths for their faith. Their love for God and hope for heaven was greater than longing for this world. What is straightforward is that anyone, regardless of status or circumstance, can exercise faith in God. Each of those named earned a good reputation for exhibiting faith. What is abundantly clear is that having faith does not guarantee earthly blessing. Things may not turn out well in this life. The ending is not the point of faith.

Faith does not come in amounts; it is not the determiner of the outcome. Faith cannot be in faith but in another. If it were, then the amount of faith shown would be the determining factor. In other words, the person exhibiting faith would be in a controlling position to affect the result. The controller and mover in faith, however, is not a human being. It is God. And we want it that way. Our faith is in the One who knows the beginning from the end and, a most important thing to always keep in mind, as the writer reminds us, God had something better in mind for us.

Another note, “perfection,” as it is used in Hebrews, does not mean flawless but rather maturity, completion, or reaching a desired goal. Based on all he has written in the previous chapter (the Bible was not broken into chapters), the author says THEREFORE, since all these people are great witnesses to faith, hang in there and keep going with your eyes fixed on Jesus who is the ultimate demonstration of faith and the point the author is driving at.

This translation uses the word champion in referring to Christ’s mission on earth (v.2). Another translation (NIV) uses a more descriptive word, pioneer. Jesus was the pioneer and perfector of our faith. The image is that of a ship in dire fatal trouble and the “pioneer” is the one who takes a rope and jumps overboard and swims to shore to establish a way for those on the ship to follow to make shore safely. Jesus has paved the way to salvation. The truth that Jesus is seated at the right hand of God guarantees our inheritance in heaven. That is why our faith is in Christ alone.

Music: “Silent Night” Sam Robson

www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPjZwEjzhvg

Prayer:

O Lord, Length of days does not profit me except the days are passed in thy presence, in thy service, to thy glory. Give me a grace that precedes, follows, guides, sustains, sanctifies, aids every hour, that I may not be one moment apart from thee, but may rely on thy Spirit to supply every thought, speak every word, direct every step, prosper every work, build up every mote of faith, and give me a desire to show forth thy praise, testify thy love, advance thy kingdom. May thy fear be my awe, thy triumphs my joy. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen. —The Valley of Vision, p.112

PS. The “Twelve Days of Christmas” ends today. This evening is known as “the Twelfth Night.”

Saturday, January 4

Scripture: Hebrews 11:23-31

²³It was by faith that Moses’ parents hid him for three months when he was born. They saw that God had given them an unusual child, and they were not afraid to disobey the king’s command.

²⁴It was by faith that Moses, when he grew up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. ²⁵He chose to share the oppression of God’s people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin. ²⁶He thought it was better to suffer for the sake of Christ than to own the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his great reward. ²⁷It was by faith that Moses left the land of Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger. He kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible. ²⁸It was by faith that Moses commanded the people of Israel to keep the Passover and to sprinkle blood on the doorposts so that the angel of death would not kill their firstborn sons.

²⁹It was by faith that the people of Israel went right through the Red Sea as though they were on dry ground. But when the Egyptians tried to follow, they were all drowned.

³⁰It was by faith that the people of Israel marched around Jericho for seven days, and the walls came crashing down.

³¹It was by faith that Rahab the prostitute was not destroyed with the people in her city who refused to obey God. For she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.

Additional Scriptures: Psalm 72; Exodus 3:1-5

Some thoughts

Have you noticed something interesting here? Moses thought it “better to suffer for Christ than to own the treasures of Egypt.” This was 1400 years before Christ! Did Moses know about Christ (from the Greek Christe meaning the anointed one—Messiah)? Let’s take a step back and walk our way through this passage. The Jewish people held Moses in the highest regard as the first prophet. After all, he was the one who spoke to God on their behalf. He was the one to whom God gave the Law on Mount Sinai. He was the one who led the greatest event in the Old Testament, the Exodus. God’s hand was clearly on Moses . . . from the very beginning. His parents were godly people who heard the voice of Yahweh, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God revealed to them that Moses was an unusual child. Their conviction was so strong, they defied the law of the land—which was to kill all Jewish baby boys. (Remind you of king Herod?)

Moses learned of the Lord from his parent’s faith and his true identity in spite of being raised in a pagan society. Then we come to this verse about “suffering for the sake of Christ.” At this time in history, Egypt was a world power in military might and wealth. Moses, the adopted son of Pharaoh’s daughter, chose to leave that world of fame and power to identify and suffer with his own people. Rather than look to this world, Moses kept his eyes on the one who is invisible, his God, believing in the ultimate redemption of the promised Messiah.

Moses was an Old Testament Christ figure. The parallels were everywhere. Pushing forward by faith keeping his eyes on the invisible God is the point the author of Hebrews is driving at. The people to whom he is addressing were sorting through their own faith in the midst of rising persecution. He is seeking to encourage them through these examples. He takes the most esteemed person, Moses, followed by one of the more infamous persons, Rahab the Gentile prostitute, and ancestor of Jesus. The Scriptures always remind us of her former profession (James 2:25, Matthew lists her in Jesus’ genealogy). Why bring that up again? It is to remind us that anyone at any station in life can be redeemed through God’s grace. And that a troubled past does not short circuit a fruitful and significant future. God is never done with his children. By way of faith in God, the past does not define the future.

Music: “How Great Our Joy” Cambridge Singers

www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbrZ8L9pW60

Prayer:

Give me, O Lord, a steadfast heart, which no unworthy affection may drag downwards; give me an unconquered heart, which no tribulation can wear out; give me an upright heart, which no unworthy purpose may tempt aside. Bestow on me also, O Lord my God, understanding to know you, diligence to seek you, wisdom to find you, and a faithfulness that may finally embrace you, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. —Thomas Aquinas 1225-1274

Friday, January 3

Scripture: Hebrews 11:13-22

¹³All these people died still believing what God had promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it. They agreed that they were foreigners and nomads here on earth. ¹⁴Obviously people who say such things are looking forward to a country they can call their own. ¹⁵If they had longed for the country they came from, they could have gone back. ¹⁶But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.

¹⁷It was by faith that Abraham offered Isaac as a sacrifice when God was testing him. Abraham, who had received God’s promises, was ready to sacrifice his only son, Isaac, ¹⁸even though God had told him, “Isaac is the son through whom your descendants will be counted.”¹⁹Abraham reasoned that if Isaac died, God was able to bring him back to life again. And in a sense, Abraham did receive his son back from the dead.

²⁰It was by faith that Isaac promised blessings for the future to his sons, Jacob and Esau.

²¹It was by faith that Jacob, when he was old and dying, blessed each of Joseph’s sons and bowed in worship as he leaned on his staff.

²²It was by faith that Joseph, when he was about to die, said confidently that the people of Israel would leave Egypt. He even commanded them to take his bones with them when they left.

Additional Scriptures: Psalm 72; Genesis 28:10-22

Some thoughts

Sometimes when we exercise faith, we believe it will come in our lifetime. That’s natural. The core of faith, though, is in the abstract if you will. Think about it. I have faith that someday, I will have a child. When I am holding that child in my arms, I cannot say, “I have faith that someday I will have a child.” It makes no sense; the child is in my arms. I am not exercising faith. Faith always involves not having the thing for which you have faith. That perspective comes out in the first verse of today’s reading. The people mentioned in the earlier part of this chapter, Abel, Enoch, Noah, as well as Abraham, and Sarah were exercising faith beyond their immediate moment. Though promised a whole nation and millions of descendants, when Abraham and Sarah died, they had exactly one son, hardly a nation. One kid, that was it! Yet they believed and took God at his word.

When Abraham offered Isaac as a blood sacrifice on the altar in Genesis 22, don’t you wonder what he was thinking? Honestly, was Abraham going to slit Isaac’s throat as a sacrifice because God told him to? Really? Two thousand years later, the writer of Hebrews, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, tells us exactly what Abraham was thinking at that life and death moment in verse nineteen. If he went through with what God had told him to do, namely kill Isaac as a sacrifice, he believed God would raise Isaac from the dead, because Isaac was a promised child, promised to Abraham and Sarah by God. Abraham had absolute faith in God keeping his word. Abraham acted in faith doing what God told him to do. In theory Abraham did sacrifice Isaac, it’s just that God intervened in the process. What is also apparent is that the faith exercised by Abraham carried on to his son, Isaac, his grandson, Jacob, and his great grandson, Joseph. The story of God’s promise of the land of Israel being given to Abraham’s family carried on because Joseph requested his bones be carried back to Israel when living in Egypt. Some 600 years after Abraham, the bones of Joseph were carried back and eventually buried in Israel following the great exodus.

What is hoped for, does not always happen in our lifetime. The issue is faith in a faithful God who has never not kept his word. Trust him each day with your own life for this coming year.

Music: “He Is Born, the Divine Christ Child” Roger Wagner Chorale

Prayer:

O faithful Lord, grant us, I pray Thee, faithful hearts devoted to Thee, and to the service of all men for Thy sake. Fill us with pure love of Thee, keep us steadfast in this love, give us faith that worketh by love, and preserve us faithful unto death. Amen.

—Christina Rossetti

Thursday, January 2

Scripture: Hebrews 11:1-12

11 Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. ²Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation.

³By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen.

⁴It was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to God than Cain did. Abel’s offering gave evidence that he was a righteous man, and God showed his approval of his gifts. Although Abel is long dead, he still speaks to us by his example of faith.

⁵It was by faith that Enoch was taken up to heaven without dying— “he disappeared, because God took him.”For before he was taken up, he was known as a person who pleased God. ⁶And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.

⁷It was by faith that Noah built a large boat to save his family from the flood. He obeyed God, who warned him about things that had never happened before. By his faith Noah condemned the rest of the world, and he received the righteousness that comes by faith.

⁸It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going. ⁹And even when he reached the land God promised him, he lived there by faith—for he was like a foreigner, living in tents. And so did Isaac and Jacob, who inherited the same promise. ¹⁰Abraham was confidently looking forward to a city with eternal foundations, a city designed and built by God.

¹¹It was by faith that even Sarah was able to have a child, though she was barren and was too old. She believed that God would keep his promise. ¹²And so a whole nation came from this one man who was as good as dead—a nation with so many people that, like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore, there is no way to count them.

Additional Scriptures: Psalm 20; Genesis 12:1-7

Some thoughts

The passage you have just read, I would guess you’ve read many times. I know I have. We’ve probably heard a dozen sermons on it. Yesterday we focused in a bit on “faith” and then today this passage comes up in the lectionary. [By the way, for the most part this year we’ve been following the Revised Common Lectionary Year B for those of you who care.] I had the thought, what more is there to say here, and I asked the Lord for help. I read it again and lo and behold some thoughts emerged, things I had never seen before.

One of the principles I fall back on in studying Scripture, is this simple question. “Why are those words there in that specific place? What’s the connection to the words around them?” The first verse helps with the definition of faith. Faith is a certainty of something when we cannot see it, or when it has yet to happen. Faith is a complete confidence; in another way we’d say, “You can bank on it.” We believe there is zero chance it won’t come to pass. The writer then gives a short example. He hearkens back to people in the past who had faith in something that had not yet happened. From the perspective of the writer and the reader of this epistle, they both knew how things had turned out. And so the writer said these people were exhibit A of what faith is.

I would expect him to then move right into the list of examples of Old Testament saints, but he doesn’t. Why? That was my question and the thought that captured my interest. Why this verse? Why these words? Why here? Before listing people of faith, he goes to the foundation of faith. In the opening chapter of Hebrews, he reminds us of the various ways God has spoken to people through the ages but that now he has spoken through Christ, the one through whom he created the universe. Why say that? He is using Christ creating the universe as the ultimate example of faith. It was created from nothing that can be seen. The reference harkens back to Genesis 1:1. There was a moment when the universe was unseen, when it did not exist. Now it does. You can see it. In Christ creating the universe, we can see both the before and the after of faith from the vantage point of the reader.

I think the author is also underscoring the centrality of Christ in the exercise of faith. He then moves on to the example of Abel. What struck me in this verse is the use of the present tense, “he still speaks.” Faith is ever living; there is nothing static about it. It is not a “one and done” operation. The end of the sixth verse is an assuring promise from God that dare not be overlooked. “Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.” Our God is perfectly faithful. “The faithful love of the Lord never ends; his mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning” (Lam 3:22-23). Faith in what Jesus has done brings everlasting life.

Music: “Mary’s Boy Child” Andy Williams (!) Back when you could understand the words, when there was a melody, and a beautiful voice to listen to! The “old” people will remember him! For those of you who never heard of him, you have been introduced. People weren’t in such a hurry in those days. Andy passed away in 2012 at the age of 84 in Branson, Missouri.

Prayer:

Teach me, O God, not to torture myself, not to make a martyr out of myself through stifling reflection, but rather teach me to breathe deeply in faith.

—SØren Kierkegaard 1813-1855

Wednesday, January 1

Scripture: Matthew 25:31-46

³¹“But when the Son of Mancomes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. ³²All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. ³³He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left.

³⁴“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. ³⁵For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. ³⁶I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’

³⁷“Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? ³⁸Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? ³⁹When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’

⁴⁰“And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’

⁴¹“Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons. ⁴²For I was hungry, and you didn’t feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn’t give me a drink. ⁴³I was a stranger, and you didn’t invite me into your home. I was naked, and you didn’t give me clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t visit me.’

⁴⁴“Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?’

⁴⁵“And he will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’

⁴⁶“And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.”

Additional Scriptures: Ecclesiastes 3:1-13; Psalm 8; Revelation 21:1-6a

Some thoughts

As we have mentioned previously, we miss the entire point of Christmas, the birth of Jesus, if we think of it as a one-day event. B.C. and A.D. should remind us of the significance. The nativity of Jesus was a day, in a way, that set earth’s time clock in motion. What do we mean? Jesus’ arrival on earth put God’s redeeming and restoration plan in action. What had been faith before (looking forward to the coming of the Messiah throughout the Old Testament), now had action, in other words, now had works—the birth of Jesus, the Messiah. Then with the Ascension of Christ, the earthly works of Jesus were completed. So, we move back into the faith portion of earthly time, that is, we await the return of Christ at the end of the age, the action phase to come.

Near the end of Jesus’ earthly presence, he told the people very clearly what that action would be at the end of time. The passage you just read occurred two days before he went to the cross. It is an urgent message to be heeded. Our culture and our world are leery of a final judgment, but it is coming in Jesus’ own words. We always look for an exception, for extenuating circumstances, a second or third chance, or any kind of a delay. (E.g., a tax extension, late payment plans, interest free for one year, no money down for three years, LOA, unusual circumstances, an extenuating situation, etc.!) We have a hard time with a final, FINAL anything.

In this pericope, there is no ambiguity regarding finality. Jesus, the King of kings, is returning and there will be judgment by the perfect, righteous, just Judge. There is no hint of “do-overs!” It is equally clear that faith and works are connected. True faith, a gift resulting from God’s grace, results in action on our part. Jesus gives abundant examples of works resulting from faith. Faith in Christ results in the continuing transformation of our heart, which reveals itself in response to others out of love for Christ. We live in the “faith” time in which our “works” have eternal significance at the Day of Judgment. One day in time God became a child and entered the presence of the people he created. One day yet to come, those people who have become the children of God, who have repented of their sin and put their trust in Jesus alone, will enter eternally into the very presence of God and the earth alarm clock will ring and we’ll wake up to a new heaven and earth.

Music: “Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light” Robert Shaw Chorale

www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4cgm6gM_Qs

Prayer:

O Lord, Thou knowest my great unfitness for service, my present deadness, my inability to do anything for thy glory, my distressing coldness of heart. Help me to be diffident watchful, tender, lest I offend my blessed friend in thought and behavior; I confide in thee and lean upon thee and need thee at all times to assist and lead me. O that all my distresses and apprehensions might prove but Christ’s school to make me fit for greater service by teaching me the great lesson of humility. —The Valley of Vision, p.99

Tuesday, December 31

Scripture: Luke 2:22-40

²²Then it was time for their purification offering, as required by the law of Moses after the birth of a child; so his parents took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. ²³The law of the Lord says, “If a woman’s first child is a boy, he must be dedicated to the Lord.” ²⁴So they offered the sacrifice required in the law of the Lord— “either a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”

²⁵At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him ²⁶and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. ²⁷That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, ²⁸Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying,

²⁹“Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace,
as you have promised.
³⁰I have seen your salvation,
³¹ which you have prepared for all people.
³²He is a light to reveal God to the nations,
and he is the glory of your people Israel!”

³³Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about him. ³⁴Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. ³⁵As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.”

³⁶Anna, a prophet, was also there in the Temple. She was the daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher, and she was very old. Her husband died when they had been married only seven years. ³⁷Then she lived as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer. ³⁸She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God. She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem.

³⁹When Jesus’ parents had fulfilled all the requirements of the law of the Lord, they returned home to Nazareth in Galilee. ⁴⁰There the child grew up healthy and strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God’s favor was on him.

Additional Scriptures: Isaiah 61:10-62:3; Psalm 148; Galatians 4:4-7

Some thoughts

From my perspective, this passage is one of the most poignant and touching in Scripture. Simeon had served the Lord a throughout his life. The Holy Spirit was upon him and he was “righteous and devout.” What finer thing could be said about anyone? The fact that he was looking for the Messiah tells us much about his knowledge of the Scriptures and the leaning of his heart. In this case, the Holy Spirit revealed to him that he would not die [allowed to die] until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. It doesn’t necessarily mean he was an old man, though one might conclude such. Put yourself in Simeon’s place. Would the Messiah be a mature man, a boy, or perhaps even an infant? God’s hand was on Simeon and led him to the Temple on a particular day.

That day was exactly forty days after Jesus had been born. And according to Jewish law, it was the day for the rite of purification and presenting the child at the Temple to redeem the firstborn. At every point along the way, Mary and Joseph were devout Jews following every aspect of the law. Jesus was raised within the law, which would be congruent with his fulfilling the law. Can you imagine Simeon’s joy as he began to realize the identity of the nearly six-week-old baby boy in the arms this young couple? The words he uttered surprised Jesus’ parents. They were prophetic words regarding their newborn. He would be the glory of Israel revealing God to all nations and at the same time cause many to reject God’s plan of redeeming and restoring creation. He will cause people to confront the truth of their own hearts in relation to God. Apparently, their son has come to offer salvation to Jews and Gentiles alike, in fact, to all nations!

Will people bow to God and repent of their sin and seek forgiveness or stand in defiance of the Lordship of Christ in their lives? In a similar way, we are all in Simeon’s position. I’ll frame the question this way, (v.25) Are we righteous and devout and eagerly waiting for Jesus to return and rescue this fallen world? Yes, we can die in peace when we have seen God’s salvation in our own lives, a salvation freely offered to all who would come.

Music: “Lord, Now Let Your Servant Depart in Peace,” Robert Shaw Festival Singers

—in Russian. The solo you hear is the setting of Simeon’s response v.29-32. Even if you don’t understand Russian, you’ll be able to follow the text! Do NOT miss this. It is the most exquisite, beautiful recording in this whole Advent study. Be very quiet and listen to the low basses all the way to the end! Find a quiet place and close your eyes as you listen. Let your heart sing with the soloist.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEHufcT3jmw

Prayer:

“Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace,
as you have promised. I have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared for all people.
Jesus is a light to reveal God to the nations,
and he is the glory of your people Israel!” Amen.

Monday, December 30

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

¹⁶That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. ¹⁷For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! ¹⁸So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.

Additional Scriptures: Psalm 20; Isaiah 26:1-9

Some thoughts

In the preceding verses, Paul is writing about the difficulties he has been dealing with in preaching the gospel. He’s been hunted, perplexed, troubled, and at times, in despair. He has faced eminent death on more than one occasion. But he continues in his ministry so that God will receive more and more glory. Troubles apparently can be instrumental in producing glory to God! To us mortals, that seems odd.

What strikes me in the above discussion is that the very same thing could have been said about Jesus’ life as a baby in Mary and Joseph’s escape to Egypt. The same thing could be said in their return to Israel. Herod’s crazy son was ruling so they headed to Nazareth in the north, where it was farther from Jerusalem and a safer place to live and raise their son. On many occasions, the religious and political leaders sought to bring grief and trouble to the adult Jesus, yet he remained faithful, determined to bring glory to his Father. He saw the eternal always.

Paul lived with the same perspective, understanding the eternal nature of this life. I go back to it again, Jesus’ arrival in the manger was God’s arrival from an eternal, unseen world. It was not simply the miraculous birth of a baby to be celebrated one day of the year. Jesus opened the door to eternity, to heaven, to an entirely different and unseen—for the moment—world. Though our bodies are living, they are also in the process of dying, our spirits, however, can be continually renewed by the Holy Spirit day by day . . . forever. That part of us doesn’t age but it can mature. The source of that renewal comes from another eternal world. In the mix of the present and the timeless are “troubles!” As we view them from the “other world” perspective, we realize they won’t last long. From the eternal view, our life on this earth is a very, very short though eternally significant time. The earthly troubles we endure have the unusual attribute of being able to produce an eternal glory for God that far outlasts this time-bound life. Today make an effort to fix your gaze on things that cannot be seen, they will last forever.

Music: “O Holy Night” Josh Groban

www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Zh-yR0pbmU

Prayer:

May Jesus Christ, the king of glory, help us to make the right use of all the myrrh that God sends, and to offer to him the true incense of our hearts, for his name’s sake. Amen. —Johann Tauler 1300-1361 A.D.

Sunday, December 29

Scripture: Luke 19:41-44

⁴¹But as he came closer to Jerusalem and saw the city ahead, he began to weep.⁴²“How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace. But now it is too late, and peace is hidden from your eyes. ⁴³Before long your enemies will build ramparts against your walls and encircle you and close in on you from every side. ⁴⁴They will crush you into the ground, and your children with you. Your enemies will not leave a single stone in place, because you did not recognize it when God visited you.”

Additional Scriptures: Psalm 20; Jeremiah 31:15-22

Some thoughts

With Christmas celebrations a few days in the past, most people are still in that wonderful holiday mood with New Year’s Eve just around the corner and all the parties and football bowl games underway, we’ve moved on from Advent and Christmas. It’s over for another year. Time to take down the lights and tree and put things back into storage. If that was all there was to Christmas, how very, very sad. Perchance our world has missed yet again an opportunity to grasp the reality of the Nativity and Christmastide. What I have described is in truth, the world of many of the people all around us. Christmas is a holiday, a time for parties and a little break from the routine of work. Perhaps it’s a chance to get out of town for a few days or get together with family.

In the passage you just read, Jesus was in the midst of the triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and he wept over Jerusalem. Why? In the people’s enthusiastic over-the-top celebrating, they completely missed the significance and meaning of celebration. Hours later the Jewish people rejected him as their Messiah. This was the moment of final rejection. That moment had arrived. Jesus would go to the cross. The nation had issued its verdict on the Son of God. Rejection. With great sadness, Jesus foretells the utter and complete destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. by the Romans.

Perhaps you are thinking, “What a downer and what does this have to do with Christmas?” People then did not recognize Jesus for who he was in his day. They presumed to know what God the Messiah should be like and how he should act. Jesus did not fit that mold, hence he could not be the Messiah. I fear today in a post-Christian culture, things are worse in a sense. Jesus, if he was a real person, was a good moral teacher who died a long time ago. This business of Jesus being God, Savior, and Redeemer who died in my place for my sin isn’t even on people’s radar. For much of our culture, the birth of Christ is a minimal part of Christmas, if at all. Pray for our world. Pray for the people around you. May you be a light in a dark world this day. Look for places to shine the light of God’s love. It may even be during half time of a football game.

Music: “Angels from the Realms of Glory” Sissel and Mormon Tabernacle Choir

www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-GFQ_liezU

Prayer:

Lord Jesus Christ, the only Savior of this world, we pray for the reconciliation of all those people who have no knowledge or interest in reconciliation with you. You love them as much as you love me, for you so loved the world that you gave yourself to redeem us. Break the hard hearts; woo the sinner; heal the broken-hearted; bring health to the diseased soul; restore the wanderer. Father, bring back to the fold those who have drifted from the truth chasing empty vapors of their own making. In their longing to find themselves, may they find you and thus themselves as you designed them to be. And good Lord, may we not only weep for the lost and floundering, but for the proud and sure-footed, helping them realize they are on sifting sand, not the Solid Rock. Holy Spirit, continue pouring your life into our trusting soul. We pray this in the name of the babe of Bethlehem, even Jesus, our Lord. Amen. —Dan Sharp

Saturday, December 28

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-23

⁵“In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said, “for this is what the prophet wrote:

⁶‘And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah,
are not least among the ruling cities of Judah,
for a ruler will come from you
who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.’”

¹²When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod.

¹³After the wise men were gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up! Flee to Egypt with the child and his mother,” the angel said. “Stay there until I tell you to return, because Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”

¹⁴That night Joseph left for Egypt with the child and Mary, his mother, ¹⁵and they stayed there until Herod’s death. This fulfilled what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: “I called my Son out of Egypt.”

¹⁶Herod was furious when he realized that the wise men had outwitted him. He sent soldiers to kill all the boys in and around Bethlehem who were two years old and under, based on the wise men’s report of the star’s first appearance.¹⁷Herod’s brutal action fulfilled what God had spoken through the prophet Jeremiah:

¹⁸“A cry was heard in Ramah—
weeping and great mourning.
Rachel weeps for her children,
refusing to be comforted,
for they are dead.”

¹⁹When Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt.²⁰“Get up!” the angel said. “Take the child and his mother back to the land of Israel, because those who were trying to kill the child are dead.”

²¹So Joseph got up and returned to the land of Israel with Jesus and his mother.²²But when he learned that the new ruler of Judea was Herod’s son Archelaus, he was afraid to go there. Then, after being warned in a dream, he left for the region of Galilee. ²³So the family went and lived in a town called Nazareth. This fulfilled what the prophets had said: “He will be called a Nazarene.”

Additional Scriptures: Psalm 148; Isaiah 49:13-23; Matthew 18:1-14

Some thoughts

The account you just read is one of the darkest moments in Scripture, the result of a sick, evil, and twisted soul. December 28^th in some traditions is known as the Feast of the Holy Innocents, commemorating King Herod’s ordering the killing of all boys in Bethlehem two years old and under. It comes as no surprise that the devil would try to thwart God’s plan of bringing redemption and restoration to human beings and the whole created order. His first attempt in the Garden of Eden was successful with the fall of Eve and Adam. God’s Son was a different story.

A bit of background on King Herod may be helpful. An Edomite, he was a descendant of Esau, Jacob’s twin brother. The Edomites but fell into pagan fertility worship. The Edomites were often at war with Israel. Herod was hated by the Jews as a traitor in that he sought favor with Rome by controlling the Jewish nation, while remaining loyal to Rome. He was a complicated, insecure man. He was clearly paranoid, killing one of his wives, two of his sons, and two sons-in-law among others whom he saw as threats. It was said his brother escaped being “killed by dying on his own!”

This Herod the Great learned that a king of the Jews was to be born in Bethlehem and he sought to solve the problem of a would-be challenger to his throne. He ordered the murder of the infant boys in Bethlehem two years old and under. What he had not realized was that he was dealing with God as a baby. Mary, Joseph, and Jesus evidently stayed in Bethlehem for a period of time after the birth. You read one night God visited Joseph in a dream and told them to leave for Egypt. They left that very night. What has always impressed me was that Joseph did not wait around. God spoke, he acted immediately.

You know the rest of the story. (It is puzzling to me that we easily condemn Herod as a crazy evil man in ordering the killing of the babies, yet there are millions of abortions in our day and many in our culture don’t bat an eye. Our courts and individuals defend the right of one human to take the life of another waiting to be born.)

Jesus was born into a stressful, uncertain world. Evil abounded. The devil tried again and again to abort God’s plan to bring life and healing to a fallen world whether it was at his temptation in the wilderness, Peter’s interference wishing Jesus to avoid the cross (“Get behind me Satan.”), Judas’ betrayal, or the Garden of Gethsemane. The great irony is that the devil tried to kill Jesus at his birth via King Herod and throughout his lifetime on earth. The devil’s wish came true, Jesus did die, not because he was killed, but because he chose to give his life as a ransom for many. And then for the devil, the worst possible thing happened, Jesus rose from the dead conquering death, sin, and his evil for all eternity! Eternal life is offered to all, via the atoning death of the Son of God man. Glory to God!

Music: “Coventry Carol” sung by Anuna

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wit-jGD4wCw&list=RDWit-jGD4wCw

Prayer:

O God who art from eternity unto eternity, and art not at one time in one place because all times and places are in Thee, I would now seek to understand my destiny as a child of Thine. Here I stand, weak and mortal, amid the immensities of nature. But blessed be Thou, O Lord God, that Thou hast made me in Thine own likeness and hast breathed into me the breath of Thine own life. Within this poor body Thou hast set a spirit that is akin to Thine own Spirit. Within this corruptible Thou hast planted incorruption and within this mortal immortality. So from this little room and this short hour I can lift up my mind beyond all time and space to Thee, the uncreated One, until the light of Thy countenance illumines all my life. Almighty God, who didst raise from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ and didst set Him at Thy right hand in glory everlasting, I thank Thee for this hope of immortality with which through many ages Thou hast cheered and enlightened the souls of Thy saints, and which Thou didst most surely seal through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen —John Baillie, A Diary of Private Prayer, p.65

Friday, December 27

Scripture: I John 5:1-12

5 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has become a child of God. And everyone who loves the Father loves his children, too. ²We know we love God’s children if we love God and obey his commandments. ³Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome. ⁴For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. ⁵And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.

⁶And Jesus Christ was revealed as God’s Son by his baptism in water and by shedding his blood on the cross—not by water only, but by water and blood. And the Spirit, who is truth, confirms it with his testimony. ⁷So we have these three witnesses— ⁸the Spirit, the water, and the blood—and all three agree.⁹Since we believe human testimony, surely we can believe the greater testimony that comes from God. And God has testified about his Son. ¹⁰All who believe in the Son of God know in their hearts that this testimony is true. Those who don’t believe this are actually calling God a liar because they don’t believe what God has testified about his Son.

¹¹And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. ¹²Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God’s Son does not have life.

Additional Scriptures: Proverbs 8:22-31; Psalm 148

Some thoughts

The debate as to Jesus’ identity continued during the years following his death, resurrection, and ascension even to this day. Put simply, was Jesus God or not. Despite the massive amount of evidence that he was indeed the Son of God, many of the Jewish leaders simply could not or would not accept that God, the Messiah, had come in human flesh.

One of the heresies confronting John and the early believers was put forth by a man named Cerinthus. In a nutshell, he taught that Jesus was a normal human being born to Mary and Joseph. He was wiser and more righteous than other men. He further taught that “the Christ” descended on him at his baptism and left before his crucifixion. There are additional apostasies, but you get the idea.

In this passage written most likely in the 90’s A.D., the old disciple writes convincingly in addressing some of the heresies. First, he defines who are true Christians and how they are to love God by obeying his word. How do you love God? Obey the Scriptures. He then takes on the fallacies directly by arguing evidence. He introduces two actions in proving Jesus as God’s Son, in his words, “by water and blood”—water at his baptism, and his shed blood on the cross. Water and blood have a speaking voice. Then, he adds the witness of the Holy Spirit. What is John driving at?

All Jews knew one must have at least two witnesses to confirm a truth (Deut.19:15). In this case, you have three witnesses, all of whom agree (v.8). Let’s take a step back and look at each one. At Jesus’ baptism, do you remember what happened? As Jesus came out of the water, the Spirit of God descended like a dove from heaven and a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.” The Holy Spirit descending and the voice of God gave affirmation at the baptism of Jesus calling Jesus his Son. Hence, both the water and the Spirit gave evidence as to Jesus being the Son of God. What then is the significance of the blood? How does it testify to the identity of Jesus? Again, think through what happened at Jesus’ crucifixion. At his death, when he was speared, out came water and blood, but what else happened? The curtain in the Temple was torn from top to bottom, from heaven to earth. Who tore the curtain? None other than God the Father, testifying that the sacrifice of the blood of his Son was accepted, completed.

Through the Spirit, the water, and the blood, God testified regarding his Son. Did you also notice God the Father’s affirmation in each instance? To reject God’s testimony about his own Son, is to call God a liar as John puts it. And then John draws the bottom line for his readers and for us regarding the future, “He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God’s Son does not have life.” What John has done for us is to give us a very down-to-earth way to describe the theology of the Incarnation. The birth of Jesus has truly mind-boggling ramifications!

Music: “Joy to the World” by Libera Choir

www.youtube.com/watch?v=htoKTgFw8Ak

Prayer:

Almighty God, we invoke Thee, the Fountain of Everlasting Light; and entreat Thee to send forth Thy truth into our hearts, and to pour upon us the glory of Thy brightness, through Christ our Lord. Amen. Sarum Breviary, 1085 A.D.

Thursday, December 26

Scripture: Acts 7:59-8:8

⁵⁹As they stoned him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” ⁶⁰He fell to his knees, shouting, “Lord, don’t charge them with this sin!” And with that, he died.

8 Saul was one of the witnesses, and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen. A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over the church in Jerusalem; and all the believers except the apostles were scattered through the regions of Judea and Samaria. ²(Some devout men came and buried Stephen with great mourning.) ³But Saul was going everywhere to destroy the church. He went from house to house, dragging out both men and women to throw them into prison.

⁴But the believers who were scattered preached the Good News about Jesus wherever they went. ⁵Philip, for example, went to the city of Samaria and told the people there about the Messiah. ⁶Crowds listened intently to Philip because they were eager to hear his message and see the miraculous signs he did. ⁷Many evilspirits were cast out, screaming as they left their victims. And many who had been paralyzed or lame were healed. ⁸So there was great joy in that city.

Additional Scriptures: Psalm 148

Some thoughts

Several years ago we celebrated the 500^th anniversary of the Reformation. One of the things our family did was to watch the movie, Luther, with Joseph Fiennes and Peter Ustinov. (By the way, I would highly recommend it if you haven’t seen that version.) One of the most powerful lines in the film is when Luther responds to his spiritual mentor who has asked him to back off because what he was doing was splitting the Roman church. In Luther’s words, “Did you not think there would be a heavy cost?”

On this first day after Christmas, the Early Church marked it with what is known as the Feast of St. Stephen, the first martyr of Christianity. If we take seriously and grasp the significance of God’s coming to earth to bring restoration to a fallen world at the most extreme cost of his Son, why should we think there would be no earthly cost to us to stand against evil? The irony is that while the gift of salvation is free, that free gift can bring with it persecution, imprisonment, ostracizing, ridicule, or death. In fact, Jesus told his disciples there would be persecution (Jn.15:20-21). What does this have to do with Christmas? Martyrdom reminds us of the greater significance of the birth of Jesus. His birth changed the universe and all humanity. It was not a one-day event. It restructured all of time. It disturbed and challenged human being’s self-rule.

A few more words about the Feast of St. Stephen. This day is also known as Boxing Day in the British Empire. The idea being it was a day to collect alms for the poor among us in honor of Stephen’s martyrdom. As the story goes . . . in the 10^th century Good King Wenceslas, the Duke of Bohemia, risked his life on this day to feed a peasant who was gathering wood on this particular freezing cold night the day after Christmas. The idea carried on with the giving Christmas boxes to the poor and needy, or in our day, small gifts to tradesmen who service us throughout the year (Letter carriers, lawn care people, hairdressers, etc.)

Music: “Good King Wenceslas” Traditional Choir with text

www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQVUMG6LZGM

Irish Rovers version (delightful!)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMmxhhfQw0c

Prayer:

Father of Jesus, cause me to be a mirror of thy grace, to show others the joy of thy service. May my lips be well-tuned cymbals sounding thy praise. Let a halo of heavenly-mindedness sparkle around me and a lamp of kindness sunbeam my path. Teach me the happy art of attending to things temporal with a mind intent on things eternal. Send me forth to have compassion on the ignorant and miserable. Help me to walk as Jesus walked, my only Savior and perfect model, his mind my inward guest, his meekness my covering garb. Let my happy place be amongst the poor in spirit, my delight in the gentle ranks of the meek. Let me always esteem others better than myself and find in true humility an heirdom to two worlds.

—from The Valley of Vision, p.136

Christmas Day, December 25

Scripture: Luke 2:1-20 KJV

2 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

²(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

³And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

⁴And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

⁵To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

⁶And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

⁷And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

⁸And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

⁹And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

¹⁰And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

¹¹For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.

¹²And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

¹³And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

¹⁴Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

¹⁵And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

¹⁶And they came with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

¹⁷And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

¹⁸And all they that heard it wondered at those things, which were told them by the shepherds.

¹⁹But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

²⁰And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Additional Scriptures: Matthew 1:18-24; Isaiah 9:6-7

Some thoughts

And so we read the story of the birth of Christ again this year. I used the King James Version because that is probably the most memorized version. If you haven’t memorized it, let me encourage you to do so. I want to make a few comments about the context of the passage without destroying your image of what happened. The story has been so romanticized through the years. Mary and Joseph’s ancestors on both sides of their family were of the lineage of King David (c.1000 BC). That means their ancestry had been traced back a thousand years even without Ancestry.com! How do we know? Their genealogy is in the Bible (Matthew 1 Joseph’s and Luke 3 Mary’s). That is important because Jesus was to be born from the line of King David and the tribe of Judah. In passing, it is interesting that a previous king in Joseph’s line had acted toward God in such an egregious manner that God brought judgment on his line declaring that no king would ever come from his line confirming that Joseph could not possibly be the father of Jesus.

It is quite possible that Mary and Joseph had relatives living in Bethlehem since that was the birthplace and home of King David. Most likely Mary and Joseph had made the roughly 90-mile trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem several weeks prior to her delivery. Times were slower back then. Often whole groups of people would travel together for community and for safety. It would have been natural for Mary and Joseph to stay with their extended family. Bethlehem was undoubtedly flooded with people from all over returning to their families of origin.

The use of the word “inn” is an unfortunate translation of the text. “Lodging space” would have been more accurate. There was a Greek word for “inn” and Luke did not use that word here, though he did use it in the story of the good Samaritan. Homes in this era often had living spaces on a second story for the family with space for a few animals on the ground floor. Since the lodging space in the home was apparently full of other family, Mary and Joseph moved to the space where the animals were kept, a humbling way for the King of the Universe, the one he created, to enter this world.

I realize these are not particularly inspiring words for a Christmas day! There is a point. With this rather mundane description of the setting pictured in your mind, I’d like you to imagine yourself in the story that night. Tonight, go outside in the dark by yourself, hopefully away from lights if possible. Look up into the sky and visualize thousands upon thousands of angels singing “glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth (and here is that phrase again) to those with whom God is pleased.” Remember the words at the Gabriel’s annunciation to Mary? Let the message soak in. The working of God appears in very ordinary mundane settings for those who see it.

Music: “Messiah” Voces8 This video recording is outstanding! Do not miss it!

George Herbert (1593-1633) A Christmas Poem

The shepherds sing; and shall I silent be?

My God, no hymne for Thee?

My soul’s a shepherd too; a flock it feeds

Of thoughts and words and deeds:

The pasture is Thy Word; the streams Thy grace,

Enriching all the place.

Shepherd and flock shall sing, and all my powers

Out-sing the daylight houres;

Then we will chide the Sunne for letting Night

Take up his place and right:

We sing one common Lord; wherefore he should

Himself the candle hold.

I will go searching till I finde a sunne

Shall stay till we have done;

A willing shiner, that shall shine as gladly

As frost-nipt sunnes look sadly:

Then we will sing, and shine all our own day,

And one another pay:

His beams shall cheer my breast, and both so twine,

Till e’en His beams sing, and my music shine.

Prayer:

Almighty God, we give Thee thanks for the mighty yearning of the human heart for the coming of a Savior, and the constant promise of Thy Word that he was to come. In our own souls we repeat the humble sighs and panting aspiration of ancient men and ages, and own that our souls are in darkness and infirmity without faith in him who comes to bring God to man and man to God. We bless Thee for the tribute that we can pay to him from our very sense of need and dependence, that our own hearts can so answer from their wilderness, the cry, “Prepare ye the way of the Lord.” In us the rough places are to be made smooth, the crooked straight, the mountains of pride brought low, and the valleys of despondency lifted up. O God, prepare Thou the way in us now, and may we welcome anew Thy Holy Child. Hosanna! Blessed be he who cometh in the name of the Lord. Amen.

—Samuel Osgood, 1862 Prayers Ancient and Modern, p.360

Christmas Eve, December 24

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38

²⁶In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, ²⁷to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. ²⁸Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!”

²⁹Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean.³⁰“Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God!³¹You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. ³²He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. ³³And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!”

³⁴Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.”

³⁵The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God. ³⁶What’s more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she has conceived a son and is now in her sixth month. ³⁷For the word of God will never fail.”

³⁸Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her.

Additional Scriptures: 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16; Luke 1:46b-55; Romans 16:25-27

Some thoughts

After some 400 years of silence from God in terms of revelations from the prophets, there was a little stirring in one instance . . . and not from a prophet. The news was that an old priestly couple became pregnant, after barrenness their entire lives! Something mysterious had happened in the Temple because the old priest Zechariah couldn’t talk. There was a game of charades when he came out of the Temple (1:22) and they knew that something unusual had happened.

Elizabeth went out of social circulation for several months. About this same time the angel Gabriel made another unique visit to the young girl, Mary, as described in your reading. Indeed, God was on the move after those years of silence. You know the story well. Put yourself in Mary’s place. Something strange is going on with your old relative Elizabeth. You are glad for her, but this whole thing is a little odd to say the least. Now an angel just shows up when you are by yourself, minding your own business. You are engaged (abiding by the covenant of marriage in this culture) to Joseph.

The Bible says that Mary was “confused and disturbed.” My guess is that that is an understatement. Despite what we might think, the appearance of an angel was very, very rare. Confusion and uncertainty would be a normal response. Then there is the comforting phrase, “you have found favor with God.” Can you imagine how humbling that would be? God finds favor with me? What do you think that meant?

God, the Father, said something similar at Jesus’ baptism. “This is my Son in whom I am well pleased.” It would seem that finding favor has to do with an obedient heart to the will of God. After telling Mary she had favor in God’s eyes, Gabriel went right ahead with the details of his message. You are going to give birth to the Son of the Most High God. I’m surprised she didn’t pass out or pinch herself to make sure she was conscious and not dreaming. I think we have a little clue as to Mary’s maturity because she didn’t doubt Gabriel’s words for a moment and asked a very logical question. “How’s this going to happen? I haven’t slept with anyone.” Again, the angel didn’t mince words. The Holy Spirit will come over you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you and you will conceive and perfectly holy baby boy. This child will be born without sin. He will be the Son of God, not the son of Joseph. Since you are dealing with God, nothing is impossible. I’m inclined to think that maybe Mary didn’t know about Elizabeth’s pregnancy based on Gabriel’s comments in verse thirty-six. That may have been said to give Mary a little more confidence. At any rate, Mary’s response gives further insight into why she was favored by God. Unlike Zechariah’s reluctance to believe Gabriel when learning of his son John, Mary simply said, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you said about me come true.” She had complete faith and trust in God. If an angel came to you with a message from God, what would he have to say about God’s view of you? Mary is a model. An obedient heart to the will of God seems to be the central point.

Music: “O Holy Night” Home Free

www.youtube.com/watch?v=CO6OZIY-lYw

Prayer:

Lord God, our Father in heaven, on this night of nights, when a baby’s cry pierced the universe, a Father’s heart was touched as reclamation and restoration moved to planet Earth. We have but a faint inkling of the magnitude of your grace and love. Our words of gratitude seem so thin. Singing them helps a little bit. The condescension involved is more than we can imagine. The Son of God humbled himself and took the form of a human being born in the flesh like billions of other humans. I am dumbfounded, though profoundly grateful, that you had to learn to crawl, walk, and talk just like we do. As we remember your arrival this night. We thank you by endeavoring to be obedient and walk in the path you have prepared for us. Receive our worship through Jesus Christ our Lord, who became a child that we might become the children of God. Amen.

—Daniel Sharp

Monday, December 23

Scripture:

Isaiah 7:13-14

¹³Then Isaiah said, “Listen well, you royal family of David! Isn’t it enough to exhaust human patience? Must you exhaust the patience of my God as well? ¹⁴All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’).

Luke 1:26-31

Some thoughts:

This pericope from Isaiah is perhaps one of the best-known prophetic texts in the Old Testament. The context is this: Israel was fearful of an attack from Damascus, the capital of Syria (some things never change.) Through Isaiah, God sent a message to the king of Judah with the encouraging words that the kings he feared would be deserted and that God would be with Judah both in presence and protection. Once again, while this prophecy had immediate meaning for Israel’s history (Hezekiah was a godly king born about this time), it also spoke prophetically of the birth of the Messiah.

Note also the mention of the royal family of David in both passages. As we have said so many times, note the significance of every phrase. Then there is the phrase “God sent the angel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee.” It was prophesied that the Messiah would be a Nazarene. The childhood home of Jesus was also declared long before his birth. What is interesting here is that on several occasions, women who were barren were visited by an angel to announce they would become pregnant and bear a son, a divine intervention on their behalf: an angel appeared to Sarah (Isaac), an angel spoke to Manoah’s wife (Samson), and the angel Gabriel to Zachariah via Elizabeth (John the Baptist), Hannah –though not via an angel, but prophesied by Eli (Samuel), and Gabriel to Mary (Jesus). Every single one of those five boys played a significant role in God’s greater story of redemption culminating in Jesus’ birth. All are mentioned as heroes of the faith in Hebrews chapter eleven. Their mothers were great women who put their trust in God in improbable situations and God honored their faith in a most powerful way. Though you may not be visited by an angel today, (there’s always a chance), may you exhibit the same trust in God as these women as your life unfolds. When the message came, they trusted the word, though none were pregnant at the moment they were told. Nothing was different. They simply believed God’s word then things changed.

Music: “Mary Did You Know?” Mark Lowry and Voctave

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, the Author and Giver of all life, we realize you visited these ordinary women in a very unique way in granting them the gift of becoming mothers to some very unique boys. They trusted you against all odds. For we realize Lord, that with you there is no such thing as “odds.” You are sovereign in the lives of your children. You clearly leave nothing to “chance” because it doesn’t exist in your world. Forgive us when we lack faith in you and in your sovereign will. Sometimes you bless barren women with children and sometimes you bless them in remaining barren. In either circumstance, what you ask of us is faith in you and your wisdom. Lord Jesus, we give you our trust this day. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

Fourth Sunday in Advent, December 22

Scripture: John 1:14-18

¹⁴So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.

¹⁵John testified about him when he shouted to the crowds, “This is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘Someone is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.’”

¹⁶From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another. ¹⁷For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ. ¹⁸No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is himself God, is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us.

Some thoughts:

In the opening of his book John defines the Word, in Greek logos, as the human being Jesus. In Greek thought, logos was the rational principle guiding the universe and making life coherent. It was a reason, a theory connecting word with structure. Moreover in Jewish thought, logos was the word of the Lord, an expression of God’s wisdom and creative power. At the time of John’s writing, the Christian perspective was that logos was viewed as coming from God and having his personality (John’s perspective).

The logos is God. The word was God (John 1:1). This idea of the logos, as described by John, was revolutionary of the greatest order. In Greek thought the sphere of God, the spiritual, mythical world was separated from the mundane world of humanity, which they called ‘flesh’ (sarx). John wrote that Christ became sarx! In other words, logos became human! Do you see how utterly astonishing this was for the Greeks and the Jews? Jesus was and is 100% divine and 100% human. It is beyond comprehension that the Creator would do this and outside of anything human beings could conceive of. Notice John begins where his audience understands (logos and sarx) and moves from the known bridging to the unknown making the connection between the two. Often when sharing the gospel, we may have a tendency to begin from our territory rather than where the people’s understanding lies and help them bridge the gap to the gospel.

The word used for dwelt (or in this translation “made his home among us”) is tabernacled. The Old Testament Tabernacle in the desert was a type of Christ which is why such great detail was given to Moses in its construction. The coming of Emmanuel (“God with us”) meant, among other things, God was very serious about communicating with us in ways we could understand. In that sense, there is no mystery. This Logos has revealed God to us in the clearest way possible. He humbled himself to become one of us. It is still astounding.

Music: “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence” Caitlin

Let all mortal flesh keep silence and with fear and trembling stand

Ponder nothing earthly minded, for with blessing in his hand

Christ our God to earth descended, our full homage to demand.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to be aware of your dwelling place in me this day. May I never become inoculated to the wonder of your Incarnation. In the Savior’s name, Jesus, Amen. -Dan Sharp

Saturday, December 21

Scripture: John 7:40-52

⁴⁰When the crowds heard him say this, some of them declared, “Surely this man is the Prophet we’ve been expecting.”⁴¹Others said, “He is the Messiah.” Still others said, “But he can’t be! Will the Messiah come from Galilee? ⁴²For the Scriptures clearly state that the Messiah will be born of the royal line of David, in Bethlehem, the village where King David was born.” ⁴³So the crowd was divided about him. ⁴⁴Some even wanted him arrested, but no one laid a hand on him.

⁴⁵When the Temple guards returned without having arrested Jesus, the leading priests and Pharisees demanded, “Why didn’t you bring him in?”

⁴⁶“We have never heard anyone speak like this!” the guards responded.

⁴⁷“Have you been led astray, too?” the Pharisees mocked. ⁴⁸“Is there a single one of us rulers or Pharisees who believes in him? ⁴⁹This foolish crowd follows him, but they are ignorant of the law. God’s curse is on them!”

⁵⁰Then Nicodemus, the leader who had met with Jesus earlier, spoke up. ⁵¹“Is it legal to convict a man before he is given a hearing?” he asked.

⁵²They replied, “Are you from Galilee, too? Search the Scriptures and see for yourself—no prophet ever comes from Galilee!”

Additional Scriptures: Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26; Judges 13:2-24

Some thoughts

In this portion of Scripture, Jesus is interacting with the people and the religious leaders. It’s important to know the context and something of the Jewish festivals to gain a fuller understanding of the undertones of the interaction. This whole setting is during one of three major Jewish Feasts, the Feast of Tabernacles, occurring in the early fall. It is one of the pilgrimage festivals so there will be Jewish people from near and far countries. It is important to understand that a “Festival or Feast” is a type, a rehearsal for a later greater celebration in which the Messiah will lead to the ultimate consummation of the celebration, a Feast yet to occur! In each of the chapters of his gospel, John makes a single point identifying Jesus as Messiah and God’s Son. Each chapter reveals another aspect of Jesus’ authority.

Now let’s look to the festival itself. During this seven-day celebration, water was taken in pitchers from the Pool of Siloam and carried in a joyous procession to the Temple each day. Prayers were said asking God to send rain in the winter season to ensure a good harvest. The eighth day was the “Great Celebration” and culmination of the whole feast. Gold and silver pitchers were used. Water was poured over the altar as the Levites sang joyously. It is at this point with hundreds of people from everywhere crowding around the altar that Jesus stood and shouted these words, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will from his heart.’”

Normally rabbis were seated when they taught. There are several places in the Old Testament that make the same declaration. Remember, the Jews knew their Scripture and recognized the implications of what Jesus had just said. How do we know? Their next words were quoting Moses’ reference to the coming of a [super] Prophet in the book of Deuteronomy (chapter 18). Other people said he was the Messiah. They knew Jesus’ hometown was Nazareth and assumed he was born there. They also knew the Messiah would come from Bethlehem. I’m kind of curious why no one asked him, “Jesus, where were you born?” They also missed the connection that the Messiah would be a Nazarene (one from the town of Nazareth (Judges 13:5, Isaiah 9:1-2, and Matthew 2:23). The people were divided as to the identity of Jesus—like today. The Temple guards though, were taken with Jesus’ comments. Jesus was the living water (Woman at the well. John 4). But in this case, he was speaking of the future pouring out of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (fifty days after his resurrection).

As often happens weak leaders will ridicule crowds that don’t agree and then speak confidently in crowds who embrace their own viewpoints. But the leaders read the situation exactly wrong. Nicodemus, who had a one-on-one encounter with Jesus earlier (John 3), spoke wisely as his advice was to simply listen to what Jesus had to say. The next we hear of Nicodemus was that he was one of the two men who put Jesus in the tomb after the crucifixion. He apparently came to faith. One of the things that strikes me most in this passage is the phrase, “We never heard anyone speak like this!” The message of the gospel is unlike any cultural narration going on today. It was revolutionary then and it is revolutionary today. Look for a chance to share the “good news” today. The people around us are thirsty for the authentic life-giving water.

Music: “In the Bleak Midwinter” Robert Shaw Chorale (You may want to let this just run as more beautiful carols follow!)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTsknFSV-Zk

Prayer:

Eternal Light, before whom all darkness is light, and in comparison with whom, every other light is but darkness, may it please Thee to send forth Thy light and Thy truth, that they may lead us. Purify, we pray Thee, our souls from all impure imaginations, that Thy most beautiful and holy image may be again renewed within us. Till this most blessed day break, and shadows fly away, let Thy Spirit be continually with us, and my we feel the powerful effects of Thy Divine grace constantly directing and supporting our steps; that all our endeavors, throughout the whole remaining in part of our lives, may serve to promote the honor of Thy blessed Name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

–Robert Leighton 1611-1684, Prayers Ancient and Modern

Friday, December 20

Scripture: Hebrews 1:5-14

⁵For God never said to any angel what he said to Jesus:

“You are my Son.
Today I have become your Father.”

God also said,

“I will be his Father,
and he will be my Son.”

⁶And when he brought his supreme Son into the world, God said,

“Let all of God’s angels worship him.”

⁷Regarding the angels, he says,

“He sends his angels like the winds,
his servants like flames of fire.”

⁸But to the Son he says,

“Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever.
You rule with a scepter of justice.
⁹You love justice and hate evil.
Therefore, O God, your God has anointed you,
pouring out the oil of joy on you more than on anyone else.”

¹⁰He also says to the Son,

“In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundation of the earth
and made the heavens with your hands.
¹¹They will perish, but you remain forever.
They will wear out like old clothing.
¹²You will fold them up like a cloak
and discard them like old clothing.
But you are always the same;
you will live forever.”

¹³And God never said to any of the angels,

“Sit in the place of honor at my right hand
until I humble your enemies,
making them a footstool under your feet.”

¹⁴Therefore, angels are only servants—spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation.

Additional Scriptures: Psalm 89:1-4; 19-26; 2 Samuel 6:12-19

Some thoughts

Once again, the richness of this passage is too much! The unidentified author of Hebrews wrote to the Jewish community who had become believers and were trying to understand their Jewish faith in relation to Jesus. The writer begins with establishing the preeminence and superiority of Jesus over every being, those seen and unseen starting with the angels. In the Jewish mind, angels were the most exalted beings for their role in God’s revelations to his people throughout the Old Testament, though they were not worshiped. In verse five the writer contrasts Jesus’ position with the Father to that of the angels. Jesus is his Son; the angels are not.

It is important to note that Jesus did not become the Son at the exaltation for he was involved at the creation. The Son has always existed, though not always in human flesh—until the Incarnate birth. Virtually every verse in this Hebrews passage is a direct quote from some portion of the Old Testament. The author is putting together his argument on helping the Jews understand the position of Jesus in relation to the First Testament, by showing how Jesus is actually present in these Old Testament passages, that is, the pericopes are talking about the Son. The fact that Moses said, “Let all of God’s angels worship him” carried great weight with the Jewish community for Moses was the greatest of the Old Testament characters (Deut 32:43). He was the one who talked with God directly and received the Law. In addition, the Father asked his Son to sit at his right hand, a position reserved for the Son of God alone.

In the rest of the book, the writer goes on to show Jesus as superior to Moses (Prophets), superior to the priesthood, and his ministry superior to the old covenant. In every way, Jesus is the preeminent Prophet, Priest, and King. As we have said before, do not be shortsighted in thinking Christmas is simply about the birth of a special baby born in Bethlehem. Hebrews gives us a bigger picture. The nativity is not a birthday party for Jesus. The Son of God has no birthday since he has always existed. Please put the manger in context and try to grasp the impossible. The Creator of all that is seen and unseen, all that has existed or ever will exist, One who has never not existed and will never die, has condescended [that word is so inadequate] as the Son of God, to take on human flesh and be born in a manger into a sinful world to bring a costly redemption to that world out of love for people, many of whom reject his love. But because of this incomprehensible expression of love, he makes it possible for the whole created order to be redeemed and live in fellowship with God forever. No, it’s not about a birthday party. It’s about doing away with birthdays forever as his children live in God’s presence throughout eternity as a result of the superiority of the Savior.

Music: “O Magnum Mysterium” Los Angeles Master Chorale

www.youtube.com/watch?v=lO5MheI0A8o (This is as beautiful as it gets!)

Translation:

O great mystery,

and wonderful sacrament,

that animals should see the newborn Lord,

lying in a manger!

Blessed is the Virgin whose womb

was worthy to bear

our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Alleluia!

Prayer:

Thou Great I AM, fill my mind with elevation and grandeur at the thought of a Being with whom one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day, a mighty God who, amidst the lapse of worlds, and the revolutions of empires, feels no variableness, but is glorious in immortality. May I rejoice that, while men die, the Lord lives; that, while all creatures are broken reeds, empty cisterns, fading flowers, withering grass, he is the rock of ages, the fountain of living waters. Turn my heart from vanity, from dissatisfactions, from uncertainties of the present state to an eternal interest in Christ. Let me remember that life is short and unforeseen and is only an opportunity for usefulness; give me a holy avarice to redeem the time, to awake at every call to charity and piety, so that I may feed the hungry, clothe the naked, instruct the ignorant, reclaim the vicious, forgive the offender, diffuse the gospel, show neighborly love to all. Let me live a life of self-distrust, dependence on thyself, mortification, crucifixion, prayer.

—from The Valley of Vision, p.104

Thursday, December 19

Scripture: Hebrews 1:1-4

1 Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. ²And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he created the universe. ³The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven. ⁴This shows that the Son is far greater than the angels, just as the name God gave him is greater than their names.

Additional Scriptures: II Samuel 6:1-11; Psalm 89:1-4; 19-26

Some thoughts

There is so much packed into these four verses, we’ll have to make only a few observations. [These four verses are actually one sentence in Greek.] The whole pericope is an expansion of the third and fourth words, “God spoke.” Unlike any other deity, our God speaks to humans. Buddha is silent. Mohammed is silent. Allah is silent. Remember how Genesis begins? In the God created . . . and God said. God sustains everything simply by the power of his word, then and now. God is a living uncreated spiritual Being in the person of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, one God. He is not an idea, a force, a higher power, or a concept. He speaks creatively as we are reminded in the third verse of the Bible. In the Old Testament he spoke through dreams, visions, mighty acts, stories, commands, angelic appearances, a donkey, and even appearances of God himself (theophany). The prophets were his messengers speaking the words of God to the people.

The writer of Hebrews then brings things current in stating “and now in these final days,” referring more to the time of the writing of Hebrews, God has spoken to us through his Son. Can you think of a better way to communicate with people except to become one of them? What would be the best way to communicate with a dog? Become a dog yourself. God condescended from the glories of heaven as the Son took on human flesh. We then learn a little more about the Son and consequently about the character of God. Put simply, the universe was created through the Son.

The late Stephen Hawking commented the universe created itself and could not have been created by a god because there was no time for a god to exist because there was no time before the Big Bang. There is a fatal flaw in his conclusions. The God of the Bible exists outside of time altogether. An eternal God, the God who was, and is, and is to come, is not bound by chronos, measured time. Here we read he works in time while remaining outside of it.

Two words are used in this section that are used nowhere else in the New Testament. The words are “radiates” and “expresses.” The former includes the idea of an intense brightness, reminding us of the Transfiguration account. It is the brightness of God’s own glory, the manifestation of his presence. The source of this radiant brightness is in Jesus himself. His glory expresses God’s glory, as they are one in the same, the very character of God, further affirmation of the deity of Christ. There is so much more here, but we need to stop. A simple point is, in the birth of the divine baby in Bethlehem, God spoke to all people and to all of creation, “I have come to make all things new.” How we long for the next advent of the Savior when we will experience the fulfillment of God’s plan of restoration of the whole created order. That will be a Word and a brilliance, no one will miss.

Music: “Go Tell It on the Mountain” Home Free and Texas Hill

Prayer:

When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father,the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. —The Apostle Paul (Ephesians 3:14-19)

Wednesday, December 18

Scripture: Mark 9:9-13

⁹As they went back down the mountain, he told them not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. ¹⁰So they kept it to themselves, but they often asked each other what he meant by “rising from the dead.”

¹¹Then they asked him, “Why do the teachers of religious law insist that Elijah must return before the Messiah comes?”

¹²Jesus responded, “Elijah is indeed coming first to get everything ready. Yet why do the Scriptures say that the Son of Man must suffer greatly and be treated with utter contempt? ¹³But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they chose to abuse him, just as the Scriptures predicted.”

Additional Scriptures: Psalm 125; Malachi 3:16-4:6

Some thoughts

The context for what you just read is helpful in gaining insight into the Scripture. Jesus, Peter, and the brothers James and John had been together on the Mount of Transfiguration. The three disciples had just encountered a most amazing sight. They were present in a meeting between Jesus, Moses-who had died 1400 years earlier, and Elijah-who had died 700 years earlier, and Jesus who had never died! Moses was the receiver of the Law. Elijah was the representative of the prophets. The Scriptures tell us they “meeting” and discussion concerned Jesus’ “exodus.” Moses was very familiar with an “exodus” and Elijah’s “exodus” was in a chariot of fire!

A cloud came down and enveloped all six of them. To make matters even more wondrous, God the Father in heaven spoke audibly and addressed the disciples. Talk about a life changing experience! The cloud lifted and Moses and Elijah were no longer there, only Jesus. What was being said by this action? Jesus was the fulfillment of the Law of Moses. He was the quintessential Prophet, superseding Elijah, the greatest Old Testament prophet. The ministry of Moses and Elijah was finished, hence the visual and the auditory affirmation of the superiority of Jesus from God the Father.

This is the backdrop for the passage you just read. It seems a little strange to us, but Jesus told the three disciples not to tell anyone what they had seen until he had risen from the dead. Why? Something to think about, if the disciples had broadcast what they had seen and heard, the natural conclusion may have been something like this. He is greater than the Law and the Prophets. The Messiah, as a political and military leader, is here to lead an overthrow of the Romans. I don’t know that that is the case, but in having them wait to talk about this encounter until after the resurrection would make it very clear that the overthrow of the occupiers was not his goal or purpose. His “war” was on sin and rebellious hearts in the work of establishing his Kingdom.

The disciples go on to ask another question about the necessity of Elijah preceding the Son of Man, the name Jesus used for himself. John the Baptist was a “type” of Elijah, both of whom suffered in their missions. They were forerunners of Jesus’ suffering. Jesus reminded them that Elijah had already come and many rejected his message proclaiming the coming of the Lord. One of the things I’m frequently aware of as I read Scripture in describing the blindness of people regarding the working of the Lord, is that I am “those people.” All too often there is a dullness in my spirit that does not see God at work in the world in which I live. Jesus came quietly to Bethlehem, and he comes quietly today. You can talk about him now. “He is risen!”

Music: “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” Royal Albert Hall, London 5,000 singers

Prayer:

O God, Thou injured, neglected, provoked benefactor, when I think upon thy greatness and thy goodness, I am ashamed of my insensibility, I blush to lift up my face, for I have foolishly erred. Shall I go on neglecting thee, when every one of thy rational creatures should love thee, and take every care to please thee? I confess that thou hast not been in all my thoughts, that the knowledge of thyself as the end of my being has been strangely overlooked, that I have never seriously considered my heart-need. But although my mind is perplexed and divided, my nature perverse, yet my secret dispositions still desire thee. Let me not delay to come to thee; break the fatal enchantment that binds my evil affections and bring me to a happy mind that rests in thee, for thou hast made me and canst not forget me. Let thy Spirit teach me the vital lessons of Christ, for I am slow to learn; and hear thou my broken cries.

–The Valley of Vision, p.36

Tuesday, December 17

Scripture: Acts 3:17-4:4

¹⁷“Friends, I realize that what you and your leaders did to Jesus was done in ignorance. ¹⁸But God was fulfilling what all the prophets had foretold about the Messiah—that he must suffer these things. ¹⁹Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. ²⁰Then times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord, and he will again send you Jesus, your appointed Messiah. ²¹For he must remain in heaven until the time for the final restoration of all things, as God promised long ago through his holy prophets. ²²Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from among your own people. Listen carefully to everything he tells you.’ ²³Then Moses said, ‘Anyone who will not listen to that Prophet will be completely cut off from God’s people.’

²⁴“Starting with Samuel, every prophet spoke about what is happening today.²⁵You are the children of those prophets, and you are included in the covenant God promised to your ancestors. For God said to Abraham, ‘Through your descendants all the families on earth will be blessed.’ ²⁶When God raised up his servant, Jesus, he sent him first to you people of Israel, to bless you by turning each of you back from your sinful ways.”

4 While Peter and John were speaking to the people, they were confronted by the priests, the captain of the Temple guard, and some of the Sadducees. ²These leaders were very disturbed that Peter and John were teaching the people that through Jesus there is a resurrection of the dead. ³They arrested them and, since it was already evening, put them in jail until morning. ⁴But many of the people who heard their message believed it, so the number of men who believed now totaled about 5,000.

Additional Scriptures: Psalm 125; 2 Kings 2:9-22

Some thoughts

Have you ever been in a situation where you wondered about something, analyzed it, studied it, got other’s opinions, and were dead wrong in your conclusion? I know the answer is yes. We simply didn’t have enough information, or we had a pre-determined conclusion of the way we wanted the situation to come out. Such has certainly happened to me. In Peter’s sermon to the Jews in this passage, he reminded them of the message of the prophets regarding the Messiah, whom they had killed. He made a strong plea for the people to repent of their sin and receive the Messiah. The message resonated with the people and 3,000 came to faith in a day.

Now he speaks to another crowd. In case these people had forgotten, Peter tied the powerful and familiar passage in Deuteronomy in which Moses, the greatest man of the Old Testament in the Jew’s eyes, clearly identified the Prophet, which God will raise up from the Jewish people. The admonition was to pay careful attention to this Prophet from God and hearken to his every word for he was the Messiah. Peter again drew on their knowledge of the Old Testament Scriptures in that he reminded them of the second prophet, Samuel, and his message as well as the covenant God made with Abraham that by extension included them. As to be expected the religious leaders opposed Peter’s message that through Jesus there was resurrection of the dead. The truth went against the grain of the Sadducees, who did not believe in a resurrection or in Jesus as the Messiah.

Once again, this situation is not unlike the world in which we live. Any number of people all around us reject Jesus’ atoning death for their sins. They hear some second-hand information about Jesus and form an opinion, a comfortable undemanding position, something they can live with and not have to change. You may have seen the yard sign with the phrase “science is real” and I’m thinking, “but the Creator of science isn’t?” The owner of the yard sign has put their trust in science and rejected God as is apparent from the rest of the information on their sign. However, we have since discovered some things about science in fact are not true. But this person stands by their sign being unwilling to change. By dismissing the whole idea of Jesus as the Son of God and his atoning sacrifice on their behalf, the unbeliever finds it easy to go on living their life in continued separation from God. The sad thing is this was a friend who has since passed away. The birth of Jesus upsets the apple cart, then and now. Ultimately it involves yielding my will to the Savior and bending the knee to the King of kings.

Music: “I Wonder and I Wander” by Audrey Assad

www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIZjyf1jhKE

Prayer:

O God, who art faithful and just to forgive us our sins, mercifully grant unto us that we may be delivered from the bondage of our sins and may one day rejoice in perfect liberty in our very Fatherland, which is in heaven. Amen. Roman Breviary

Monday, December 16

Scripture: I Kings 18:1-18

18 Later on, in the third year of the drought, the Lord said to Elijah, “Go and present yourself to King Ahab. Tell him that I will soon send rain!” ²So Elijah went to appear before Ahab.

Meanwhile, the famine had become very severe in Samaria. ³So Ahab summoned Obadiah, who was in charge of the palace. (Obadiah was a devoted follower of the Lord. ⁴Once when Jezebel had tried to kill all the Lord’s prophets, Obadiah had hidden 100 of them in two caves. He put fifty prophets in each cave and supplied them with food and water.) ⁵Ahab said to Obadiah, “We must check every spring and valley in the land to see if we can find enough grass to save at least some of my horses and mules.” ⁶So they divided the land between them. Ahab went one way by himself, and Obadiah went another way by himself.

⁷As Obadiah was walking along, he suddenly saw Elijah coming toward him. Obadiah recognized him at once and bowed low to the ground before him. “Is it really you, my lord Elijah?” he asked.

⁸“Yes, it is,” Elijah replied. “Now go and tell your master, ‘Elijah is here.’”

⁹“Oh, sir,” Obadiah protested, “what harm have I done to you that you are sending me to my death at the hands of Ahab? ¹⁰For I swear by the Lord your God that the king has searched every nation and kingdom on earth from end to end to find you. And each time he was told, ‘Elijah isn’t here,’ King Ahab forced the king of that nation to swear to the truth of his claim. ¹¹And now you say, ‘Go and tell your master, “Elijah is here.”’ ¹²But as soon as I leave you, the Spirit of the Lord will carry you away to who knows where. When Ahab comes and cannot find you, he will kill me. Yet I have been a true servant of the Lord all my life. ¹³Has no one told you, my lord, about the time when Jezebel was trying to kill the Lord’s prophets? I hid 100 of them in two caves and supplied them with food and water. ¹⁴And now you say, ‘Go and tell your master, “Elijah is here.”’ Sir, if I do that, Ahab will certainly kill me.”

¹⁵But Elijah said, “I swear by the Lord Almighty, in whose presence I stand, that I will present myself to Ahab this very day.”

¹⁶So Obadiah went to tell Ahab that Elijah had come, and Ahab went out to meet Elijah. ¹⁷When Ahab saw him, he exclaimed, “So, is it really you, you troublemaker of Israel?”

¹⁸“I have made no trouble for Israel,” Elijah replied. “You and your family are the troublemakers, for you have refused to obey the commands of the Lord and have worshiped the images of Baal instead.

Additional Scriptures: Psalm 125; Ephesians 6:10-17

Some thoughts

I wouldn’t be surprised as you read the above passage you were wondering “what does this have to do with Advent?” At first, I wondered the very same thing. We are aware that an “Elijah” type was to be the forerunner to the Messiah. Elijah was representative of all the Old Testament prophets. (At the Transfiguration he represented the prophets and Moses represented the Law.) Like all the prophets, he was involved in challenging the leaders of the nation in their rejection of God’s rule. All three of today’s passages allude to battles between good and evil. The common thread in each of these pericopes is that God protects his people.

In this passage, Elijah, whose name means “my God (El) is Yahweh (jah),” confronts King Ahab with his rebellion against God. Like today, the truth of God often disrupts the plans of self-focused people. In this case, was Ahab not only absorbed with his Baal worship, but he was also evil through and through. John the Baptist confronted Herod Antipas with the same message: what you are doing is wrong. Repent of your ways.

Likewise, the birth of Jesus brought a threat to Herod the Great, the father of Herod Antipas. The status quo was challenged by the Truth. Like Elijah’s message to Ahab, the power and truth of the gospel means people cannot go on living their lives as they decide or wish. They do answer to one greater than themselves. But the old self will not go down without a struggle. We are foolish if we think we don’t have that battle. The devil’s prime strategy is to persuade us, we are not even in a battle. Advent and the eventual coming of the Savior are about a radical re-ordering of life and society. John’s message did so in the time of Christ and is in that process today. The message of the prophet is to change your ways and follow the way of the Lord. To do that, one must let go of self-rule. That is the same challenge through the ages from the time of Ahab to this morning, December 16!

Music: “Let All Mortal Flesh” by MYC

www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfLWK4aphcg

Prayer: (A prayer regarding the challenge of submitting.)

O Changeless God, under the conviction of thy Spirit I learn that: the more I do, the worse I am; the more I know, the less I know; the more holiness I have, the more sinful I am; the more I love, the more there is to love. O wretched man that I am! O Lord, I have a wild heart, and cannot stand before thee; I am like a bird before a man. How little I love thy truth and ways! I neglect prayer, by thinking I have prayed enough and earnestly, by knowing thou hast saved my soul. Of all hypocrites, grant that I may not be an evangelical hypocrite, who sins more safely because grace abounds, who tells his lusts that Christ’s blood cleanseth them, who reasons that God cannot cast him into hell, for he is saved, who loves evangelical preaching, churches, Christians, but lives unholy.

My mind is a bucket without a bottom, with no spiritual understanding, no desire for the Lord’s Day, ever learning but never reaching the truth, always at the gospel-well but never holding water.

My conscience is without conviction or contrition, with nothing to repent of.

My will is without power of decision or resolution. My heart is without affection, and full of leaks. My memory has no retention, so I forget easily the lessons learned, and thy truths seep away. Give me a broken heart that yet carries home the water of grace.

-from The Valley of Vision, p.72

Third Sunday in Advent, December 15

Scripture: John 1:6-8; 19-28

⁶God sent a man, John the Baptist, ⁷to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. ⁸John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light.

¹⁹This was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders sent priests and Temple assistants from Jerusalem to ask John, “Who are you?” ²⁰He came right out and said, “I am not the Messiah.”

²¹“Well then, who are you?” they asked. “Are you Elijah?”

“No,” he replied.

“Are you the Prophet we are expecting?”

“No.”

²²“Then who are you? We need an answer for those who sent us. What do you have to say about yourself?”

²³John replied in the words of the prophet Isaiah:

“I am a voice shouting in the wilderness,
‘Clear the way for the Lord’s coming!’”

²⁴Then the Pharisees who had been sent ²⁵asked him, “If you aren’t the Messiah or Elijah or the Prophet, what right do you have to baptize?”

²⁶John told them, “I baptize with water, but right here in the crowd is someone you do not recognize. ²⁷Though his ministry follows mine, I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandal.”

²⁸This encounter took place in Bethany, an area east of the Jordan River, where John was baptizing.

Additional Scriptures: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11; Luke 1:4b-55

Some thoughts

We saw early on that the Season of Advent was about watching, waiting, and paying attention as we await the Lord’s return. Through parables and stories, Jesus told the people to prepare for his return. In this pericope, we see the care to detail as God’s plan unfolds. It says simply “God sent a man.” He names the man. He gives the man specific instructions about what he is to do. He is to point to the Light. In addition, God used Old Testament prophets to foretell of this person. So when John the Baptist arrived on the scene and began fulfilling his God-given task, the Jewish leaders had questions. “Who are you?” was their question. It was a question much deeper in scope than simply a name as is borne out in John’s responses.

The Pharisees and priests were looking for the Messiah. They were watching, waiting, and paying attention to the Scriptures. Much of what they saw in John fulfilled what they read in the Tanakh, the Hebrew Scriptures. So, John’s first response was simply, “I am not the Messiah.” The next question concerned Elijah. There was some thought among the leadership that since Elijah had not actually died but went to heaven in a chariot of fire, that he would come back to earth to announce the coming of the Messiah. So again, to this question, John answered, “No.”

Then the first question was asked in another way. “Are you the Prophet we are expecting?” In Deuteronomy 18:15, the first prophet, Moses, spoke of another Prophet who would rise up from among the Jews to speak the very words of God. This Prophet was understood to be the Messiah. How do we know this? In Acts 3:22-23 Peter quotes Moses in the passage from Deuteronomy and proclaims Jesus to be the Prophet to which Moses referred. The priests were spot on with their question about the Prophet Moses wrote about and dead wrong in their conclusion that Jesus was not that Prophet.

Back to our passage. To the Prophet question from the priests and Levites, John again answered, “No.” John only wanted to be known as the voice pointing to the Lord’s coming. Authority was important to the Jewish leadership and so their next question to John was about the authority to baptize. Despite their watching, waiting, and paying attention, the leadership was still missing it. In John’s words, “right here in the crowd is someone you do not recognize.” They had in their minds an image of what the Prophet, the Messiah should be and do. Jesus did not fit that image. Eventually, some of the leaders did discover the Christ, the Messiah (Nicodemus). I’m wondering if we also sometimes fail to recognize God’s working among us. [We do.] We may be surrounded by people who do not recognize the Savior. You and I are the present-day John the Baptists. John pointed people to Jesus. Can you point someone in that direction today? Look for the opportunity.

Music: “Angels We Have Heard on High” Home Free

Prayer:

Thanks be to thee, Lord Jesus Christ, for all the benefits which thou hast won for us, for all the pains and insults which thou hast borne for us. O most merciful Redeemer, Friend and Brother, may we know thee more clearly, love thee more dearly, and follow thee more nearly, day by day. And may ours be a voice crying in the wilderness, “This is the way. Walk ye in it.” Richard of Chichester 1197-1253, altered.

Saturday, December 14

Scripture: Habakkuk 3:13-19 (This is a portion of a prayer that Habakkuk sang.)

¹³You went out to rescue your chosen people,
to save your anointed ones.
You crushed the heads of the wicked
and stripped their bones from head to toe.
¹⁴With his own weapons,
you destroyed the chief of those
who rushed out like a whirlwind,
thinking Israel would be easy prey.
¹⁵You trampled the sea with your horses,
and the mighty waters piled high.

¹⁶I trembled inside when I heard this;
my lips quivered with fear.
My legs gave way beneath me,
and I shook in terror.
I will wait quietly for the coming day
when disaster will strike the people who invade us.
¹⁷Even though the fig trees have no blossoms,
and there are no grapes on the vines;
even though the olive crop fails,
and the fields lie empty and barren;
even though the flocks die in the fields,
and the cattle barns are empty,
¹⁸yet I will rejoice in the Lord!
I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!
¹⁹The Sovereign Lord is my strength!
He makes me as surefooted as a deer,
able to tread upon the heights.

(For the choir director: This prayer is to be accompanied by stringed instruments.)

Additional Scriptures: Psalm 126; Matthew 21:28-32

Some thoughts

There is uniqueness about this passage of Scripture in that specific directions are given that it is to be accompanied by stringed instruments. Clearly, not all music was sung unaccompanied. Now to reflect on the text itself . . .. With the wave of crises over the last several months—Maria, Irma, Harvey, wildfires in California, a mass killing, NFL troubles, North Korea, [This definitely dates when I wrote this—2017.] We have traded those difficult events and circumstances for a new set of troubles in 2024—Ukrainian/Russian war, immigration problems, Middle East conflicts with Israel, street violence, new hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton. The rest of the world continues to have its own significant troubles. Evil is clearly very present in this world. There is an element of uncertainty in our society. Our day is not so different from the days of Habakkuk. In chapter two he writes, (v.18) “What good is an idol carved by man . . . how foolish to trust in your own creation.” Our world is filled with carved idols. One of the idols is “I have my own truth, you have yours” so who are you to criticize my truth. In the words of Groucho Marx, “I have my own principles. If you don’t like them, I have others.” That would be our world.

Habakkuk sheds perfect light on how to read the situation. The importance of knowing history is again borne out here. He remembers and recites God’s actions from the past. God, you rescued your chosen people in referring to the destruction of Egypt’s army as it chased down the Israelites as they fled through the Red Sea. (v.13-15). The whole prayer, which is chapter three, reiterates the power and workings of God in protecting and providing for his people. In the close of the chapter, Habakkuk reaffirms his trust in God. Note the verbs in his response. “I trembled, my lips quivered, my legs gave way, I shook.” Then his trust in God rises to the surface with the words, I will wait quietly. Notice then how he describes wait quietly. There are three “even though’s.” The outward situation remains unsettling, (like today). Yet he says “I will rejoice. I will be joyful in God. The Lord is my strength!” The Lord makes him as sure footed as a deer running up a mountain. As a follower of Christ, do not sing the tune of doom and gloom. The Lord is your strength today and enables you to run up the mountain . . . accompanied by stringed instruments no less! Habakkuk most likely had seen these goats himself.

Goats running up the Mountain!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hu8TJKMtmtI

Music: “And the Glory of the Lord” from Messiah Atlanta Symphony and Chorus

www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3raTXZ_hPk

Prayer:

God, my God, give me heart to thank Thee; lift up my heart above myself, to Thee and Thine eternal throne; let it not linger here among the toils and turmoil’s of this lower world; let it not be oppressed by any earth-born clouds of care or anxiety or fear or suspicion; but bind it wholly to Thee and to Thy love; give me eyes to see Thy love in all things, and Thy grace in all around me; make me to thank Thee for Thy love and Thy grace to all and in all; give me wings of love that I may soar up to Thee, and cling to Thee, and adore Thee, and praise Thee more and more, until I be fitted to enter into the joys of Thine everlasting love, everlastingly to love Thee and Thy grace, whereby Thou didst make me such as Thou couldest love, such as could love Thee, O God my God. Amen. E. B. Pusey 1800-1882

Friday, December 13

Scripture: Philippians 3:12-16

¹²I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. ¹³No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, ¹⁴I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

¹⁵Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you. ¹⁶But we must hold on to the progress we have already made.

Additional Scriptures: Psalm 126; Habakkuk 3:2-6

Some thoughts

The conversation today is about pressing on. If I’m honest, I admit there are times when I’m too tired to press on. I just want to rest. This “pressing on” is not about those times. Here, we are talking about following Christ relentlessly. It’s about looking to the future and progressing. I once had a professor say that “excellence is not a state of being, it’s a process of excelling. Am I improving?” In this pericope, Paul freely admits he has not arrived, because frankly, we never do in this life. Our pressing on is part of a bigger working of God.

Habakkuk writes of the powerful moving of God in the world concluding God is the ETERNAL ONE (v.6) You see, the pressing on of each of us is a small part of the biggest pressing on that God is doing. Our God is always pressing on. Maybe instead of saying pressing on, we could say vibrantly living, dynamically moving. How do you think he created the Universe? Not by sitting back.

Psalm 126 picks up the same theme in another way. The people plant in tears and reap in joy. They weep going only to return singing for joy. We plant in faith looking to the future for the harvest to come. As a young boy on the farm, and now as an “older boy” from the farm, I remember firsthand the joy of my dad and grandpa during the harvesting of the corn, wheat, and soybeans. The Lord was faithful in harvest again this year. From time to time, I’d hear them whistling! We knew well the long months between planting in mid-April and harvesting the end of September. Like farmers, we live with anticipation of what is to come. Press on in godliness, holy living, and dynamic whistling! The King is coming for the final harvest!

Music: “Come, Ye Thankful People Come” Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra

www.youtube.com/watch?v=msOzJ6DY7EA

Prayer:

O Lord my God, be not Thou far from me; my God, have regard to help me; for there have risen up against me sundry thoughts, and great fears afflicting my soul. How shall I pass through unhurt? How shall I break them to pieces? This is my hope, my one only consolation, to flee unto Thee in every tribulation, to trust in Thee, to call upon Thee from my inmost heart, and to wait patiently for Thy consolation. Amen.

—Thomas à Kempis 1380-1471 A.D.

Thursday, December 12

Scripture: Habakkuk 2:1-5

2 I will climb up to my watchtower
and stand at my guardpost.
There I will wait to see what the Lord says
and how he will answer my complaint.

²Then the Lord said to me,

“Write my answer plainly on tablets,
so that a runner can carry the correct message to others.
³This vision is for a future time.
It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled.
If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently,
for it will surely take place.
It will not be delayed.

⁴“Look at the proud!
They trust in themselves, and their lives are crooked.
But the righteous will live by their faithfulness to God.
⁵Wealth is treacherous,
and the arrogant are never at rest.
They open their mouths as wide as the grave,
and like death, they are never satisfied.
In their greed they have gathered up many nations
and swallowed many peoples.

Additional Scriptures: Psalm 126; Philippians 3:7-11

Some thoughts

The season of Advent is about waiting with anticipation of Jesus’ return and the fulfillment of God’s ultimate restoration of all creation. In the previous chapter of Habakkuk, the bad guys were getting away with murdering people who were better than they were. This injustice grated on Habakkuk. In his frustration, he asked eleven questions of the Lord! In a nutshell, the bad guys are getting away with murder. When are you going to do something about it? Ever felt that way?

He was trying to reconcile how a holy and just God would punish Judah with people that were more pagan than his rebellious chosen people. That was chapter one. In chapter two, Habakkuk responds to God with great wisdom. He decides to wait to see what the Lord will say. Wise idea and good advice. Unlike Job’s questioning of the Lord, where the Lord doesn’t answer but asks Job more questions, here, the Lord responds.

Before we deal with the Lord’s response, I’d like us to reflect on Habakkuk’s questions. We are not in a situation greatly different from his. People to stand for Christ are mocked by those in our culture who have made themselves the arbiters of truth and have established their own moral code of conduct. As flawed as Christians are, they have been made righteous by the blood Christ. In our day, the double standard towards believers is common. In a godless society, perverted justice is the rule and is always hungry for more. Each twisted step is never enough. So when the Lord responded to Habakkuk’s questions, we have an opportunity to find the mind of the God. The Lord made is answer very plain. Verse three of chapter two is the theological description of Yogi Berra’s “it ain’t over ‘til it’s over!” The Lord’s justice will most surely come and when it does, it will be definitive. The proud ones always trust in themselves and their bent perspective. Eventually the sin will catch up and pay a heavy wage. We have plenty of current examples. The righteous, those made righteous by God, live by faithfulness to God. Their eyes remain on the Father, not in complaining about the crooked people around them. The Lord sees the evildoers. Evil is insatiable for power, for control, for self, for dominance. One of the themes of Advent, is about waiting in faithfulness and not fretting about the people who seemingly “get away with it.” Put simply in God’s words, “They won’t.” Wait with your eyes fixed on our coming Savior.

Music: “Of the Father’s Love Begotten” Instrumental

www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_4MkT7WrMw

www.youtube.com/watch?v=20whh5P8hbk Park Trio

www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpc1LmtLIkY Mercer Singers

Prayer:

O God, give us patience when the wicked hurt us. O how impatient and angry we are when we think ourselves unjustly slandered, reviled, and hurt! Christ suffers strokes upon his cheek, the innocent for the guilty; yet we may not abide one rough word for his sake. O Lord, grant us virtue and patience, power and strength, that we may take all adversity with good will, and with a gentle mind overcome it. And if necessity and your honor require us to speak, grant that we may do so with meekness and patience, that the truth and your glory may be defended, and our patience and steadfast continuance perceived. In Jesus’ name. Amen. –Miles Coverdale 1488-1568 (Reformer and translator of the Bible into English in his day)

Wednesday, December 11

Scripture: Luke 1:5-17

⁵When Herod was king of Judea, there was a Jewish priest named Zechariah. He was a member of the priestly order of Abijah, and his wife, Elizabeth, was also from the priestly line of Aaron. ⁶Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous in God’s eyes, careful to obey all of the Lord’s commandments and regulations. ⁷They had no children because Elizabeth was unable to conceive, and they were both very old.

⁸One day Zechariah was serving God in the Temple, for his order was on duty that week. ⁹As was the custom of the priests, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and burn incense. ¹⁰While the incense was being burned, a great crowd stood outside, praying.

¹¹While Zechariah was in the sanctuary, an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the incense altar. ¹²Zechariah was shaken and overwhelmed with fear when he saw him. ¹³But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer. Your wife, Elizabeth, will give you a son, and you are to name him John. ¹⁴You will have great joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, ¹⁵for he will be great in the eyes of the Lord. He must never touch wine or other alcoholic drinks. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth.¹⁶And he will turn many Israelites to the Lord their God. ¹⁷He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah. He will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will cause those who are rebellious to accept the wisdom of the godly.”

Additional Scriptures: Psalm 27; Malachi 2:10-3:1

Some thoughts

This pericope is the very familiar account of the angel Gabriel telling the old priest Zechariah that he will be the father of John, the forerunner of the Messiah. What happens is truly a miracle but, to me, there is something even more wonderful about our God that unfolds in this event. Some background will help frame what happens a little more clearly. First of all, as you know, not anyone could become a priest. You didn’t audition for the job. You had to be born into the right family, the family of Levi. (That is one of the reasons genealogies are so important in the Bible and why such great care was taken in recording them.) All the way back in I Chronicles 24:10 we find that Abijah was one of the twenty-four descendants of the two remaining sons of the high priest, Aaron. (Nadab and Abihu offered unholy fire and died.) Abijah’s was the eighth of the twenty-four lots. Aaron was God’s chosen priest and established the protocol for priestly duties. Aaron and Moses were of the tribe of Levi but not all Levites were priests, just those who descended from Aaron. Why is this significant? God chose to work through the priestly line to bring the prophet who would announce the coming of the Messiah king. As it turns out both father and mother were from the priestly line of Aaron. In other words, John the Baptist was purebred priest!

There were many priests in each of the twenty-four orders. Lots were drawn to determine which man would serve in the Temple. The privilege to serve may come only once in a priest’s lifetime and so was a great honor. Though they had prayed for children, Zechariah and Elizabeth were childless. When his name was drawn for this honor, my guess is many of his friends were waiting outside for him to finish his duties. When he delayed in coming out, they figured something was amiss. What had happened? Somehow Zechariah communicated the appearance of an angelic visitor. An angel in the Temple was unsettling to say the least, but the message was even more startling. Zechariah and Elizabeth were to become parents of the forerunner of the Messiah! The Scripture also tells us that the baby (not a blob of cells) was filled with the Holy Spirit while still in utero.

Our wonderful God worked through an ordinary occurrence, rolling the dice to select a person for a specific task (!), and accomplished his will in a most remarkable, miraculous way. Yet all the details were in perfect order. A prophet who was from the priestly line announced the coming of King Jesus, the One who was the Prophet proclaiming the kingdom of God is among you, and the ultimate Priest who continually intercedes on behalf of his children, and the return of the coming King. Look today for God’s hand in the ordinary things of your life. They may become extra ordinary. God is in the details, even in the roll of the dice. [This pericope is not to be read as an affirmation of gambling!!]

Music: “Comfort Ye & Every Valley Shall Be Exalted” from Messiah Nicholas Sharratt

www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Pz9BCMFoP8

Prayer:

Almighty Lord our God, direct our steps into the way of peace, and strengthen our hearts to obey Thy commands; may the Dayspring visit us from on high, and give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death; that they may adore Thee for Thy mercy, follow thee for Thy truth, desire Thee for thy sweetness, who art the blessed Lord God of Israel. Amen.

—Ancient Collect

Tuesday, December 10

Scripture: Isaiah 4:2-6

²But in that day, the branch of the Lord
will be beautiful and glorious;
the fruit of the land will be the pride and glory
of all who survive in Israel.
³All who remain in Zion
will be a holy people—
those who survive the destruction of Jerusalem
and are recorded among the living.
⁴The Lord will wash the filth from beautiful Zion
and cleanse Jerusalem of its bloodstains
with the hot breath of fiery judgment.
⁵Then the Lord will provide shade for Mount Zion
and all who assemble there.
He will provide a canopy of cloud during the day
and smoke and flaming fire at night,
covering the glorious land.
⁶It will be a shelter from daytime heat
and a hiding place from storms and rain.

Additional Scriptures: Psalm 27; Acts 11:1-18

Some thoughts

Throughout the Old Testament it seems that a good deal of the time Israel was in trouble both with their neighbors and with God. During those times, God gave them prophets to point the way of faith. When the above passage came from Isaiah’s mouth, Israel was in rebellion toward God. Isaiah warned Israel to change her ways and predicted Israel would be carried off into exile. In this passage, he talks about the remnant who would return after the exile. You have undoubtedly noted in v.5 his reference to “the cloud during the day and the smoke and flaming fire at night,” a clear reference to God’s leading the Israelites in the desert in the time of the forty years of wandering in the desert. Quite often events in the Bible foreshadow later occurrences. An incident is a partial picture, often of a later greater event. When we speak of the unity of Scripture, this is a small part of what we mean. The whole story of the Bible is connected as God unfolds his master plan.

Moving back to verse two we read “In that day, the branch of the Lord . . .” To what day and to what branch are we referring? In one case we are talking about the actual return from exile and the branch being the restored Israelite remnant (a shadow). On a more ultimate level, we are foretelling the day of the Lord when all of creation will be restored. The “branch” in this case also refers to the Messiah, the Branch of the Lord. In the eleventh chapter, Isaiah writes (v.1) “Out of the stump of David’s family will grow a shoot−yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root.” Here again, we apply what we have so often heard, “the best commentary on the Bible is the Bible.” On a still larger picture yet, do you see we are the people in exile living in a corrupt fallen world as were the Israelites. We too await the final coming of the Messiah to establish in eternal Kingdom. It will be a beautiful and glorious day. The Advent season is about looking forward to that day. Stay under his cloud today. He is our shelter from the heat of conflict and unpredictable storms of the day as we wait for his return.

Music: “Once in Royal David’s City” Celtic Women

www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYV2ctvhOaA

Prayer:

You are holy, Lord, the only God. And your deeds are wonderful. You are strong, you are great. You are the most High, you are almighty. You, holy Father, are King of heaven and earth. You are Three and One, Lord God, all good. You are our protector; you are our guardian and defender. You are courage, you are our haven and our hope. You are our faith, our great consolation. You are our eternal life, great and wonderful Lord. God almighty, merciful Savior. –St Francis of Assisi, 1181-1226 A.D.

Monday, December 9

Scripture: Isaiah 26:7-15

⁷But for those who are righteous,
the way is not steep and rough.
You are a God who does what is right,
and you smooth out the path ahead of them.
⁸Lord, we show our trust in you by obeying your laws;
our heart’s desire is to glorify your name.
⁹In the night I search for you;
in the morning I earnestly seek you.
For only when you come to judge the earth
will people learn what is right.
¹⁰Your kindness to the wicked
does not make them do good.
Although others do right, the wicked keep doing wrong
and take no notice of the Lord’s majesty.
¹¹O Lord, they pay no attention to your upraised fist.
Show them your eagerness to defend your people.
Then they will be ashamed.
Let your fire consume your enemies.

¹²Lord, you will grant us peace;
all we have accomplished is really from you.
¹³O Lord our God, others have ruled us,
but you alone are the one we worship.
¹⁴Those we served before are dead and gone.
Their departed spirits will never return!
You attacked them and destroyed them,
and they are long forgotten.
¹⁵O Lord, you have made our nation great;
yes, you have made us great.
You have extended our borders,
and we give you the glory!

Additional Scriptures: Psalm 27; Acts 2:37-42

Some thoughts

There are so many powerful themes in these words from Isaiah. He was preaching to a persecuted people. His words were to encourage repentance and righteous living. He paints a picture of a smooth path for the righteous. We may read this and conclude something is wrong. The righteous do not have a smooth path. They are under great stress from their enemies. So, what is going on? The trouble is, we quickly look at a situation from our human perspective and draw our conclusions not only about the circumstances, but also about God. We assume we see all that is. If we had all knowledge, that would be true. Since we are not omniscient, we must acknowledge the One who has all knowledge. We want to put v.7 in human time; God puts it in eternal time. I’ll go with the eternal, it lasts a lot longer!

In the meantime, v.8 gives us guidance for the “human time.” Put simply, live in obedience that God may be glorified. Did you notice that in v.9 there is no time we are not to be seeking God? The latter part of that verse clues us in on God’s timing for dealing with the wicked. It also tells us of the character of our Lord. He is kind and patient with those who rebel. In Hebrews we read “God is a consuming fire.” Here in Isaiah, we read of God’s fiery judgment of the wicked. Isaiah then turns our attention back to the obedient faithful in acknowledging God as the sole provider and the one who is worshiped. In the end, time runs out and judgment comes for those who have rebelled, ignored, or defied God. Those made righteous by the grace of God enjoy his eternal favor. You see, we are the ones Isaiah is speaking to! Don’t fret over the evildoers. Earthly time will run out. Judgment follows. In the meantime, stay on God’s path; it gets smoother. God said so.

Music: Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming (in German) Ensemble Amarcod

www.youtube.com/watch?v=xA4pBDNZDx0

Prayer:

O Lord, this is all my desire−to walk along the path of life that Thou hast appointed me, even as Jesus my Lord would walk along it, in steadfastness of faith, in meekness of spirit, in lowliness of heart, in gentleness of love. And because outward events have so much power in scattering my thoughts and disturbing the inward peace in which alone the voice of Thy spirit is heard, do Thou gracious Lord, calm and settle my soul that by subduing power which alone can bring all thoughts and desires of the heart into captivity to Thyself. All I have is Thine; do Thou with all as seems best to Thy divine will; for I know not what is best. Let not the cares or duties of this life press on me too heavily; but lighten my burden, that I may follow Thy way in quietness, filled with thankfulness for Thy mercy, and rendering acceptable service unto Thee. Amen.

Maria Hare (1798-1870)

Second Sunday in Advent, December 8

Scripture: Mark 1:1-8

1 This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God. It began²just as the prophet Isaiah had written:

“Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
and he will prepare your way.
³He is a voice shouting in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming!
Clear the road for him!’”

⁴This messenger was John the Baptist. He was in the wilderness and preached that people should be baptized to show that they had repented of their sins and turned to God to be forgiven. ⁵All of Judea, including all the people of Jerusalem, went out to see and hear John. And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River. ⁶His clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food he ate locusts and wild honey.

⁷John announced: “Someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to stoop down like a slave and untie the straps of his sandals. ⁸I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit!”

Additional Scriptures: Isaiah 40:1-11; Psalm 85: 1-2, 8-13; 2 Peter 3:8-15a

Some thoughts

Mark opens his book announcing the “Good News,” in Greek, evangelion, from which we get “evangelical” among other words. It is frequently translated gospel. From the very beginning of his writing, Mark identifies Jesus as Messiah, the anointed one in Hebrew. In the earlier Testament, prophets, priests, and kings were all anointed with oil indicating God’s presence, blessing, and authority with that person. That is why people were to take the words of the prophet seriously. God was literally speaking through the prophet’s mouth. Israel had been looking and waiting for a descendant of King David, the Messiah, the anointed one. This pericope is not so much about John the Baptist as it is about Jesus, the long-awaited Messiah. Mark builds the case for Jesus’ identity by quoting two of the most prominent Old Testament prophecies in Malachi and Isaiah. The early church referred to itself as “the Way,” perhaps in reference to this Isaiah quote.

John generated great interest from the public. There had been no prophet of God for nearly 400 years and now the prophet John, like Elijah of old, appeared out of the desert with a call to all for repentance and confession of sin. His baptism was an outward sign that the people had repented and turned to God for forgiveness. Huge crowds came out to see and hear John’s message. The Scriptures tell us that all of Jerusalem and all of Judea, roughly 2700 square miles, (Mediterranean to Dead Sea to Sea of Galilee) came out to see this prophet from the desert.

As you know, the early weeks Advent focus on the ministry of John the Baptizer and his message of repentance in preparation for the coming kingdom of Jesus. We likewise await this advent of Christ some 2,000 years later. We are this day closer to that glorious event than was John. The core of his message was repent, certainly an apropos message for all of us today. With a heart of repentance we await the coming, the advent of our Savior. Do we live with an expectation of the imminent return of the Lord? What difference will such thinking make in our life?

Music: “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus” Fernando Ortega

www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dmO8UPlWoo

Prayer:

I wonder Lord, if I had lived in the time of John the Baptist, if would have travelled out into the desert to hear him? My life is so filled with distractions now. I have trouble staying focused when I pray. I don’t seem to be able to do the necessary things. I wind up wasting time and doing trivial things. To be truthful, I sort of avoid being alone with you at times. It’s kind of embarrassing to be transparent. Maybe part of me thinks you’re tired and disappointed with such a fickle follower. Father, take me in your arms and let me hear John’s voice again. Come, Lord Jesus, come. Amen. –Dan Sharp

Saturday, December 7

Scripture: Mark 11:27-33

²⁷Again they entered Jerusalem. As Jesus was walking through the Temple area, the leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders came up to him.²⁸They demanded, “By what authority are you doing all these things? Who gave you the right to do them?”

²⁹“I’ll tell you by what authority I do these things if you answer one question,” Jesus replied. ³⁰“Did John’s authority to baptize come from heaven, or was it merely human? Answer me!”

³¹They talked it over among themselves. “If we say it was from heaven, he will ask why we didn’t believe John. ³²But do we dare say it was merely human?” For they were afraid of what the people would do, because everyone believed that John was a prophet. ³³So they finally replied, “We don’t know.”

And Jesus responded, “Then I won’t tell you by what authority I do these things.”

Additional Scriptures: Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13; Ezekiel 36:24-28

Some thoughts

Yesterday we wrote about how Jesus was Prophet, Priest, and King. One of the things prophets did was to proclaim the truth. Often that got them in hot water. In this case, this conversation took place during Holy Week. A little context will help us grasp the significance of this interaction with the religious leaders. Previously Jesus had cleansed the Temple of moneychangers. He had healed a blind man. He had forgiven people of their sins. The religious leaders came from three groups of people, the teachers (scribes), priests, and elders. They were the religious authorities. It is important to note this authority to interpret the Scriptures was given to very few persons. Such a status did not occur until the person was at least thirty years of age. Only the most brilliant ever attained this position. Typically, these persons had memorized the entire Old Testament. Jesus was perceived as such a person. Therefore, the religious leaders came at Jesus again and again demanding proof of his authority, particularly since it countered their interpretations.

This passage is another example of the conflict. In discussions among rabbis the normal pattern was to answer a question with another question. [That was the pattern here as well.] The question of the rabbi who responded to the initial question needed to demonstrate, not only an answer, but also a grasp of the implications of the first question. You see how insightful Jesus’ question was. He forced the religious leaders to confront the choice between a prophet speaking God’s truth from heaven (John) or simply view John as an ordinary man speaking human ideas. Public opinion was in favor of the former, John speaking God’s truth.

The leaders were unwilling to believe John because it would destroy their position and they would have to acknowledge Jesus was the Messiah. They were also unwilling to go against public opinion, which would expose them as religious bigots. So, they refused to answer Jesus’ question. Jesus followed with a parable in which he further exposed their hypocrisy. Do you look at these religious leaders as hard-hearted people protecting their position by refusing to acknowledge the Lordship of Christ? How often does the authority of Jesus in your life cause you conflict? (Just following the rabbi’s pattern!) If the Lord always agrees with you, you are in trouble!

Music: “O Come, All Ye Faithful” by Pentatonix

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mj7Pr42rliI

Prayer:

O Lord, let me not henceforth desire health or life, except to spend them for Thee, with Thee, and in Thee. Thou alone knowest what is good for me; do, therefore, what seemeth Thee best. Give to me, or take from me; conform my will to Thine; and grant that, with humble and perfect submission, and in holy confidence, I may receive the orders of Thine eternal Providence; and may equally adore all that comes to me from Thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

—Blaise Pascal (1623-1662)

Friday, December 6

Scripture: Jeremiah 1:4-10

⁴The Lord gave me this message:

⁵“I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb.
Before you were born I set you apart
and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.”

⁶“O Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!”

⁷The Lord replied, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. ⁸And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!” ⁹Then the Lord reached out and touched my mouth and said,

“Look, I have put my words in your mouth!
¹⁰Today I appoint you to stand up
against nations and kingdoms.
Some you must uproot and tear down,
destroy and overthrow.
Others you must build up
and plant.”

Additional Scriptures: Psalm 85;1-2, 8-13; Acts 11:19-26

Some thoughts

The passage you have just read must remind you of several other passages of Scripture that pick up several of these same themes. Throughout the Bible, God spoke and led his people by prophets like Isaiah, priests like Moses, and kings like David all of which God chose. There is a larger truth in this passage than the immediate situation. Prophets received direct messages from the Lord. As God speaks to Jeremiah he says, “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb.” It was King David who wrote those words in Psalm 139 some 300 plus years earlier. God knew them before they were born, and he knew you before you were formed in your mother’s womb! In Jeremiah’s case God had a specific mission for him to speak to the nations on God’s behalf. The same can be said for Isaiah (Is.49:1). One didn’t decide to be a prophet, God called them from before birth to the task! Some were willing; some were not (Jonah!). Jeremiah’s response was very similar to that of Moses at the burning bush. Moses, when called to speak on behalf of the Lord, made the same claim to the Lord. “I can’t speak for you.” Whereupon God ordained that Moses’ brother Aaron be his spokesman. God gave his word to Moses, who then passed it on to Aaron, who spoke to the people. Isaiah, who likewise reflected reluctance to be God’s mouthpiece to the people. Moses was afraid. Jeremiah was afraid. Isaiah was afraid. In each case God’s promise was that he would be with them. “Emmanuel,” God with us. Like Isaiah, God reached out and touched Jeremiah’s lips putting his words in the mouth of his prophet. When called by God, the response of each was the same. “Here I am” were the words of Isaiah, Jeremiah in contrast to Moses’ words “Who am I to go?”

Finally, the passage closes with the call to the prophets to confront nations and kingdoms with the evil and idolatry residing among the peoples. The word from God was to repent and be healed. At this point you are probably wondering what all of this has to do with Advent! Throughout Scripture there were three distinctive leadership roles in which God interacted with his people: the Prophet, Priest, and King as we’ve just seen. They were never combined. In fact, King Saul was removed as king because he assumed the role of priest. This passage in Jeremiah is a “shadow” of One who will be Prophet, Priest, and King, even Jesus the Messiah. Except the role of this Savior was determined before time and for all eternity. The Prophet speaks to you in his Word. The Priest intercedes on your behalf as you read this. And the King has yet to come to rule his people (you and me) and set up his eternal Kingdom. For that we wait!

Music: “Ideo Gloria” St. Malachay’s Choir, Scotland

www.youtube.com/watch?v=g55v9bhdIMc

Prayer: Jesus’ high Priestly prayer from John 17:1-5

Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son so he can give glory back to you. ²For you have given him authority over everyone. He gives eternal life to each one you have given him. ³And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth. ⁴I brought glory to you here on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. ⁵Now, Father, bring me into the glory we shared before the world began.

Thursday, December 5

Scripture: Hosea 6:1-6

“Come, let us return to the Lord.
He has torn us to pieces;
now he will heal us.
He has injured us;
now he will bandage our wounds.
²In just a short time he will restore us,
so that we may live in his presence.
³Oh, that we might know the Lord!
Let us press on to know him.
He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn
or the coming of rains in early spring.”

⁴“O Israel and Judah,
what should I do with you?” asks the Lord.
“For your love vanishes like the morning mist
and disappears like dew in the sunlight.
⁵I sent my prophets to cut you to pieces—
to slaughter you with my words,
with judgments as inescapable as light.
⁶I want you to show love,
not offer sacrifices.
I want you to know me
more than I want burnt offerings.

Additional Scriptures: Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13; I Thessalonians 1:2-10

Some thoughts

Do you ever wonder what the heart of God is like? We know many of the characteristics of God. He is holy, just, righteous, loving, all knowing, and so forth. But what is his heart like? Is he emotionally and personally connected to people, to you? These words of Hosea are most intriguing. You just read that God has “torn us to pieces, now he will heal us.” In a short time he will restore us (why?), so we can live in his presence (v.2). We have a clue here as to God’s heart toward you and me. He wants us to live in his presence . . . on his terms.

From our point of view, it means repentance. His presence is holy. We are not. I’m not sure we always realize this truth. I fear holiness isn’t that big of an issue for us. But something has to be done. God’s “tearing” is a way of waking us up to realize our need for repentance and the significance of holiness from God’s perspective.

Hosea writes of the importance of pressing on to “know him.” How do you and I press on? We absorb his words. We read elsewhere that the “word of the Lord is sharper than any two-edged sword.” God’s word brings us truth, his truth which inevitably exposes our need for repentance. Hosea is very blunt here. God’s prophets came to “slaughter you with my words!” God wants their undivided love, not simply obeying the sacrificial law. God is after their heart, not their religious actions. The actions follow, but are not a substitute for the heart, fully abandoned to loving the Father. Where is God tearing you? He’s after your undivided heart.

Music: “What Child Is This” Jerry Palmer, Don and Wendy Francisco (instrumental)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPRFk8sLIPw

Prayer:

Lord, I know not what I ought to ask of Thee; Thou only knowest what I need; Thou lovest me better than I know how to love myself. O Father, give to Thy child that which he himself knows not how to ask. I dare not ask either for crosses or consolations; I simply present myself before Thee, I open my heart to Thee. Behold my needs which I know not myself; see and do according to Thy tender mercy. Smite, or heal; depress me, or raise me up; I adore all Thy purposes without knowing them; I am silent; I offer myself in sacrifice; I yield myself to Thee; I would have no other desire than to accomplish Thy will. Teach me to pray. Pray Thyself in me. Amen —Francois de la Mothe Fenelon, 1651-1715