Dan Sharp – Page 5 – Sharp Devotional

Wednesday, March 17

Reader: “At the right time,”

Response: “I, the Lord, will make it happen.”

Scripture: Isaiah 60:15-22

“Though you were once despised and hated,

with no one traveling through you,

I will make you beautiful forever,

a joy to all generations.

Powerful kings and mighty nations

will satisfy your every need,

as though you were a child

nursing at the breast of a queen.

You will know at last that I, the Lord,

am your Savior and your Redeemer,

the Mighty One of Israel.

I will exchange your bronze for gold,

your iron for silver,

your wood for bronze,

and your stones for iron.

I will make peace your leader

and righteousness your ruler.

Violence will disappear from your land;

the desolation and destruction of war will end.

Salvation will surround you like city walls,

and praise will be on the lips of all who enter there.

“No longer will you need the sun to shine by day,

nor the moon to give its light by night,

for the Lord your God will be your everlasting light,

and your God will be your glory.

Your sun will never set;

your moon will not go down.

For the Lord will be your everlasting light.

Your days of mourning will come to an end.

All your people will be righteous.

They will possess their land forever,

for I will plant them there with my own hands

in order to bring myself glory.

The smallest family will become a thousand people,

and the tiniest group will become a mighty nation.

At the right time, I, the Lord, will make it happen.”

Reader: This is the word of the Lord.

Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:

If you have some time, read the first fifteen verses of this chapter. One thing to note in Isaiah is that “Zion is a theological name for Jerusalem, the City of God” (NLT Bible, notes p.1195). There is no more significant city in all of the world. Zion is a symbol of God’s presence. The Temple that Solomon built was symbolically called Mt. Zion. In Solomon’s day, God dwelt in the Holy of Holies above the Ark of the Covenant in the Temple. To be a citizen of Zion meant that one had been redeemed by God.

In this portion of Scripture, Isaiah is describing a future day following the return of the Lord. We will see the Lord in all his glory. There will be peace, trust, justice, righteousness, purity and holiness. There will be no impurity, idolatry, rebellion against God, unrighteousness and immorality anywhere. The citizens of Zion have been washed in the blood of the Lamb and are pure and holy. Do you realize no one who has ever lived, except those who were physically in the presence of Jesus during his days on earth, has ever been with a perfectly pure and holy person? I wonder what that would be like. Read again a description of those days. “I will make peace your leader and righteousness your ruler.” No fraud here. “Violence will disappear from your land.” That would be a welcome relief in this world. “War will end.” Yes! “Praise will be on the lips of all who enter there.” Can you imagine our leadership openly praising God without being mocked? We won’t even need the sun or moon for God himself will be our light. Think of that! God will bring back his people to Zion from everywhere in the world.

Earlier in this chapter Isaiah writes, “And what do I see flying like clouds to Israel, like doves to their nests? . . . They are bringing the people of Israel home from far away, carrying their silver and gold. They will honor the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel.”

(I’m sure you are aware that there are agencies now dedicated to flying Jews from all around the world home to Israel.) Isn’t it amazing how Isaiah described this roughly 700 years before Christ?

All of this is to bring glory to God. I’m afraid we live in a world that is so consumed with itself that the thought, let alone the act, of bringing glory to God is not even on our radar. How can you bring glory to God today? Stop and think about it before you read on. That is what will happen in Zion when we get there. The last sentence of today’s reading gives me chills, “At the right time, I, the Lord, will make it happen.” Jesus’ journey to the cross made all of this possible. Glory to you, Lord, God.

Music: “Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken” BuPyeong Methodist Church (S.Korean)

“Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken” Glorious Philharmonic Choir (African)

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, March 16

Reader: “If you think you are standing strong,”

Response: “be careful not to fall.”

Scripture: I Corinthians 10:1-13

I don’t want you to forget, dear brothers and sisters, about our ancestors in the wilderness long ago. All of them were guided by a cloud that moved ahead of them, and all of them walked through the sea on dry ground. In the cloud and in the sea, all of them were baptized as followers of Moses. All of them ate the same spiritual food, and all of them drank the same spiritual water. For they drank from the spiritual rock that traveled with them, and that rock was Christ. Yet God was not pleased with most of them, and their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.

These things happened as a warning to us, so that we would not crave evil things as they did, or worship idols as some of them did. As the Scriptures say, “The people celebrated with feasting and drinking, and they indulged in pagan revelry.”And we must not engage in sexual immorality as some of them did, causing 23,000 of them to die in one day.

Nor should we put Christ to the test, as some of them did and then died from snakebites. And don’t grumble as some of them did, and then were destroyed by the angel of death. These things happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us who live at the end of the age.

If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

Reader: This is the word of the Lord.

Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:

Dennis Prager, a conservative Jewish talk show host, made this observation in one of his books on The Rational Bible. “Memory permeates faith. No memory, no faith.” Think about the importance of memory. The portion of Scripture for today begins with, “I don’t want you to forget dear brothers and sisters . . .” It is important to remember history as it truly was. Memory is a marvelous thing. It is necessary for sanity. One of the reasons God gave the Jewish people the festivals of Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of First Fruits, Pentecost, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and the Feast of Tabernacles, was to remind, bring back to memory what God had done for his people and to remind the people of what not to do. Past history was and is one of our most valuable and essential teachers.

So here, Paul walks the Corinthians through a portion of Israel’s history. Corinth was a pagan city known for sexual immorality and a godless pagan culture. There were Romans, Greeks, Jews and other ethnic groups from all around the Mediterranean Sea inhabiting the city. Also, Corinth was strategically located on the east to west trade route which further invited a wide span of cultures intermingling. So Paul wanted the Jews to bring to memory their ancestral and historical heritage. His epistle also informed those non-Jews of God’s dealing with rebellious people.

God had provided for his people in the past. Christ was the Rock in the desert, literally the source of living water. God guided the Israelites with the cloud. He baptized them via their journey through the Red Sea. Yet, (what an unsettling word,) God was not pleased with them and that generation died in the wilderness. There were serious consequences for rebellion as 23,000 died in a single day. His reference was to serve as a warning to the current Corinthian population to examine and repent of their sinful ways.

Moses wrote down all that happened to serve as recorded memory for future generations of God’s people. (Deut.31:9) He instructed the priests to read to the people God’s instructions on how to live in relationship to Him. Paul is doing the same thing here. He is describing what happens to people who give in to temptation which is a form of rebellion against God.

The good news comes in the last two sentences. While temptation comes to every person, “God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.” And we go back again to the first words, “I don’t want you to forget, dear brothers and sisters . . .” In this case, memory is our friend. “Memory permeates faith.”

Music: “Hear My Prayer, O Lord” Purcell Voces8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OISUntqbXvc
Prayer: Lord, I am blind and helpless, stupid and ignorant. Cause me to hear, cause me to know, teach me to do, lead me to obedience.
―Henry Martyn, 1781-1812

Monday, March 15

Reader: “But Christ, as the Son, is in charge of God’s entire house.”

Response: “And we are God’s house.”

Scripture: Hebrews 3:1-6

And so, dear brothers and sisters who belong to God and are partners with those called to heaven, think carefully about this Jesus whom we declare to be God’s messenger and High Priest. For he was faithful to God, who appointed him, just as Moses served faithfully when he was entrusted with God’s entire house.

But Jesus deserves far more glory than Moses, just as a person who builds a house deserves more praise than the house itself. For every house has a builder, but the one who built everything is God.

Moses was certainly faithful in God’s house as a servant. His work was an illustration of the truths God would reveal later. But Christ, as the Son, is in charge of God’s entire house. And we are God’s house, if we keep our courage and remain confident in our hope in Christ.

Reader: This is the word of the Lord.

Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:

As always when reading or studying a passage of Scripture, it is essential to recognize the context. Since this pericope starts with “And so,” or “Therefore,” what has preceded these paragraphs? Most of the readers were probably Jewish, but God-fearing Gentiles also worshiped with Jews in the synagogue. In the previous section, emphasis was placed on Jesus’ superiority over the angels. It is important to understand how much the Jews revered Moses. He was the greatest human being in history. He had talked with God face to face. God gave him the Ten Commandments in God’s own handwriting! He was “the friend of God.” So, in this section the writer is building his case that Jesus is superior to Moses. The “brothers and sisters” addressed here are believers, “who belong to God,” with those “called to heaven.” What often escapes us earth dwellers is that we are connected with our heavenly brothers and sisters now. When we are worshiping, we are joining with those who have gone before us now. We all make up the same family.

Having said that, as his family, we are to think carefully about Jesus, our Apostle (“messenger”) and High Priest. There is something here that continues building the premise of Jesus’ superiority over Moses. In the First Testament, Moses was the “apostle” and Aaron, his brother, the high priest. An apostle was God’s spokesman to humans and a high priest was the people’s spokesman to God. Fulfilling those roles was how Moses and Aaron functioned in leading the Israelites those years in the desert. Jesus is superior to both men, for he serves simultaneously as both Apostle and High Priest.

Carrying on, Moses faithfully served God’s entire house, that is, God’s called people, the believers. But there is a huge difference in regard to Jesus and the “entire house.”

We speak of Frank Lloyd Wright houses. Those homes are valuable and interesting because of the architect. The writer of Hebrews brings home this point. The builder is the one to be honored. God is to be honored to the uttermost. He is the builder of everything! Jesus is that builder. He is God. Moses was a faithful servant in the house, but he didn’t build it. He was a partial type of Christ as apostle and redeemer of the children of Israel from slavery.

But then something interesting happens in this passage as it concludes in the last two sentences. We move from recorded history to present day. The verbs move to present tense. Christ, as the Son, is in charge of God’s entire house. This includes us sitting here reading these words. This house is alive and you are part of it. As part of God’s house which is currently under construction, we continue to trust the builder. He’s the architect. He knows what he is doing. His plans are perfect. There are no “change orders.” Members of the earthbound house, our Foundation is secure and our hope is in our Builder. He will never leave this building project and will see it through to the end! He has promised. In fact, he died to get it right.

Music: “How Firm A Foundation” First Plymouth Church Lincoln, Nebraska

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JdIrdKPfHA
Prayer: O Lord God, our Father and Creator, all thy lovingkindness is in thy Son. I plead his blood to pay my debts of wrong. As you build your house, your church of which I am a part, accept his worthiness for my unworthiness, his sinlessness for my transgressions, his purity for my uncleanness, his sincerity for my guile, his truth for my deceits, his meekness for my pride, his constancy for my backslidings, his love for my enmity, his fullness for my emptiness, his faithfulness for my treachery, his obedience for my lawlessness, his glory for my shame, his devotedness for my waywardness, his holy life for my unchaste ways, his righteousness for my dead works, his death for my life. ―Valley of Vision, p. 157, adapted Daniel Sharp

Sunday, March 14, Fourth Sunday in Lent

Reader: “For this is how God loved the world:”

Response: “He gave his one and only Son.”

Scripture: Numbers 21:4-9 and John 3:14-21 (I just noticed this John reference is also today’s date. 3/14/21!)

Then the people of Israel set out from Mount Hor, taking the road to the Red Sea to go around the land of Edom. But the people grew impatient with the long journey, and they began to speak against God and Moses. “Why have you brought us out of Egypt to die here in the wilderness?” they complained. “There is nothing to eat here and nothing to drink. And we hate this horrible manna!”

So the Lord sent poisonous snakes among the people, and many were bitten and died. Then the people came to Moses and cried out, “We have sinned by speaking against the Lord and against you. Pray that the Lord will take away the snakes.” So Moses prayed for the people.

Then the Lord told him, “Make a replica of a poisonous snake and attach it to a pole. All who are bitten will live if they simply look at it!” So Moses made a snake out of bronze and attached it to a pole. Then anyone who was bitten by a snake could look at the bronze snake and be healed!

John 3:14-21

And as Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life.

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent him into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.

“There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son. And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.”

Reader: The word of the Lord.

Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:

The “serpent in the wilderness event” is one of the more curious occurrences for the Israelites in their desert wanderings. People have often read the account wondering what in the world was going on. The children of God had been bitten by terrifying snakes and yet God had Moses make a replica of a serpent on a pole. If the people would just look at this ugly image of the reptile, they would be healed? That doesn’t make much sense, yet it does if we do a little biblical work.

The people had been in rebellion against God again. What a surprise! They complained about the “horrible manna” and that they had nothing to eat or drink. In a nutshell they were rejecting God’s provision. The Lord was teaching them to trust him day by day. They had to exercise faith each day. Yesterday’s faith doesn’t carry over to today. They needed to trust God now. That principle applies to us who read this as well.

But the serpent on the pole, what’s with that? What we have here is Old Testament typology. What we mean by typology is an interpretation of First Testament events which prefigure a New Testament event in which Christ, in his Incarnation, fulfills the Old Testament event. These two passages from Numbers and John give us a perfect illustration. It is the case of a type in which the antitype ends in fulfilment with Christ.

Let’s walk through this a little further. The image of the serpent on the pole prefigures Christ upon the cross. But why a snake? Go back to the Garden of Eden. The snake in effect “bit” Adam, for he also tasted the fruit of the forbidden tree with the result being his physical and spiritual death. “So all the days Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years, and he died.” Gen.5:5. The serpent on the pole was motionless signaling that its power to bring death had ended. The serpent was dead, and powerless to inflict more death. The dead Christ on the cross (Jn.3:14-15) signaled the end of the power of death, hence the victorious words of victory proclaimed to the lifeless serpent on the pole, “O death, where is your sting? O grave, where is your victory?” The serpent in the Garden, the devil, was crushed and mortally wounded. “Serpent on the pole. You are without breath, motionless, powerless, dead even though you have the shape of a serpent.” The devil is defeated. Look to the Savior.

As the Israelites, bitten by the serpent, (as sinners, we have all been bitten by the serpent), looked to the pole, they saw a creature who had no more power to inflict the sting of death. These children of God were in effect looking to the victorious Christ, the one who had defeated the old head-crushed serpent in the Garden of Eden. How do we know this? Jesus himself drew upon this Old Testament “Christ story” in helping Nicodemus connect the dots between the Testaments. The Old Testament is filled with such Christ stories. Looking at the serpent on the pole brought healing in the form of life and recovery from the snake bite to those Israelites in the First Testament.

Looking to Christ, the one lifted up on the cross, brings spiritual healing and eternal life to all people who look to the Savior. It is interesting that the symbol for the medical profession is a serpent on the pole. I wonder how many people know the story and what it represents?

The sad thing is that by King Hezekiah’s time, some 700 years later, the Israelites, now in Jerusalem, were worshiping the bronze serpent on the pole and offering sacrifices to it. Under Hezekiah’s reforms, the serpent image was broken up along with the Asherah poles. Ignorance of true history is devastating. Rather than being reminded that the serpent had been defeated and was the path to healing, it was worshiped as something that had power. Hezekiah turned the nation to again embrace Yahweh.

This season of Lent causes us to again reflect on Jesus’ own journey to this life-giving cross which goes through “the valley of the shadow of death.” Note it is a “shadow,” not the end.

Music: “God So Loved the World” Te Deum Chamber Choir (A classic beautifully sung.)

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 devisings 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, the new man may live and grow into the glorious likeness of the same thy Son Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen. ―Eric Milner-White, 1884-1964

Saturday, March 13

Reader: “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again,”

Response: “you cannot see the Kingdom of God.”

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 me 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.

Reader: This is the word of the Lord.

Response: Thanks be to God.

From episode seven of “The Chosen.” If you are not already familiar with this series, you should be! The movie clip begins at about 50 seconds. It is a portrayal of the passage you just read. I would agree with Dallas Jenkins, watching the first seven episodes will give you an even greater understanding of the dynamics of this clip. Don’t skip this. In the clip, Nicodemus comes to Jesus under the cover of darkness with questions. He has seen firsthand some of the miracles Jesus has done and wants to know more.

Some thoughts:

If we remember that there were no verse or chapter breaks in the original manuscripts of Scripture, it is often wise to look beyond verse and chapter divisions when reading a passage. Such is the case here. The last two verses prior to this chapter speak of miraculous signs Jesus did with the result that many people began to believe in him. But Jesus also knew how fickle they were. One of the persons who had seen some of these wondrous displays of God’s power was Nicodemus. So when he came to Jesus when it was dark, he had previously seen Jesus do the miraculous. To Nicodemus’ credit, he was trying to figure who this miracle worker was.

John, of all the gospel writers, makes the most use of the symbolism of light and dark in portraying people who see Jesus as the Light and those who don’t as people dwelling in the dark (John 1:4-9). John is here portraying a man representing all mankind. John makes this link by using the same word, anthropos, for mankind (2:25) and for man (3:1). In a sense, Nicodemus is symbolic of everyone who lives in darkness searching for the Light. Notice he doesn’t attribute the miracles he’s seen to magic or trickery but rather to the presence of God in the person performing the acts. Hence, Nicodemus is earnest in his seeking.

If you were Jesus and Nicodemus had just said what he said, how would you have responded? The Pharisees had a specific image of what the Kingdom of God should look like. So Jesus goes right after the Pharisee misunderstanding. The entrance into the Kingdom is not via legalism, by the law, but by spiritual birth. So Nicodemus asks for more clarification with his question. Jesus’ answer is that entrance comes by water and the Spirit. It is an act of God.

It seems to me people “in the dark” in our world have the same pharisaical understanding of Christianity. In other words, it is a system of rules which should make you a better person. Being a Christian is not about being a better, more loving, more caring person. I’m not sure how many people grasp the truth that it is the Holy Spirit who is the father of the new birth. There is nothing human about the new birth. If one is to be a citizen of heaven, that is of another world. Birth into that world must originate from that world. There is no “human” way to get there. In the last part of this pericope, Jesus makes this truth so clear. “No one has ever gone to heaven and returned. But the Son of Man (the name Jesus most often used in referring to himself) has come down from heaven.” Like Nicodemus, during the season of Lent, we continue to reflect on the wonder of the new birth made possible by God’s decided action toward us. Toward you!

Music: “Behold, People Have Walked in Great Darkness” Philippe Sly, Trinity Wall Street Baroque Orchestra

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiLJC6p3sjM 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 12

Yesterday you were supposed to see a picture of a rainbow. Unfortunately, the platform we are using is not able to transfer a picture. So just use your imagination to visualize a perfect full rainbow which it was!

Reader: “At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ”

Response: “—everything in heaven and on earth.”

Scripture: Ephesians 1:3-14

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son.

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 will regarding Christ—which is to fulfill his own good plan. 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.

Reader: “This is the word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

When we begin to grasp the wonder and significance of this passage, honestly, it is overwhelming! Read the first sentence and the last sentence back to back. In a nutshell, that is why you are on earth. God knew about you and loved you even before he created the world. Since our first parents brought sin and death into the world, and as a result, we became eternal orphans without hope. But God in his great grace, adopted us into his family through Christ, making us heirs with his Son. God wanted to do this. It brought him pleasure. Think about it. You bring God pleasure! (By the way, when Paul refers to “mystery,” it is generally understood to mean something that was formerly hidden and now revealed. It has nothing to do with secret knowledge of some sort.)

Sometimes we may be inclined to think with billions of people in the world and all the people who have lived in the past, that God has probably lost us in the great mass of humanity. Not so! The shed blood of Christ at his death was specifically on your behalf. It was very personal. Without it, you have no hope. The fact of our adoption is not the end of the story by any means. We’ve been given wisdom and understanding. Understanding about what? God’s plan. Paul spells it out in a few succinct phrases. “At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ―everything in heaven and on earth.”

As we battle the tensions and anxieties of living on earth, we are here confronted with ultimate truth. In the words of T. Chalmers, “God never forgets His purposes, though he executes them in His own way and at His own pace.” Or as E.K. Simpson states,”[God] is the unhurried Arbiter of time and its manifold issues. At the center of the wheeling orbs subsists unruffled calm, a serenity tranquil as that of the azure skies on a cloudless midsummer morning, ‘one of those heavenly days which cannot die.’” What a beautiful way to say “at the right time he will bring everything together . . .” Paul goes on to write that this marvelous Good News extends beyond the Jews to all peoples. God marks his own with the gift of the Holy Spirit. It is his guarantee of our eternal inheritance.

The above passage begins with “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms.” The middle part in speaking of God’s plan says, “At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth” and concludes with “He did this so we would praise and glorify him.” The season of Lent is partially about examining our own hearts and depth of love for our Savior. One question, “Why are we so rebellious and think we know better than God?” Just asking.

Music: “Have Thine Own Way Lord” Fountain Valley Academy

Bonus: “Have Thine Own Way Lord” Philippine Madrigal Singers (from Italy!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gb_htn9KjM
Prayer: 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 11

Reader: “I am giving you a sign of my covenant with you . . . “

Response: “and with all living creatures, for all generations to come.”

Scripture: Genesis 9:8-17

Then God told Noah and his sons, “I hereby confirm my covenant with you and your descendants, and with all the animals that were on the boat with you—the birds, the livestock, and all the wild animals—every living creature on earth. Yes, I am confirming my covenant with you. Never again will flood waters kill all living creatures; never again will a flood destroy the earth.”

Then God said, “I am giving you a sign of my covenant with you and with all living creatures, for all generations to come. I have placed my rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of my covenant with you and with all the earth. When I send clouds over the earth, the rainbow will appear in the clouds, and I will remember my covenant with you and with all living creatures. Never again will the floodwaters destroy all life. When I see the rainbow in the clouds, I will remember the eternal covenant between God and every living creature on earth.” Then God said to Noah, “Yes, this rainbow is the sign of the covenant I am confirming with all the creatures on earth.”

Reader: “This is the word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

Something pretty interesting just happened. To begin each day’s devotional, I look in the Revised Common Lectionary Year B for the various scriptural references for that day and choose one to write about. Today’s date had a passage in Ephesians, one in Genesis and a Psalm. I narrowed my choice to Ephesians and Genesis. Ephesians was about God’s grace toward people, and Genesis was about Noah and the covenant of the rainbow. As I was debating which passage to select, I looked up out the window in front of my desk and there it was, a full beautiful rainbow, the one you see in the picture! So, I said thank you Lord . . . Genesis it is!

The first reference in Scripture to a covenant occurs here, right after the great Flood. The concept of a covenant goes throughout the Scriptures. To review, a covenant is a binding relationship between two parties rooted in a commitment to each other which includes promises to one another as well as obligations to each other. An honored faithful covenant brings peace and harmony to the parties involved. In this instance, God took the initiative to make a covenant with Noah, his descendants and all the animals that were in the ark with Noah.

For example, when two people marry and make a covenant to live together in holy matrimony for the rest of their lives, the wedding ring is often a visible reminder, symbol and witness to their vows. It is the covenant they have made to each other. Notice that both husband and wife each wear a ring. When God wrote the Ten Commandments on the two tablets of stone, both copies were put in the Ark of the Covenant. One copy was a reminder for God and the other copy for Moses and the people.

In the instance you just read, God declared the rainbow to be the sign of his covenant with Noah and all living creatures. In God’s own words, “When I see the rainbow in the clouds, I will remember the eternal covenant . . .” God saw the rainbow in the picture I took and remembered his covenant. I saw the same rainbow and remembered God’s covenant to Noah’s descendants (me) and all living creatures on the earth. God declared,”I will never again curse the ground because of the human race, even though everything they think or imagine is bent toward evil from childhood.”

Prior to the Flood, God’s heartbreaking words were, “I am sorry I ever made them” (Gen.6:7). But once again, God came after his creation. From God’s perspective, the rainbow is a sign of his covenant and unfailing loving commitment to all people and living creatures. It is ironic, that our world sees the symbol of the rainbow as a defiance, a rebellion and rejection of God’s word with man deciding his own truth just like in the days of Noah! Our world continues to break God’s heart. So the next time you see a rainbow, thank God for his grace and his mercy toward this fallen race.

Music: “Agnus Dei” Vlaams Radiokoor (It wouldn’t be Lent without hearing this glorious setting of a confessional prayer at least once! “Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, have mercy on us.”)

Prayer:

I bless Thee, O most holy God, for the unfathomable love whereby Thou hast ordained that spirit with spirit can meet and that I a weak and erring mortal, should have this ready access to the heart of Him who moves the stars. With bitterness and true compunction of heart I acknowledge before Thee the gross and selfish thoughts that I so often allow to enter my mind and to influence my deeds. I confess, O God―that often I let my mind wander down unclean and forbidden ways; that often I deceive myself as to where my plain duty lies; that often, by concealing my real motives, I pretend to be better than I am; that often my honesty is only a matter of policy; that often my affection for my friends is only a refined form of caring for myself; that often I do good deeds only that they may be seen of men, and shun evil ones only because I fear they may be found out. Give me grace, O God, to pray now with pure and sincere desire for all those with whom I have had to do this day. Let me remember now my friends with love and my enemies with forgiveness, entrusting them all as I now entrust my own soul and body, to Thy protecting care; through Jesus Christ. Amen.

―John Baillie, A Diary of Private Prayer, p.75Book Recommendation: A Diary of Private Prayer, John Baillie, Scribners

Wednesday, March 10

Reader: “My Temple will be called a house of prayer”

Response: “for all nations.”

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.

Reader: This is the word of the Lord.

Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:

We mentioned yesterday concerning the unity of the whole of Scripture. One of the ways this happens has to do with passages from the First Testament being quoted in the New Testament shedding light or fulfilling a prophecy. One of the things to remember about Jesus’ day was that ordinary Jews knew the Old Testament extremely well, far better than the average Christian today. Jesus knew it inside and out, not because he was God, but because as a young boy he studied it. “He grew in wisdom and stature.” The fact that Jesus “grew” speaks of his humanity as a human boy. He hadn’t arrived on earth in full wisdom. Afterall, the “fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”

So in this pericope, Jesus quotes Isaiah (Is.56:7) in regard to the Temple being a house of prayer for all nations, and he quotes Jeremiah (Jer.7:11) in condemning the moneychangers for making it a “house of thieves.” The Temple had become a place of commerce and dishonest commerce at that! The priests were involved in the process of buying and selling and earning commissions in the transactions. The purity of the Temple as a place of worship that Hezekiah had tried to re-establish during the time of Isaiah had once again fallen into disrepute by the time of Jeremiah some 70-80 years later, hence Jeremiah’s comment about it being a “house of thieves.” Notice how Jesus reiterates the true purpose of the Temple from God’s perspective. It was a place to reach out to all nations (Gentiles!) while condemning man’s utilitarian greedy design for the Temple.

As often happens, when the position of the arrogant elite leadership is threatened by someone from the “outside,” the reaction is often a vigorous attempt to destroy that person; in Jesus’ case, kill the one who would dare challenge the ruling class. The elite’s problem was that the lowly people, all those who were not elite, loved his teaching. Though that was not his purpose or point, Jesus had power far greater power than the elite. Did you notice what Jesus did after “cleansing the Temple?” He left town! So clear to all, his point was that the purpose of the Temple was a place of worship and prayer for all people: period. He did not seek power to establish a kingdom. He was never after earthly power. Even after the resurrection, the disciples did not understand. And just prior to his Ascension, the disciples again asked if he was going to establish his kingdom now. They could not conceive of a leader who was not after power. To them, Jesus was incomprehensible. In every age, the elite thirst for power and control, then and now.

The Temple is central throughout Scripture which makes Paul’s statement in I Cor.3:16 all the more astounding when he says, “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?” Lent is a season for reflection on the cleanliness of our own temples. Is there anything you need to throw out? Any “moneychanger” sins you’re hoarding? May our world learn to be about building God’s kingdom rather than striving for power.

Music: “Miserere Mei, Deus” Tenebrae Choir Exquisite!!!!!! Psalm 51

This is a setting of the confession text of Psalm 51. You may want to turn to Psalm 51 in your Bible as you listen and watch. This is why God designed the human voice. . . to sing his praise and confess our sin and to know the joy of being forgiven!
Prayer: Lord Jesus, our Intercessor, may our hearts be open to you, to see as you see. May we be obedient to your voice. May we learn to be quiet and listen to you. May your voice become more and more familiar to our ears. May our life of prayer with you multiply many times throughout the day. We ask that you’d bring things to our minds during the day that 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. And thank you for beautiful music. Forgive us for abusing this glorious gift. We pray this in your tender name. Amen. ―Daniel Sharp

Tuesday, March 9

One of the joys of reading the Scriptures from cover to cover (and I encourage you to do this every year!), is that we can begin to see the astounding unity of this entire library of God’s word. Every part feeds every other part. The Bible is its own commentary on itself! Case in point. Today I’ve included three passages: one from the OT writings, one from the psalms, and a New Testament epistle. I wanted us to see the relationship. (Yes, it will take you a little longer to read today!)

Reader: “Christ was offered once for all time . . .”

Response: “as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people.”

Scripture: Hebrews 9:23-28; Psalm 84; 2 Chronicles 29:1-11, 16-19

That is why the Tabernacle and everything in it, which were copies of things in heaven, had to be purified by the blood of animals. But the real things in heaven had to be purified with far better sacrifices than the blood of animals. For Christ did not enter into a holy place made with human hands, which was only a copy of the true one in heaven. He entered into heaven itself to appear now before God on our behalf. And he did not enter heaven to offer himself again and again, like the high priest here on earth who enters the Most Holy Place year after year with the blood of an animal. If that had been necessary, Christ would have had to die again and again, ever since the world began. But now, once for all time, he has appeared at the end of the age to remove sin by his own death as a sacrifice.

And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment, so also Christ was offered once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him.

Psalm 84

How lovely is your dwelling place,

O Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

I long, yes, I faint with longing

to enter the courts of the Lord.

With my whole being, body and soul,

I will shout joyfully to the living God.

Even the sparrow finds a home,

and the swallow builds her nest and raises her young

at a place near your altar,

O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, my King and my God!

What joy for those who can live in your house,

always singing your praises. Interlude

What joy for those whose strength comes from the Lord,

who have set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.

When they walk through the Valley of Weeping,

it will become a place of refreshing springs.

The autumn rains will clothe it with blessings.

They will continue to grow stronger,

and each of them will appear before God in Jerusalem.

O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies, hear my prayer.

Listen, O God of Jacob. Interlude

O God, look with favor upon the king, our shield!

Show favor to the one you have anointed.

A single day in your courts

is better than a thousand anywhere else!

I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God

than live the good life in the homes of the wicked.

For the Lord God is our sun and our shield.

He gives us grace and glory.

The Lord will withhold no good thing

from those who do what is right.

O Lord of Heaven’s Armies,

what joy for those who trust in you.

2 Chronicles 29:1-11, 16-19

Hezekiah was twenty-five years old when he became the king of Judah, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-nine years. His mother was Abijah, the daughter of Zechariah. He did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight, just as his ancestor David had done.

In the very first month of the first year of his reign, Hezekiah reopened the doors of the Temple of the Lord and repaired them. He summoned the priests and Levites to meet him at the courtyard east of the Temple. He said to them, “Listen to me, you Levites! Purify yourselves, and purify the Temple of the Lord, the God of your ancestors. Remove all the defiled things from the sanctuary. Our ancestors were unfaithful and did what was evil in the sight of the Lord our God. They abandoned the Lord and his dwelling place; they turned their backs on him. They also shut the doors to the Temple’s entry room, and they snuffed out the lamps. They stopped burning incense and presenting burnt offerings at the sanctuary of the God of Israel.

“That is why the Lord’s anger has fallen upon Judah and Jerusalem. He has made them an object of dread, horror, and ridicule, as you can see with your own eyes. Because of this, our fathers have been killed in battle, and our sons and daughters and wives have been captured. But now I will make a covenant with the Lord, the God of Israel, so that his fierce anger will turn away from us. My sons, do not neglect your duties any longer! The Lord has chosen you to stand in his presence, to minister to him, and to lead the people in worship and present offerings to him.The priests went into the sanctuary of the Temple of the Lord to cleanse it, and they took out to the Temple courtyard all the defiled things they found. From there the Levites carted it all out to the Kidron Valley.

They began the work in early spring, on the first day of the new year, and in eight days they had reached the entry room of the Lord’s Temple. Then they purified the Temple of the Lord itself, which took another eight days. So the entire task was completed in sixteen days.

Then the Levites went to King Hezekiah and gave him this report: “We have cleansed the entire Temple of the Lord, the altar of burnt offering with all its utensils, and the table of the Bread of the Presence with all its utensils. We have also recovered all the items discarded by King Ahaz when he was unfaithful and closed the Temple. They are now in front of the altar of the Lord, purified and ready for use.”

Reader: This is the word of the Lord.

Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:

To gain the full impact of the Hebrews passage, it is important to know the history of the Tabernacle which later became more permanent with the Temple in Jerusalem. Their function was identical. In looking at the psalm, we are reminded that the observant Jew made three pilgrimages a year to Jerusalem to observe Passover, Pentecost and the Feast of Tabernacles. Being physically present in the courts of the Temple was a joy, giving a sense of “here is where I belong forever! I don’t ever want to leave.” The reason was the pilgrim was near the presence of the Lord who dwelt in a cloud in the Holy of Holies behind the curtain. The pilgrim was envious of the birds whose nests were at the Temple, plus the priests got to live there. This Temple in Jerusalem was God’s dwelling place on earth and the lover of God wanted to be as close to him as possible and that place was at the Temple.

In looking at the Chronicles passage we find a good king, Hezekiah, wanting to repair and restore this Temple which had fallen into disrepair and closed under the godless king Ahaz. Note that only Levites and priests, those directly descended from the line of Aaron, were able to do the repairs in accordance with God’s directive. They purified themselves and all the utensils used in the Temple according to the law because it was the earthly place of purity, holiness, and worship. But we learn in the Hebrews passage that the earthly sanctuaries were but a shadow, a copy, of things in heaven which is why God was so specific in giving Moses and David instructions on how to build both the Tabernacle in the wilderness and the Temple in Jerusalem.

While the priests purified the earthly Temple with the blood of unblemished animals, the heavenly realm was purified once and for all with the blood of God’s Son, the eternal High Priest. The fact that God tore the veil opening the way into the Holy of Holies is evidence that God accepted this sacrifice as payment for our sin and the sin of the whole world since the beginning of time. As a result, God’s people had become a kingdom of priests! At that moment, the sin of Adam and Eve was atoned for and every sin since then. (In passing, the writer of Hebrews notes that human beings die but once; there is no reincarnation! Following death comes judgment, but not a judgment regarding salvation since trusting in Christ has already secured eternal life for the believer.) Little did Hezekiah realize in his efforts to restore the Temple, that another would come later to model in an ultimate way true worship in spirit and in truth and that the temple would be God’s own people filled with his Holy Spirit. When the Son comes again, he will bring the full completion of salvation to all who are eagerly awaiting his return.

In these three passages we see once again the unity of the whole of Scripture, God’s one glorious plan of which he has chosen us to be a part.

Music: “The Sign of the Son” Simon Khorolskiy in Russian with English translation

Simon has produced many videos proclaiming the gospel in unique ways to the Russian people. There are some in English as well. Check out “O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus.”

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 and your doing through us lead to a transformation of the world around us. 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 8

Reader: “Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God”

Response: “and that the Spirit of God lives in you?”

Scripture: I Corinthians 3:10-23

Because of God’s grace to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ.

Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials—gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value. If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames.

Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple. Stop deceiving yourselves. If you think you are wise by this world’s standards, you need to become a fool to be truly wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God. As the Scriptures say,

“He traps the wise

in the snare of their own cleverness.”

And again,

“The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise;

he knows they are worthless.”

So don’t boast about following a particular human leader. For everything belongs to you— whether Paul or Apollos or Peter, or the world, or life and death, or the present and the future. Everything belongs to you, and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.

Reader: “The word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

While this is a rather familiar passage of Scripture, it brings to light some sobering, pertinent truths. Let’s look at the context. Paul is writing from Ephesus. He had previously written a letter (which is lost) and so this is his second letter to the Corinthians. The church at Corinth was multi-ethnic and quite immature with many new Christians from all walks of life. Everyone was a first generation Christian. None of the people in the church had grown up with believing parents. The Christian faith was that new (!), consequently, they didn’t know very much. Just prior to what you read today, there was a discussion on Apollos groupies versus Paul groupies versus Peter groupies! Paul straightened them out using the analogy of growing plants and building a building, the point being the builder is immaterial. It’s the building that matters! He continues pointing out the important thing above all is that Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of the building. He is the foundation and starting point in the “building” that’s going on in you. The significance is in what God does in a person that matters, not who the teacher is.

We live in a world where there is a temptation among Christians to latch on to a particular, popular pastor and their teaching. Many of the famous pastors put out their own “study Bibles” containing their notes on Scripture. While such Bibles can be most helpful, commentaries on Scripture are not Scripture. Paul was combating a little bit of that mindset on the part of the people. There is great encouragement to build on the foundation of Christ. Anyone can do it and it is important that we be active in the building of the Kingdom.

Did you notice the list of building materials in the passage? He starts with the most expensive (gold) and digresses to the cheapest (straw). We come now to the sobering truth to which we earlier referred. All of your work and mine for the Kingdom will be subject to the fire of judgment day. Our God is a consuming fire. He spoke to Moses from the fire of a burning bush. He spoke to the Israelites from a fiery cloud on Mt. Sinai. The fire of judgment came from heaven on several occasions, E.g. Nadab and Abihu, Elijah and the priests of Baal, Sodom and Gomorrah. The materials you and I are building with are significant. Straw burns to ashes. Are you at the “job site” watching or are you part of the construction team and what are your building materials?

You and I are this temple of God with the Holy Spirit indwelling us. As you read this, you may be saying, “I sure don’t feel like I’m a temple of God, nor do I feel very holy.” Think or feel? We need to think like God, that is, like Christ who indwells us. The work that he does in and through us will withstand the fires of judgment to the glory of God. At the “job site,” you and I are to “work out” what God in his grace has “worked in” us as we work as a part of his kingdom. All of us working together make up the temple of God. This truth is one of the reasons why it is so important that God’s people gather together physically in worship, to remind ourselves of this great truth. The church is not made up of people checking in remotely, but rather, people gathering and working in community . . . “Where two or three are gathered.”

Music: “Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken” BuPyeong Methodist Church, The 74th Anniversary Service Immanuel Symphony Orchestra United Choir

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, from The Quiet Corner, p.93

Sunday, March 7, Third Sunday in Lent

Reader: “I am the Lord your God,”

Response: “You must not have any other god but me.”

Scripture: Ex.20:1-17

Then God gave the people all these instructions:

“I am the Lord your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery.

“You must not have any other god but me.

“You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. 5 You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me. But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands.

“You must not misuse the name of the Lord your God. The Lord will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name.

“Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you. For in six days the Lord made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy.

“Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God is giving you.

“You must not murder.

“You must not commit adultery.

“You must not steal.

“You must not testify falsely against your neighbor.

“You must not covet your neighbor’s house. You must not covet your neighbor’s wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey, or anything else that belongs to your neighbor.”

Reader: “The written Word of the Lord in his own hand.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

With the backdrop of yesterday’s appearance of God on Mt. Sinai, we have today’s pericope. The Ten Commandments, or in Hebrew, the “ten words,” provide the only document we have in God’s own handwriting! These words are the beginnings of the

suzerain covenant God made with his people. It is laid out in the usual form of such a covenant. First, God names himself as the one offering the covenant (v.1). Second, the historical circumstances that led to the covenant are articulated (v.2). God is demonstrating he is intimately interested in his people and how they are to live in relation to himself. He is not a creator who abandoned his handiwork to let the people fend for themselves. Third, the stipulations of and terms of the covenant are delineated (v.3-17). These Commandments are unique in all the world. No god has ever interacted personally with people save YHWH. (In the world religions, there is nothing personal in relation to Allah, Buddah, Krishna, Vishnu, or Taoism.) The “Ten Words” give instructions on how to live in relation to the One making the covenant, but also, how to live in relation to other people.

Left to themselves, humans choose truth to be relative. In fact, our culture wants to make the rules and make up its own truth. Consider the current views of family, marriage, gender, sexuality, law, power, freedom, abortion . . . Can you doubt me? God gave the Israelites absolutes, timeless absolutes that apply not only to the Jews, but to all people of the world. One of the challenges facing not only the United States, but world-wide as well, is the abandonment of absolute truth as given by God. Like our first parents, our secular world doubts what God has said, even doubts that God exists. The serpent’s question to Eve was, “Did God say?” Our world has responded to that query with an “I’ll decide what God said or meant . . . or simply god who? I have put myself in God’s place and have become my own god.” One of my humanistic friends even makes reference to discovering the “god within you.” It is both interesting and sad to watch people throughout the world seek to discover meaning and a “homebase” during this global health problem. People are off center. The search includes everything and everywhere except God and redemption in Jesus Christ. Any absolute is off the table . . . and we see the mess we are in.

I would guess there are more Christians than we might imagine who could not recite the Ten Commandments. We seldom, if ever, recite them in worship. In fact, I would also not be surprised that another portion of the Christian population is uncertain if they still apply to today. Lent is a season of reflecting on Jesus’ journey to the cross, his great passion to bring redemption to a fallen world. The “Ten Words” stand against all of us in that we have broken every single one of the ten. There is One who has never broken a single one, yet he paid the penalty on behalf of all the “breakers” of the law. Praise to our living gracious Lord!

Music: “And Can It Be?” Brits hymn sing

Prayer:

Forgive them all, O Lord: our sins of omission and our sins of commission; the sins of our youth and the sins of our riper years; the sins of our souls and the sins of our bodies; our secret and our more open sins; our sins of ignorance and surprise, and our more deliberate and presumptuous sin; the sins we have done to please ourselves and the sins we have done to please others; the sins we know and remember, and the sins we have forgotten; the sins we have striven to hide from others and the sins by which we have made others offend; forgive them, O Lord, forgive them all for his sake, who died for our sins and rose for our justification, and now stands at thy right hand to make intercession for us, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. ―John Wesley, The Eerdmans’ Book of Famous Prayers, p.62

Saturday, March 6

Reader: “Mark off a boundary all around the mountain”

Response: “to set it apart as holy.”

Scripture: Exodus 19:16-25

On the morning of the third day, thunder roared and lightning flashed, and a dense cloud came down on the mountain. There was a long, loud blast from a ram’s horn, and all the people trembled. Moses led them out from the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. All of Mount Sinai was covered with smoke because the Lord had descended on it in the form of fire. The smoke billowed into the sky like smoke from a brick kiln, and the whole mountain shook violently. As the blast of the ram’s horn grew louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God thundered his reply. The Lord came down on the top of Mount Sinai and called Moses to the top of the mountain. So Moses climbed the mountain.

Then the Lord told Moses, “Go back down and warn the people not to break through the boundaries to see the Lord, or they will die. Even the priests who regularly come near to the Lord must purify themselves so that the Lord does not break out and destroy them.”

“But Lord,” Moses protested, “the people cannot come up to Mount Sinai. You already warned us. You told me, ‘Mark off a boundary all around the mountain to set it apart as holy.’”

But the Lord said, “Go down and bring Aaron back up with you. In the meantime, do not let the priests or the people break through to approach the Lord, or he will break out and destroy them.”

So Moses went down to the people and told them what the Lord had said.

Reader: “This is God’s word as recorded by Moses.”

Response: “Thanks be to God for these powerful words.”

Some thoughts:

Have you ever been very, very close to a lightning strike? Close enough to hear the “fry” and smell the ozone? And the thunder crack . . . it’s terrifying. Living in the supposed “lightning capital of the US,” I can vouch for some possibility of truth. A lightning bolt hit between our house and our neighbor’s and blew out an electrical box in Nancy’s closet and melted a circuit board in the pool pump. We smelled the air! The whole house shook! And we’ve experienced several earthquakes both in California and in Washington where the whole house “rolled” like a wave at sea! Then there was the California fires stopping a block from our house. It was not calming! The force of nature is frightening.

Now, put yourself in the Israelites’ place. You know that this is the day you are going to meet the Lord. You are at Mt. Sinai in the morning, ready for the encounter, but you are not sure what is going to happen. Then you hear the rumble of thunder which grows louder and louder . . . and you are not sure how loud it is going to be . . . but it keeps increasing. In the midst of the ever increasing roar, lightning flashes everywhere and you watch a dense cloud descending on the mountain top. In addition to all you hear and see, comes a very loud, long blast from a trumpet. Then Moses says, “Come on, we’re going to meet YHWH!” Underneath you are saying, “And I’m going to die!” You all stop at the foot of the mountain―remembering the part about not crossing the boundary. Smoke billows from the top of the mountain like the smoke from a brick kiln, reminding you of your former days of brick making in Egypt. Then the whole mountain begins to shake violently while the blast from the horn grows still louder and louder, showing you that even nature is subservient and trembles before God.

Such was the encounter where the Israelites learned first hand of the mysterious, covenant-making, fearsome, totally separate, independent, and sovereign God over all his creation. As the people stood shaking in terror, God called Moses to join him at the top of the mountain. And you are thinking, “We’ll never see Moses again!” In his conversation with God, Moses was told to go back down the mountain and remind the people to stay put, the priests to purify themselves, and to come back bringing Aaron with him. God knew his people’s curiosity would tempt them to get a closer look at this rarest of events, hence the second warning from Moses.

Fear is not an uncommon response when God does something miraculous in overcoming natural law. Recall the story of Jesus casting the demons into the herd of pigs. When the townspeople heard the news from the man who had been healed by Jesus, what was their response? They were afraid and asked Jesus to leave! Remember when Jesus walked on the water, the disciples were terrified.

In the case of the Israelites, shortly after this frightening encounter with God at Mt. Sinai, they received the Ten Commandments written in God’s own hand. The Lord of heaven and earth was showing them who it was that was making a covenant with them. God wanted them to begin to get a grasp of the one with whom they were dealing. Is it possible during these days of Lent, we may have too casual an attitude toward God? How might such slackness reveal itself? Perhaps in a casual attitude toward our own sin, our worship attendance, treating absolutes as relatives, thinking that God doesn’t really care that much about little things . . . I’m sure you can come up with others!

Music: “Behold, God the Lord Passed By” from Elijah St. Olaf Chapel Choir

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omqpFDmK6VQ

This is the place in the oratorio where, on Mt. Sinai, Elijah encounters the Lord who gives him a word of encouragement. Elijah learns he is not alone in proclaiming the truth. Like the Israelites, he also gains a much bigger picture of the awesome power of his God.

Behold, God the Lord passed by, and a mighty wind

Rent the mountains around, break in pieces the rocks

Break them before the Lord.

But yet the Lord was not in the tempest.

Behold, God the Lord passed by!

And the sea was upheaved, and the earth was shaken

But yet, the Lord was not in the earthquake.

And after the earthquake there came a fire

But yet, the Lord was not in the fire.

And after the fire there came a still small voice.

And in that still small voice onward came the Lord.

Prayer: O hidden Source of life, let me now meditate upon the great and gracious plan by which Thou hast brought it to pass that a mortal man like me should look up to Thee and call Thee Father. In the beginning Thou, the Uncreated, making all things out of nothing: Space and time and material substance: all things that creep and fly, the beasts of the forest, the fowls of the air, the fish of the sea: and at last man, in Thine own image, to have fellowship with Thyself: then when, in the corruption and disobedience of his heart, that image had been defaced: a gracious design for its restoration through the gift of Thine only-begotten Son: new life in Him, and a new access to Thy holy presence. O hidden love of God, whose will it is that all created spirits should live everlastingly in pure and perfect fellowship with Thyself, grant that in my life today I may do nothing to defeat this Thy most gracious purpose. Let me keep in mind how Thy whole creation groans and travails, waiting for the perfect appearing of the sons of God; and let me welcome every influence of Thy Spirit upon my own that may the more speedily make for that end. ―John Baillie, A Diary of Private Prayer, p.57

Friday, March 5

Reader: “I will come to you in a thick cloud, Moses,”

Response: “so the people themselves can hear me.”

Scripture: Exodus 19:9b-15

Then the Lord said to Moses, “I will come to you in a thick cloud, Moses, so the people themselves can hear me when I speak with you. Then they will always trust you.”

Moses told the Lord what the people had said. Then the Lord told Moses, “Go down and prepare the people for my arrival. Consecrate them today and tomorrow, and have them wash their clothing. Be sure they are ready on the third day, for on that day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai as all the people watch. Mark off a boundary all around the mountain. Warn the people, ‘Be careful! Do not go up on the mountain or even touch its boundaries. Anyone who touches the mountain will certainly be put to death. No hand may touch the person or animal that crosses the boundary; instead, stone them or shoot them with arrows. They must be put to death.’ However, when the ram’s horn sounds a long blast, then the people may go up on the mountain.”

So Moses went down to the people. He consecrated them for worship, and they washed their clothes. He told them, “Get ready for the third day, and until then abstain from having sexual intercourse.”

Reader: “The Word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

I want you for a moment to pretend you know nothing of God, virtually nothing. Think about it. What did the Israelites know about God up to this point? A million plus people heard something about Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and their sacrifices on piles of stones as they worshiped God. But this group of people, who had just escaped 400 years, the last many years in horrible slavery in a very pagan Egypt, had memories of cobras, charms, divination, magic and multitudes of Egyptian gods. There were no synagogues, tabernacles or temples for Jewish worship. They were a persecuted people. They were in the process of learning more about their God, now that they were a free people, away from Egyptian influence. They experienced God’s power in their crossing the Red Sea, bringing water from a rock and providing daily manna.

At this point they are about to enter into a suzerain-vassal treaty with God. (This is a treaty made between a great king and a conquered people. “In such a treaty, the conquered people would declare their absolute loyalty to the king and obedience to his demands. The king, for his part, would promise to care for the conquered people and protect them from any enemies who might attack them.”―NLT Study Bible notes, p.157) This meeting is to be the people’s first direct encounter with God and they are going to learn more about this God firsthand! God is going to speak in a cloud, though they will not see him. They will only hear him. Though not appearing in a physical form, the people conclude God is very much alive! He tells the people to “stay pure” for the next three days.

The Israelite’s clothes were to be clean for the occasion of hearing the Lord speak. Why did God want them to wash their clothes? Seems like an odd request to us. What difference does it make? In the words of Dennis Prager, “The clothing people wear reflects their level of respect for the situation and the people involved.” (Dennis Prager, The Rational Bible, Exodus, p.214) Think about it. Do you dress up in your best when you go to a wedding? You don’t show up in your backyard work clothes. (President Reagan never took off his coat and tie when he was in the Oval Office, even when he was alone out of respect for the Office of President.)

God is impressing upon his people that they are meeting with their Creator. When I was growing up, we had our Sunday clothes and Sunday shoes. They were our best clothes, wearing them only on Sunday. We were going to meet with the Lord. In general, our clothes often reflect our attitude toward any given situation. Is it possible that our lack of concern regarding our dress at worship is more an indication of our theology of God? Just asking! Apparently, God does care. Along the same lines, the Israelites were to refrain from having sexual intercourse in the days leading up to their worship of God. Why? Again, their minds and hearts were to be focused on their encounter with the living God. Back to our passage. Remember, the Israelites are learning for the firsthand about their God and what he requires of them. Maybe we can pick up some pointers too.

Why did crossing the boundary on the mountain mean certain death? God was impressing “holiness” upon his people. The people were learning first hand that “holiness” was a very serious matter from God’s perspective and YHWH was not someone to be toyed with. Notice, enforcing death upon the offender does not involve touching them in bringing about their death. In effect, holiness has killed them. In that sense the victim is sacred, a kind of burnt sacrifice. In this passage, God’s children were learning about their heavenly Father and we are as well. Remember, the New Testament interprets the First Testament, but it does not invalidate it. We live in a world, including a Christian world, that is very “me and my comfort” oriented, all too often including our approach to worship. Some things to think about.

Music: “Holy, Holy, Holy is God the Lord” No. 35 from Elijah Oratorio Mendelssohn

“Holy, holy, holy is God the Lord,

The Lord God of Sabaoth!

Now his glory has filled all the earth.”

Prayer:

Almighty God, forgive my doubt, my anger, my complaining, my pride, my greed, my selfishness, my sinful thoughts, my impatience, my laziness . . . my, my, my, my . . . Lord, I’m so full of me. I am a self-absorbed sinner through and through. Lord Jesus, I am realizing how little I pursue you to know you beyond my own perception of you. By your grace and nourishment I will endeavor to pursue you through the desert of this world until I cross the Jordan into the Promised Land and see your glorious face where no sin abounds and where all is perfectly holy. In the name of the One who was, is, and is to come, even Jesus, my Savior. Amen. ―Daniel Sharp

Thursday, March 4

Reader: “And you are living stones”

Response: “that God is building into his spiritual temple.”

Scripture: I 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.

Reader: “These are God’s words to us.”

Response: “Thank you Lord.”

Some thoughts:

Going back a bit in the Jewish history in the First Testament will help give us a greater grasp on the passage you just read. You’ll recall the very specific directions God gave to Moses in setting up the Tabernacle during the years of desert wandering. Exact details were given as regards to the priestly garb. There was no doubt as to which people would be eligible to become priests, only those men from the tribe of Levi who were also from the family of Aaron were eligible. They functioned as mediators between YHWH and the people.

Moving ahead 400 years to the time of the early kings, David was again given a very detailed plan as to the building of the great Temple in Jerusalem under the leadership of King Solomon. The Temple in Jerusalem was tremendously important as it was the place where God met his people in worship. The Ark of the Covenant dwelt in the Holy of Holies, the earthly abode of YHWH. Centuries later with the arrival of the Messiah, the Jews heard these startling words, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” “When Jesus said ‘this temple,’ he meant his own body.” (John 2:19,21)

We come now to our passage with Peter helping people grasp the fulfillment of Jesus’ words as well as showing them their new role in relation to the true Temple. Though rejected by his own, Jesus became the chief cornerstone of the spiritual Temple, one not made with hands. God declares through Peter that believers in Christ are living stones being built into this spiritual Temple of God. Not only are we living stones currently, we are also holy priests . . . and we are not Jewish, not Levites, nor from the line of Aaron! How is this possible? Our status is real because of the mediation of Jesus Christ. Our priestly worship accesses the Father through our High Priest, who lives forever. In addition we carry on the priestly ministry of Christ, the singular Light to our darkened world. Once we were part of that lost people, orphans wandering in hopelessness, but now we have been adopted as God’s own children. What is more, we are actually heirs in God’s family and living stones in his holy, invisible Temple which exists right now in your very heart.

Here is a clip from Episode 8 of “The Chosen” in which Jesus meets the woman at the well to help her see where the true Temple is located. It’s a little over 8 minutes in length and worth every second. Don’t skip this clip!

Music: “Cornerstone” Shawn Kirchner Loma Linda Academy

Prayer:

My God, I feel it is heaven to please thee, and to be what thou wouldst have me be. O that I were holy as thou art holy, pure as Christ is pure, perfect as thy Spirit is perfect!

These, I feel, are the best commands in thy Book, and shall I break them? Must I break them? Am I under such a necessity as long as I live here? Woe, woe is me that I am a sinner, that I grieve this blessed God, who is infinite in goodness and grace! O, if he would punish me for my sins, it would not wound my heart so deep to offend him; but though I sin continually, he continually repeats his kindness to me. At times I feel I could bear any suffering, but how can I dishonor this glorious God? What shall I do to glorify and worship this best of beings? But, alas, I cannot live and not sin. O may angels glorify him incessantly, and, if possible, prostrate themselves lower before the blessed king of heaven! I long to bear a part with them in ceaseless praise; but when I have done all I can to eternity I shall not be able to offer more than a small fraction of the homage that the glorious God deserves. Give me a heart full of divine, heavenly love. ―The Valley of Vision, p.128

Wednesday, March 3

Reader: “Put your trust in the light”

Response: “while there is still time.”

Scripture: John 12:36-43

“Put your trust in the light while there is still time; then you will become children of the light.”

After saying these things, Jesus went away and was hidden from them.

But despite all the miraculous signs Jesus had done, most of the people still did not believe in him. This is exactly what Isaiah the prophet had predicted:

“Lord, who has believed our message?

To whom has the Lord revealed his powerful arm?”

But the people couldn’t believe, for as Isaiah also said,

“The Lord has blinded their eyes

and hardened their hearts—

so that their eyes cannot see,

and their hearts cannot understand,

and they cannot turn to me

and have me heal them.”

Isaiah was referring to Jesus when he said this, because he saw the future and spoke of the Messiah’s glory. Many people did believe in him, however, including some of the Jewish leaders. But they wouldn’t admit it for fear that the Pharisees would expel them from the synagogue. For they loved human praise more than the praise of God.

Reader: “The word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

What is it about human beings that makes us so stubborn? God called the Israelites, his chosen people, “stiff-necked.” In one of the times I heard him speak, Dr. Walter Kaiser, a marvelous Old Testament scholar, commented something like, “Whenever you read about the stubbornness and stupidity of the Israelites, think of yourself! You are them!” I have to agree. Jesus’ words here are that we are to trust the light while there is still time. It surely applied then as the people were in his presence, but it also applies to now.

Jesus had done miraculous things while the people stood and watched it happen! (Think of several of the episodes of “The Chosen.” ―check out on YouTube if you haven’t) The purpose of the miracles is to establish the identity of God’s Son, that people might recognize the Light of the world. Some believed and some were stubborn and hardened their hearts. As a result, the Son “set” and the Light was gone. The time of the light had passed. It is dangerous to reject the truth of the light when it is present. We are inclined to think that the Son won’t “set” and that there will always be a second or third chance to respond to the Lord. After all, we live in the world of “do-overs,” as anyone knows who has ever played a board game with a four year old!

Then there were those silent, pusillanimous (learned a new word!), timid people who did respond, even some of the Jewish leaders believed, but they didn’t want anyone to know because they did not want to lose their social and religious status. How silent of a follower of Christ are you? Though the time is long past by now, I’m remembering how very vocal some Christians were during the election cycle on expressing their political points of view, oftentimes with a fair amount of omniscience! I had to wonder during those days, if their zeal for the gospel was as heartfelt as their political persuasion. We are to live for the praise of God our Father in heaven, hallowed be his name. The Son will set. Let us be diligent about our Father’s business sharing the news of the Light and not be pusillanimous! But oh . . . oh, when that Son does rise again!!

Music: “Phos Hilaron” Owain Park The Gesualdo Six

This is the earliest Christian hymn still in use. It is from the 3rd century. Here is an English translation of the Greek text, its original language.

Hail, gladdening Light, of his pure glory poured,

Who is the immortal Father, heavenly, blest,

Holiest of holies, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Now we are come to the sun’s hour of rest,

The lights of evening round us shine,

We hymn the Father, Son and Holy Spirit divine.

Worthy are you at all times to be sung with undefiled tongue,

Son of our God, giver of life, alone:

Therefore in all the world your glories, Lord, they own.

Prayer:

Father in heaven, I’m afraid that we, as your children, are far too fickle in faithfulness. You give us light when the sun comes up each day, and after a period of time, the sun sets and it is dark. We assume that the sun will come up again tomorrow. It always has. Your word is clear that we need to act while we have the light because the sun does not come up forever. One day will be the last one and you’ll return to earth and nothing will be the same. Help us to speak out while we still have the Light and the eternal Son has not “set” bringing an end to this world as we know it. May the praise of God mean more than the praise and acceptance of man. In your grace, give to us a holy abandonment in sharing the good news in a world filled with people stumbling, searching and groping in their darkness. This we pray through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

―Daniel Sharp

Tuesday, March 2

Reader: “Faith shows the reality of what we hope for;”

Response: “it is the evidence of things we cannot see.”

Scripture: Hebrews 11:1-3; 13-19

Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation.

By 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.

All 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. Obviously people who say such things are looking forward to a country they can call their own. If they had longed for the country they came from, they could have gone back. But 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.

It 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, even though God had told him, “Isaac is the son through whom your descendants will be counted.” Abraham 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.

Reader: “This is God’s word.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

When it comes to theology, if we have the idea that profound truths need complex words to plumb the depths of meaning, we need to read Hebrews 11:3 . . . “what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen.” A string of one syllable words, yet words that wilt the most brilliant of minds! There are three different examples in this pericope that I’d like to touch on, all having to do with faith and different aspects of seeing.

To begin with, faith is a certainty whose key ingredient is invisibility! We trust things we can see and touch; little faith is required. Things change when we are asked to put faith in something that is invisible, silent and for all practical purposes non-existent! Such was the requirement of those living in the First Testament times in trusting what was yet to come.

Now, we come to the BIG one, “the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen.” Spend a few minutes thinking through those few words. (I’m saying this again in case you missed it yesterday!) Going the speed of light, you would circle the earth at the equator seven times every second! You could travel to the Moon in a second and a half, eight minutes to the Sun, twelve and a half minutes to Mars. Universe distance is measured in light years, the distance light travels at the speed of light (187,000 miles per second!) for a whole year and I’m looking out the window this evening as I write this. The star I’m looking at is 140 light years away! All God did was say, “Let there be” and there was!

The more amazing thing is that the atoms and molecules to create the universe came from “nothing.” God didn’t go to a store to get materials to make things, there was no “store!” Even time didn’t exist. Believing these words requires faith. In the words of the late Stephen Hawking in speaking of the creation of the universe, “We have finally found something that does not have a cause because [before the Big Bang] there was no time for a cause to exist in . . . because there was no time for a creator to have existed. When people ask me if a god created the universe, I tell them that the question makes no sense. Time didn’t exist before the Big Bang, so there is no time for God to make the universe in.” (A Brief History of Time) Unfortunately for Mr. Hawking, he thought like a human, failing to realize that God has always existed outside time; God is the only uncreated Being who has never not existed. Everything seen and unseen is a direct result of God’s action and will.

The second idea emerging in relation to faith, is people who grasp what Hawking never did. They realize this world is not their home, their final resting place. They understand, in fact, they are made for another world. “If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.” C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity. We are all foreigners, nomads on this planet. Like people of old, we take the unseen by faith. As of yet, we can’t clearly see the world for which we were made.

Finally, we have the example of Abraham and Isaac. Abraham saw descendents yet unborn and obeyed God in what for all practical purposes seemed like the end of his earthly line with Isaac’s death. But Abraham didn’t see it that way. Let’s pretend to follow Abraham’s thinking. “Isaac is the specific promised covenant child given to Sarah and to me by God. He is the one God chose to bless, not Ishmael. It is through Isaac that our family will grow. If I kill him as God has asked me to do, it means that God will bring him back to life in order for God to keep his promise to me. God doesn’t ever lie, so I’ll obey him and slay Isaac and God will raise him from the dead.” Abraham acted in faith because he was so committed to God . . . and in effect, God raised Isaac from the dead [in Abraham’s thought process.] The question is simple, “Do you have faith in God?” The answer requires neither complex nor profound words. A simple “yes” or “no” will do.

Music: “Benedictus” Karl Jenkins 7:40 minutes

This piece comes from a larger work, decrying the futility of war. My purpose in picking this is entirely different. We’ve been writing about the wonder of putting faith in God who in creation simply “said” and it was. This gives us a chance to see beyond our world into the distant reaches of the universe. Part of the way through the music, we hear the glorious words (in Latin) “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, Hosanna in the highest.” Though the very end of the clip shows the destruction of this world, I have only to think of Jesus’ glorious words, “I will make all things new!” What a glorious loving God who gave himself to redeem his fallen creation by giving himself to bring restoration to everything.

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 1

Reader: “Your throne, O God,”

Response: “endures forever and ever.”

Scripture: Hebrews 1:8-12

But to the Son he says,

“Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever.

You rule with a scepter of justice.

You 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.”

He also says to the Son,

“In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundation of the earth

and made the heavens with your hands.

They will perish, but you remain forever.

They will wear out like old clothing.

You will fold them up like a cloak

and discard them like old clothing.

But you are always the same;

you will live forever.”

Reader: “The word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

During this season of Lent, we turn attention to Jesus’ journey to the cross bringing about redemption for the whole created order, that is, not only the salvation of people, but also the restoration of a fallen creation. It is always important to view any aspect of Jesus’ life and ministry in the larger context than a single event. In our passage in Hebrews, we read of this fuller picture. Let’s take in a closer look at the structure.

In contrasting the superiority of Jesus over the angels, who were held in highest esteem by the Jews, the writer of Hebrews harkens to two of the Psalms, 45 and 102. He addresses three roles Jesus plays, that of ruler, creator and ultimate judge of all creation. Jesus is addressed as God and reigns from an everlasting throne. Jesus is our divine, eternal Ruler. He rules with perfect justice which he loves. Because of our limitations, it doesn’t always look that way. We do know he hates evil. But again, from our finite perspective, it seems that evil often escapes justice.

Of Christ, the psalmist writes that God the Father has anointed you, remembering that Messiah means “the anointed one.” Throughout the Scriptures, oil often represents the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Not only is Jesus the Ruler, he is Creator as this middle portion of our text declares. This material is taken from Psalm 102. The earth and all the heavens are the handiwork of the Son of God.

Think of everything you see as you go through today as belonging to Jesus. I often go for walks at night and wonder at the vastness and beauty of the sky. I saw Mars so clearly last night. It’s 140 million miles away. Traveling at the speed of light, it would take about 12 ½ minutes to get there! It takes a second and a half to get to the moon! The speed of light is circling the earth at the equator seven times per second! Astronomy measures distances in light “years,” the distance light travels in a year at the speed of light! Our Jesus spoke the universe into being! Sometimes I think the purpose of the vastness of the universe is to give finite people a sense of the magnitude of our God. Think of the sheer difference in size of one person compared to the scope of the cosmos! This creation will perish but he is eternal. He is our God! To help us out in every way, God became incarnate in Jesus Christ.

Finally, our Savior is also Judge and will bring creation to an end. He folds it up like a piece of clothing. There are some fascinating mathematical principles here in regards to “folding up the skies,” but are too complicated to explain in this forum and are outside our purposes. We have to leave it that our God is beyond what we can grasp, yet simple enough that a child can understand the gospel.

Our pericope closes with the foundational “you are always the same forever,” harkening to the later passage in Hebrews, “Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Heb.13:8) The word “forever” occurs three times in this passage; forever Ruling, forever beyond creation, forever Savior. In all the swirl of whatever is going on in the world today, Jesus is the same solid, eternal Rock beyond the ages. We can trust him as our ruler, creator and judge. We’re in good hands!

Music: “The Omnipotence” Schubert Hour of Power Choir

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, February 28 Second Sunday in Lent

Reader: “You are seeing things merely from a human point of view,”

Response: “not from God’s.”

Scripture: Mark 8:31-38

Then Jesus began to tell them that the Son of Man must suffer many terrible things and be rejected by the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but three days later he would rise from the dead. As he talked about this openly with his disciples, Peter took him aside and began to reprimand him for saying such things.

Jesus turned around and looked at his disciples, then reprimanded Peter. “Get away from me, Satan!” he said. “You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.”

Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and my message in these adulterous and sinful days, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

Reader: “The word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

Visualize this text in your mind. Put yourself as one of the disciples walking along with Jesus. You are on the road to Caesarea Philippi, which is northeast about half way between the Sea of Galilee and the city of Damascus. As you and the other disciples move down the road in conversation, Jesus asks all of you, “Who do you say I am?” Keep in mind you were there when Jesus had fed the 4,000 and walked on water. You had seen him do miracles first hand. Now in kind of an embarrassingly blunt conversation he tells you that the Son of Man (how he always referred to himself) is going to suffer great physical harm, the Jewish leadership is going to reject him, they are going to kill him, and three days later he will rise from the dead. Try processing that. It is quite a conversation!

Peter, who had moments before declared Jesus to be the Messiah, stepped off the road, taking Jesus with him and reprimanded him for saying such things. Afterall, Jesus was in the process of bringing in the kingdom of God! Jesus getting killed was not part of Peter’s idea of how things should go. From the side of the road, Jesus turned and looked at all the disciples and gained their attention. Then he turned directly to Peter with very strong words. “Get behind me, Satan!” The devil was seeking once more to destroy Jesus’ mission as he had via King Herod’s decree in Bethlehem and at his temptation.

Remember, the story of Jesus’ temptation ended with the devil departing “for a more opportune time.” This moment was one of those times. Be clear, Peter was not possessed by the devil as was Judas. However, Jesus recognized the biggest picture of what was happening.

Once again, Jesus challenged his disciples (and us) to view things from God’s perspective, (which is why we spend time in his word daily so we would increasingly grow in grasping the mind and heart of our God.) Jesus’ conversation with his disciples expanded to include the gathering crowd as he returned to the implications of his earlier words with his disciples concerning what lay ahead for him, namely suffering, death, and resurrection. He made clear to all of his disciples that they were to lay aside self and selfish ambition, and like Simon of Cyrene, pick up the cross of the Savior and carry it to their personal Golgotha.

A soul, your soul is worth more than this world or anything in it. Stand firm, friend, as his disciple, for he’s coming back and establishing his kingdom of God here on earth. In the words of the martyr Jim Elliot, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.”

Music: “I’d Rather Have Jesus” Alison Krauss

Prayer:

Lord, bless to me this season of Lent. Let me fast most truly and profitably, by feeding in prayer on thy Spirit: reveal me to myself in light of thy holiness. Suffer me never to think that I have knowledge enough to need no teaching, wisdom enough to need no correction, talents enough to need no grace, goodness enough to need no progress, humility enough to need no repentance, devotion enough to need no quickening, strength sufficient without thy Spirit; lest, standing still, I fall back for evermore. Show me the desires that should be disciplined, and sloths to be slain. Show me the omissions to be made up and the habits to be mended. And behind these, weaken, humble and annihilate in me self-will, self-righteousness, self-satisfaction, self-sufficiency, self-assertion, vainglory. May my whole effort be to return to thee; O make it serious and sincere persevering and fruitful in result, by the help of thy Holy Spirit and to thy glory, my Lord and my God. Amen. ―from Prayers for the Christian Year, p.80

Saturday, February 27

Reader: “The moment you began praying,”

Response: “a command was given.”

Scripture: Genesis 16:7-15

The angel of the Lord found Hagar beside a spring of water in the wilderness, along the road to Shur. The angel said to her, “Hagar, Sarai’s servant, where have you come from, and where are you going?”

“I’m running away from my mistress, Sarai,” she replied.

The angel of the Lord said to her, “Return to your mistress, and submit to her authority.” Then he added, “I will give you more descendants than you can count.”

And the angel also said, “You are now pregnant and will give birth to a son. You are to name him Ishmael (which means ‘God hears’), for the Lord has heard your cry of distress. This son of yours will be a wild man, as untamed as a wild donkey! He will raise his fist against everyone, and everyone will be against him. Yes, he will live in open hostility against all his relatives.”

Thereafter, Hagar used another name to refer to the Lord, who had spoken to her. She said, “You are the God who sees me.” She also said, “Have I truly seen the One who sees me?” So that well was named Beer-lahai-roi (which means “well of the Living One who sees me”). It can still be found between Kadesh and Bered.

So Hagar gave Abram a son, and Abram named him Ishmael.

Reader: “This is the word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

This portion of Scripture is interesting and fascinating when we go a little below the surface. Hagar, you’ll recall, was the servant of Sarai, Abram’s wife. You know the story. Sarai was unable to have children so she suggested, as was the custom in such situations, that she have children through her servant girl. At this point in the story, Hagar is pregnant by Abram and has become very arrogant and disrespectful toward Sarai. In response, Sarai treated Hagar harshly, so harshly that she ran away. Then the above passage occurs.

The opening phrase, “the angel of the Lord,” was the Lord himself, a theophany or a manifestation of God speaking with the authority of God. (There are several such occurrences in the Old Testament. E.g. Gen.21:17; Ex.3:2; Judg.6:11) The words from the angel (Lord) told Hagar to return to Sarai and submit to her authority with the promise that she would have many, many descendents. This is the same promise given to Abram.

The next sentence has an interesting parallel in the New Testament. Do these words ring a bell? “You are now pregnant and will give birth to a son. You are to name him . . .” and then a description of what he will do and be. Right! Those words are remarkably similar to the words of Gabriel in announcing to Mary the birth of Jesus. (Lk. 1:31-32)

The name given Hagar’s son was Ishmael meaning “God hears.” Then come the words describing the nature of Ishmael which has sadly proven to be true through the centuries. Hagar was an Egyptian and Ishmael married an Egyptian. True to the prophetic word, Ismael raised up a wild and hostile nation living in the desert with continual warring with all his relatives, including the offspring of Isaac, the nation of Israel. Even after the death of Ishmael, his descendents continue to fight among themselves (Gen.25:18). (The Muslim world traces its roots to Ishmael and Abraham.)

After this encounter, Hagar referred to the Lord with the name of “The God who sees me” and named the well where this encounter occurred “Beer-lahai-roi” which means “well of the Living One who sees me.” So once again, you may be asking, “What does this have to do with Lent?” 1) God has a master plan of redemption that is not tied to days, months, or years. Abram and Sarai’s interpretation was tied to earthly time. “We’ve waited on God eleven years, now we need to move ahead.” Bad idea. Ishmael and 4,000 years of Arab/Israeli conflict! 2) We have a God who hears and sees into the details of your life right now. 3) It is best not to improvise on God’s design for your life. It doesn’t work out so well! 4) Hagar encountered the Lord when she submitted and returned to her mistress. 5) There was Hagar’s confrontation with reality in her comment, “Have I truly seen the One who sees me?” It is essential that we are honest in our dealings with the Lord and not pretend we encounter him or our image of him. The Lenten season is about repenting and reflecting on the Lord with complete transparency.

Music: “The God of Abraham Praise” Grace Community Church Congregation

Prayer:

Gracious and compassionate Father, we confess that too often we have been impatient and acted in frustration rather than waiting for you. We have not heeded David’s words of “Let all that I am wait quietly before God.” (Ps.62:5) And in moving ahead of you, we have messed things up. I’m afraid we haven’t actually believed you see and hear in earthly time. Too often we just say words, wait a while and then go ahead and do what we think best and assume that’s what you have in mind. Good Lord, help us to slow down! Help us to submit to you, to lay aside our urgency, our impatience, our twitchiness to do something, anything. May we learn to be quiet, hold still, and wait. It is one of the godly qualities in all of Scripture. Every single “great” of the Bible had long periods of waiting for you. The impatient ones were always in trouble. Lord Jesus, give me the grace to wait that I might truly encounter your life-giving Spirit. This I pray in the name of Jesus, who with you and the Holy Spirit is one God, world without end. Amen.

―Daniel Sharp

Friday, February 26

Reader: “Abraham believed God,”

Response: “and God counted him as righteous.”

Scripture: Romans 4:1-12

Abraham was, humanly speaking, the founder of our Jewish nation. What did he discover about being made right with God? If his good deeds had made him acceptable to God, he would have had something to boast about. But that was not God’s way. For the Scriptures tell us, “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.”

When people work, their wages are not a gift, but something they have earned. But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners. David also spoke of this when he described the happiness of those who are declared righteous without working for it:

“Oh, what joy for those

whose disobedience is forgiven,

whose sins are put out of sight.

Yes, what joy for those

whose record the Lord has cleared of sin.”

Now, is this blessing only for the Jews, or is it also for uncircumcised Gentiles? Well, we have been saying that Abraham was counted as righteous by God because of his faith. But how did this happen? Was he counted as righteous only after he was circumcised, or was it before he was circumcised? Clearly, God accepted Abraham before he was circumcised!

Circumcision was a sign that Abraham already had faith and that God had already accepted him and declared him to be righteous—even before he was circumcised. So Abraham is the spiritual father of those who have faith but have not been circumcised. They are counted as righteous because of their faith. And Abraham is also the spiritual father of those who have been circumcised, but only if they have the same kind of faith Abraham had before he was circumcised.

Reader: The word of the Lord

Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:

I remember when I was a little kid, we’d take four hour trips to Grandpa and Grandma Lantz’s house in Winona Lake, Indiana. On the way we three kids would play the alphabet game which was finding the letters of the alphabet in order off of billboards. It was a “silent” game in which you only talked when you hit the “z!” (After 65 years, I only recently discovered the reason for that rule!) Anyway, the sign on the side of the road that said “Get right with God” was a valuable find because of “igh.” In this passage, we read of “being right with God.” How foundational is that?

Every person you see today and every person in existence is not, nor ever has been, naturally “right with God.” Adam and Eve were initially “right with God.” Then came the problem that put us all in the “unright” stage. Paul’s words make it clear that it is not possible for us humans to put ourselves into a right position with God by any effort we make. That is why this passage is profound. Abraham was able to find himself in a right position with God, not by his own efforts, but by believing God’s effort on his behalf.

In looking at David’s words above, I’m wondering if you and I actually experience the joy of having our sins forgiven or do we just say the words and move on? Do we grasp the significance and abhorrence of our sin in God’s eyes? I confess, I find that too often my own sin isn’t that big of deal in my own eyes revealing the deadness of my spirit. Perhaps I’d be more joyful if I had a more realistic understanding of what God has done on my behalf and horrid my sin is. Something to think about.

The last part of this pericope has to do with the sign of God’s covenant with the Jewish people, circumcision. Part of the question at the time of the writing of Romans was, “Do Gentile believers have to be circumcised to become believers? I.e. Do they have to keep Jewish law?” Paul points out that Abraham believed God and was viewed as righteous by God even before he was circumcised. In other words, righteousness before God depends on faith alone. That faith is a gift as a result of God’s grace. There is nothing of human effort involved in this transaction. Let that sink in. Your relationship to God is the direct and sole result of God’s free gracious gift to you. As we reflect on our relationship to the Lord this Lenten season, don’t hurry past this singular, magnificent and eternal truth.

Music: “Come Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy” Kristin and Keith Getty

Prayer: O Lord, perfect, we beseech Thee, the faith of us who believe, and sow the good seed of faith in their hearts who as yet lack it; that we all may look steadfastly unto Thee, and run with patience the race that is set before us. Give us grace to show our faith by our works; teach us to walk by faith having respect unto the promises: which of Thy mercy make good to us in Thine own good time, O our most Gracious Lord God and Savior. Amen. ―Christina Rossetti, from Prayers Ancient and Modern, p.70

Thursday, February 25

Reader: “ We are made right with God . . .”

Response: “by placing our faith in Jesus Christ.”

Scripture: Romans 3:21-31

But now God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago. We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.

For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he makes sinners right in his sight when they believe in Jesus.

Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on obeying the law. It is based on faith. So we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law.

After all, is God the God of the Jews only? Isn’t he also the God of the Gentiles? Of course he is. There is only one God, and he makes people right with himself only by faith, whether they are Jews or Gentiles. Well then, if we emphasize faith, does this mean that we can forget about the law? Of course not! In fact, only when we have faith do we truly fulfill the law.

Reader: The word of the Lord

Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:

Where do you begin with a passage like this? Volumes and volumes of commentaries and dozens of books have been written on the theological concepts addressed in these few sentences. The season of Lent is a time to reflect on the journey of Christ as his death approached. It is also a time to evaluate where we are as individuals in relation to this journey with Jesus. I’d like us to look at these words in that light. Keeping the law of Moses perfectly was the way to God. But the law actually convicted us because it demonstrated that it is impossible for us to obey it perfectly. What it did was to show us our sin and our sin nature. Bottom line, we know we cannot keep the law. We are damned. Realizing that truth is progress!

Enter Romans 3. God initiated the solution. He provided a way for us to be made right with him without having to do what is impossible for us, that of keeping the law perfectly. We are to place our faith in Jesus Christ. This proposition from God applies to anyone in the world. By doing so, God graciously declares us righteous, that is, he views us in the light of the righteousness of his sinless Son, Jesus, who, more than keeping the law fulfilled the law perfectly! There is a penalty for breaking the law, which we have done innumerable times. Unfortunately, that price is death. But, Jesus paid the penalty for our sins, dying in our place. He took upon himself all the sins of all the people of the world and gave his life blood in their place. His death and resurrection means that all our sins, past, present and future are paid for by Jesus.

For example, people in the past who sinned in the First Testament, did not receive the ultimate punishment for their sins, since God “held back” that punishment in looking forward to the coming of Christ’s sacrifice. The sins of people who lived after Jesus’ ascension to heaven, have their sins covered as well, including people who have yet to be born! God’s time is on an eternal clock rather than a 24/7 clock. (“Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”) As one commentator put it, “Believers are totally justified, just not yet.” (Moellering, Concordia Commentary on I TImothy, p.39)

Believing in Jesus is an act that functions in the time frame of the eternal clock. We are acquitted from our sins solely by our faith. Nothing we do makes any contribution to our being made right with God. There is a very popular and widely held view that upon death, God weighs the good and bad and that if the good deeds outweigh the bad actions, then that person receives eternal life in heaven. TOTAL LIE! This view was actually expressed by a current political leader who announced that he would walk right into heaven and they’d be glad to see him because he had done so much good! The bottom line is that when we exercise faith in what Christ has done on our behalf, we are actually fulfilling the law, the very words of Jesus. “I have come not to abolish the law, but to fulfill it.” (Mt.5:17) Be mindful that Jesus’ journey to the cross resulting in his death was and is our journey as well. Remember, we are not simply living on a 24/7 clock, but dwelling in God’s eternal time.

Music: “Jesus Paid It All” Fernando Ortega Beautiful arrangement of this tune.

Bonuses: “Jesus Paid It All” Celtic Worship

“Jesus Paid It All” Choral Arrangement

Prayer: My Father, I could never have sought my happiness in thy love, unless thou hadst first loved me. Thy spirit has encouraged me by grace to seek thee, has made known to me thy reconciliation in Jesus, has taught me to believe it, has helped me to take thee for my God and portion. May he grant me to grow in the knowledge and experience of thy love, and walk in it all the way to glory. Blessed forever be thy fatherly affection, which chose me to be one of thy children by faith in Jesus: I thank thee for giving me the desire to live as such. In Jesus, my brother, I have my new birth, every restraining power, every renewing grace. By the Spirit may I daily live to thee, rejoice in thy love, find it the same to me as to thy Son, and become rooted and grounded in it as a house on a rock. Magnify thy love to me according to its greatness, and not according to my deserts or prayers, and whatever increase thou givest, let it draw out greater love to thee. In my Savior’s name I pray. Amen. ―The Valley of Vision, p.53

Wednesday, February 24

Reader: “Every word of God proves true.”

Response: “He is a shield to all who come to him for protection.”

Scripture: Proverbs 30:1-9

The sayings of Agur son of Jakeh contain this message.

I am weary, O God;

I am weary and worn out, O God.

I am too stupid to be human,

and I lack common sense.

I have not mastered human wisdom,

nor do I know the Holy One.

Who but God goes up to heaven and comes back down?

Who holds the wind in his fists?

Who wraps up the oceans in his cloak?

Who has created the whole wide world?

What is his name—and his son’s name?

Tell me if you know!

Every word of God proves true.

He is a shield to all who come to him for protection.

Do not add to his words,

or he may rebuke you and expose you as a liar.

O God, I beg two favors from you;

let me have them before I die.

First, help me never to tell a lie.

Second, give me neither poverty nor riches!

Give me just enough to satisfy my needs.

For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, “Who is the Lord?”

And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God’s holy name.

Reader: The word of the Lord

Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:

Have you ever felt like the above opening sentences? I’m tired Lord. Worn out; no energy; tired thinking. I feel dumb and do dumb things. And Lord, I really don’t know you very well at all. Agur hit the nail on the head. If we are honest, we aren’t always up and have things in order and under control. Why is it that we continually wrestle life to control it? The interesting thing is, acknowledging the above is actually the beginning of gaining wisdom! The five questions Agur asks all have the same answer and it is “Jesus.” He contrasts his own ignorance with the wisdom and power of God. The Lord is his strength and protection.

I’m struck with the single admonition not to add words to what God has said. Remember Eve in the Garden of Eden during her temptation? What did she do in answering the serpent’s challenge? She added words to what God had said. Jude says the same thing in the New Testament (v.3). I have to smile at his two favors from God before he dies. “Help me never tell a lie.” I greatly admire his transparency. If we are honest, we all lie; not always on purpose. But we do “slide from the whole truth” at times. His second request for a favor already shows how he is becoming wise and perhaps not as “stupid” as he earlier proclaimed!

You’ve all heard various answers to the question, “How much money is enough money?” John D. Rockefeller’s answer was “just a little more.” At the time his net worth was 1% of the entire US economy making Bill Gates and Warren Buffett look like paupers. Perhaps that is why Jesus said it is very hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. It is too easy to be wed to this world with the feeling “I don’t need the Lord. I’ve got plenty of money for everything I want” forgetting Jesus’ words, “You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you.” (Lk. 12:20) My guess is Rockefeller would answer that question very differently now that the reality of eternity has set in.

Agur also makes an interesting connection between stealing and insulting God’s holy name. I must confess, I’m not always aware that I am representing God’s name. As a Christian, I am a member of God’s family. I am aware that I am a “Sharp” and represent my family and do not want to embarrass our family name. I have a heritage of a godly father, godly grandfathers, and some godly great grandfathers. I don’t want to be the one to “mess up” the family name. How much greater significance is representing God’s family name! When I do misrepresent my Lord, I am actually taking his name in vain. It seems to me that Agur was anything but “too stupid to be human!” Live today telling the truth, resting in the Lord and representing well both of your families’ names.

Music: “A Poor Wayfaring Stranger” Sam Robson Gorgeous! Eternal perspective.

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 that 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. But Lord, our hearts are deceptive and dull toward you. We read the Bible more from obligation rather than to converse with you. We pray once in a while or when we think of it, but we too seldom encounter you in our prayers. God of mercy, forgive our foolish ways. May our hearts burn for you. Don’t let us stay the same, please . . . please. In our Savior’s glorious name. Amen.

―Daniel Sharp

Tuesday, February 23

Reader: “Search for peace,”

Response: “and work to maintain it.”

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:8-18a

Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing. For the Scriptures say,

“If you want to enjoy life

and see many happy days,

keep your tongue from speaking evil

and your lips from telling lies.

Turn away from evil and do good.

Search for peace, and work to maintain it.

The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right,

and his ears are open to their prayers.

But the Lord turns his face

against those who do evil.”

Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong! Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God.

Reader: The word of the Lord

Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:

Peter, who was not a shy person, known for speaking before thinking at times, writes this very articulate portion of his letter in giving instructions regarding relationships to fellow believers as well as unbelievers. I have a feeling Peter learned this the hard way. Note the words he uses here. Be united in thought, sympathize, love, be tender-hearted, . . . keep a humble attitude. Are those words you normally associate with Peter? The Holy Spirit clearly transformed his life.

Having been in a long period of very stressful months due to a troublesome disease and rancorous politics, we have observed plenty of occasions where brothers and sisters in the Lord have hardly reflected Peter’s words towards each other. Retaliation with insults have been far too frequent. Blessing those with different opinions has been all too rare. This model of self-righteous Christian interaction has frankly been embarrassing for our faith. Peter quotes David’s psalm (Ps. 34:12-16) for wise counsel. “Keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. . . Search for peace and work to maintain it.”

It is all too easy for us to think of God as being far away looking after the universe and not actually watching individual people in real time . . . like now! Yet, Peter writes, “the eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.” He watches those people too!

In the Scriptures, the description of the “Lord turning his face toward you” is a sign of his favor, his blessing (Numbers 6:24-26). It’s the reverse of “turning your back on someone” as a sign of disfavor and abandonment. Remember Moses coming down from Mt. Sinai with his face shining so bright? Same idea. Notice that Peter is very realistic. People are not always nice, even believers. So Peter’s words are to bear the abuse rather than striking back. God sees what happened and is pleased when you don’t retaliate. Worship the Lord as the Lord of your life. Your conduct can be a beautiful witness to God’s grace in your life. Be ready to bear witness to Christ with gentleness and respect to the other person. Suffering for doing good, if that is what God wants, is better than suffering for shooting off at your mouth and bearing the consequences of foolishness. Peter should know! It would be good if we could do some healing of our tongues in the coming months.

Music: “The Corinthian Song” Sam Robson Beautiful and remarkable!

Prayer:

O Everlasting God, let the light of Thine eternity now fall upon my passing days. O holy God, let the light of Thy perfect righteousness fall upon my sinful ways. O most merciful God, let the light of Thy life pierce to the most secret corners of my heart and overcome the darkness of sin within me. Am I living as my conscience approves? Am I demanding of others a higher standard of conduct than I demand of myself? Am I taking a less charitable view of the failings of my neighbor than I am of my own? Am I standing in public for principles which I do not practise in private? Let my answer before Thee be truthful, O God. Do I ever allow the thought of my own gain to take precedence over the interests of the community? To which do I give the benefit of the doubt, when my course is not clear? Is the sympathy I show to others who are in trouble commensurate with the pity I would expend on myself if the same things happened to me? Let my answer before Thee be truthful, O God. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen. ―John Baillie, A Diary of Private Prayer, p.99

Monday, February 22

Reader: “This is my fate; the Most High has turned his hand against me.”

Response: “But then I recall all you have done, O Lord.”

Scripture: Psalm 77

I cry out to God; yes, I shout.

Oh, that God would listen to me!

When I was in deep trouble,

I searched for the Lord.

All night long I prayed, with hands lifted toward heaven,

but my soul was not comforted.

I think of God, and I moan,

overwhelmed with longing for his help.

Interlude

You don’t let me sleep.

I am too distressed even to pray!

I think of the good old days,

long since ended,

when my nights were filled with joyful songs.

I search my soul and ponder the difference now.

Has the Lord rejected me forever?

Will he never again be kind to me?

Is his unfailing love gone forever?

Have his promises permanently failed?

Has God forgotten to be gracious?

Has he slammed the door on his compassion?

Interlude

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.

Interlude

When the Red Sea saw you, O God,

its waters looked and trembled!

The sea quaked to its very depths.

The clouds poured down rain;

the thunder rumbled in the sky.

Your arrows of lightning flashed.

Your thunder roared from the whirlwind;

the lightning lit up the world!

The earth trembled and shook.

Your road led through the sea,

your pathway through the mighty waters—

a pathway no one knew was there!

You led your people along that road like a flock of sheep,

with Moses and Aaron as their shepherds.

Reader: The word of the Lord

Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:

How often has this psalm been your prayer? One cannot but help notice the progression of emotions from the opening cry to the closing thoughts. There is a lesson for us here. The first section is completely internally focused. There are seven “I’s,” a “me” and a “my,” and God is referred to in the third person five times. What is clear is a frustrated passion wanting soul comfort. In our encounters with the Lord, we often begin the same way, starting with ourselves, our perspective, our feelings. “God, where are you?” I certainly have prayed this prayer more than once! I don’t know how significant the “Interlude” is, but it almost seems to say, “time out, get your thoughts together.”

Apparently the “time out” didn’t change much of anything. In this next section there are still seven references to I, me, and my with seven references to the Lord in the third person with only one reference in the second person where God is addressed directly. (I mention this only to point out the progression of the prayer.)

Several years ago I had a difficult upcoming meeting with the senior pastor. I truly didn’t know what to pray. I couldn’t formulate a thought or a word to offer to God so I just said, “Lord, you’ll have to do this. I don’t have a clue about anything!” He was faithful in the meeting and brought great clarity!

Asaph, the one praying begins to harken back to the good old days while wondering what has happened. Notice then the verbs associated with God’s relationship to Asaph as Asaph perceives―rejected, never again, gone forever, permanently failed, forgotten, slammed the door, and turned his hand against. Notice when we are down and self-focused how we turn to absolute negatives to express our feelings . . . never, forever, permanently. Then comes the four word perspective . . . “But then I recall.” God is no longer addressed in the third person, but in the second person. There are twenty-one references addressing God directly in the rest of the psalm. There is only one direct reference to the Lord in the first ten verses. There are but three “I’s” and one “my” in the last 10 verses as opposed to eighteen in the first ten. These later “I’s” have the verbs “recall, remember, cannot stop thinking” in contrast to the negative responses in the early part of the psalm.

In the end of the psalm, Asaph turns his attention to what God has done in the past. He looks to the Lord’s history of caring for his people to regain perspective. Then there is one quiet line that is so powerful. “Your pathway through the mighty waters―a pathway no one knew was there!” That is our great God! The next time you or I feel ourselves falling into the first part of this psalm, be sure to read the last half. The Lord knows the way through the wilderness, even when there are no paths we can see! Reminder―we’re not God!

Music: “Out of the Depths” The Genevans

Optional Bonus:

“My Lord Knows the Way through the Wilderness” (Old childrens’ song, cute)

A dad and his children sing this song. Note the little girl when dad is talking at the end!

Prayer: Don’t talk today in prayer, listen to the Lord’s words of truth spoken to you for this day.

Let nothing disturb you; let nothing dismay you; all things pass: I never change. Patience attains all it strives for. The one who has me finds they lack nothing: I alone suffice.

―adapted from Teresa of Avila, Eerdmans’ Book of Famous Prayers, p.51

Sunday, February 21 First Sunday in Lent

Reader: “Christ suffered for our sins”

Response: “once for all time.”

Scripture: I Peter 3:18-22

Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit.

So he went and preached to the spirits in prison— those who disobeyed God long ago when God waited patiently while Noah was building his boat. Only eight people were saved from drowning in that terrible flood. And that water is a picture of baptism, which now saves you, not by removing dirt from your body, but as a response to God from a clean conscience. It is effective because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Now Christ has gone to heaven. He is seated in the place of honor next to God, and all the angels and authorities and powers accept his authority.

Reader: The word of the Lord

Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:

In this first epistle of Peter, he gives to us a unique passage in all of the Bible. But let’s start at the beginning. This opening sentence reminds us of a very similar passage in Hebrews (9:26,28). His one-time suffering and death made possible our pathway home to God. Think about it. That “one time” is sufficient for all people forever! Peter goes on to say that in the physical death, Jesus’ body died on Friday but his spirit was raised to life. (On the third day, the physical body was raised to life.) At Jesus’ death, his body went into the grave, his spirit went to the Father (“Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands”), and his soul went to paradise ―the bosom of Abraham― (“Today you will be with me in paradise.” Lk. 23:43. Hades is the place of the dead. One part is called paradise, the place of the righteous dead in the presence of Jesus, and the other part of hades is the gloomy place of the unrighteous dead who await final judgment. A chasm separates the two).

When Peter writes that Jesus was raised to life, the word refers to life as God has it. It is the life of God the Father himself which he gave to his Incarnate Son which is the life passed on to us in Christ Jesus. The Greek word is zoe (life), from which we get the word zoology and zoo. This kind of life of God is the very life from which we’ve been alienated as a result of the Fall. It is a life which has moral associations which are inseparable from holiness and righteousness. It is life we are called to live.

The next section is one of the more difficult ones to understand in Scripture. It has been interpreted several ways through the centuries. Without going into a long discussion, I’ll briefly summarize some of the basic views (there are more). 1) Christ goes to those who have been disobedient to God and preaches the Good News to them. The idea that people have a second chance after death to receive the gospel is not found anywhere else in the New Testament. In fact, Hebrews 9:27 makes very clear that “it is appointed unto men to die once, and after this the judgment.” Clearly, there is no second chance. 2) Another interpretation reads that Christ preached through Noah’s voice urging people to repent in Noah’s day. Those people are now in death’s prison. 3) A third view is that the ‘spirits in prison’ are evil spiritual beings (fallen angels) and Christ proclaimed to them his victory over death. (There is an important principle involved here. No doctrine should be based on a singular ambiguous passage. Difficult passages should be interpreted by those that are clear, not the other way around.) Peter then refers to Noah and his response of faith in God. In a way, Noah and his family were resurrected from certain death through the “baptismal” waters of the Flood.

He then concludes this portion stating Christ is now in heaven, seated at God’s right hand with all the spirit world in submission to him. What does all this mean for us this day? It tells us that there was a great master plan from the beginning to bring restoration to a fallen creation and that Christ’s work on earth is completed. He is currently, as you read this, seated at the Father’s right hand in his glorified human body interceding on our behalf according to Scripture. This is not simply a theological idea, but reality. Finally, we are reminded that we are citizens of heaven even while here on earth as we await the Lord’s return. Tune your heart heavenward today.

Music: “What Wondrous Love Is This” St. Olaf Choir

Prayer:

Bless us, O Lord God, at the last awakening into the house and gate of heaven, to enter into that gate and dwell in that house, where there shall be no darkness nor dazzling, but one equal light; no noise nor silence, but one equal music; no fears nor hopes, but an equal possession; no ends nor beginnings, but one equal eternity, in the habitations of thy majesty and thy glory, world without end. Amen. ―John Donne, A Book of Uncommon Prayer, p.52

Saturday, February 20th

*Be sure to read the Preface if you haven’t. Also, pastors and music ministers, feel free to encourage your congregations and musicians to subscribe as part of our corporate preparation for Holy Week and Easter.

Reader: “Be encouraged, my child!”

Response: “Your sins are forgiven.”

Scripture: Matthew 9:2-13

Some people brought to him a paralyzed man on a mat. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “Be encouraged, my child! Your sins are forgiven.”

But some of the teachers of religious law said to themselves, “That’s blasphemy! Does he think he’s God?”

Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he asked them, “Why do you have such evil thoughts in your hearts? Is it easier to say ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up and walk’? So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!”

And the man jumped up and went home! Fear swept through the crowd as they saw this happen. And they praised God for giving humans such authority.

As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at his tax collector’s booth. “Follow me and be my disciple,” Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up and followed him.

Later, Matthew invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. But when the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with such scum?”

When Jesus heard this, he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.” Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”

Reader: The word of the Lord

Response: Thanks be to God.

We have a little addition to our pattern today. I’d like you to watch this clip before reading the commentary. It is portraying what you have just read. Matthew is one of the guys sitting on the roof with the children taking notes!

Film Clip: Jesus heals the paralytic from “The Chosen”

Some thoughts:

There are some profound things going on in this passage. The first encounter with Jesus clearly demonstrates a recurring pattern in all of Jesus’ miracles. The second account helps us understand the implication of the first incident. One of the consistent truths of Jesus’ miracles is that he always did them for a single purpose, regardless of the miracle itself and an example of such is clearly demonstrated here. The certain point of the miracle is always to establish his identity as the Son of God. There is one line Jesus says in the clip that makes things so clear. Something like, “anyone can say words about cleansing sin, but you don’t really know if the sin was cleansed. Humanly, there is no way to tell. So, rather than say ‘your sins are cleansed,’ I’ll do something miraculous so you can see I have the authority to forgive sins as the Son of God.”

Most of the religious leaders rejected what they saw with their own eyes and sought to kill Jesus. Now as then, people in our day simply dismiss Jesus as a moral teacher from ages past, nothing more, effectively killing him again. As we reflect on Jesus’ journey to the cross during these days of the Lenten season, let us remember that moral teachers cannot forgive sin. All sin is against God. So, he alone is in a position to forgive and also because he is the only One who could pay the penalty.

We look next at the second part of this passage. Since Jesus’ mission on earth was to save sinners, he went to people who knew they were sinners, a model for us. How much time do we spend with people who need the Lord? Maybe we could make a point of trying to spend more time with those in need of the Savior during these special days. Showing mercy to others is the mark of a life honored and affirmed by God. Jesus went after Matthew. He was among the most hated persons of his day . . . a crooked Jew who had sold out his own people to the occupying Romans. Tax collectors were very wealthy and very dishonest. Jesus befriended and embraced the despised man and called him to become one of his disciples! Matthew knew he needed a savior and he followed. The result was a transformed life. All of us have Matthews all around us. Let’s call them to follow the Master. With things as fractured as they are in the world, now is a time to be bold.

Music: “Lord, I Want to Be Like Jesus” Fernando Ortega

Prayer:

O God, our ever-living Refuge, with grateful hearts we lay at Thy feet the folded hours when Thou knowest us but we know not Thee; and with joy receive from Thy hand once more our open task and conscious communion with Thy life and thoughts. Day by day liken us more to the spirits of the departed wise and good; and fit us in our generation to carry on their work below till we are ready for more perfect union with them above. And if ever we faint under any appointed cross and say, “It is too hard to bear,” may we look to the steps of the Man of Sorrows toiling on to Calvary, and pass freely into Thy hand, and become one with Him and Thee. Dedicate us to the joyful service of Thy will; and own us as Thy children in time and in eternity. Amen. ―James Martineau, Prayers Ancient and Modern, p.139

Friday, February 19

Reader: “O Lord, hear. O Lord, forgive. O Lord, listen and act!”

Response: “For your own sake, do not delay.”

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!

Reader: The word of the Lord

Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:

There is an interesting aspect to Daniel’s prayer which is something I have seldom heard, if ever, when someone is praying. His words . . . “for your name’s sake, smile on your people again.” In other words, he’s appealing to the Lord’s reputation as viewed by the surrounding unbelieving peoples. The nations are laughing at “the children of God,” which in an indirect way, is laughing at God. Note the second commandment here, that we are not to take God’s name in vain. Put simply, the Israelites are representing God in vain; they are poor ambassadors of their LORD. Jerusalem, the city of God, the city they are to care for and about, lies in ruins as a result of their rebellion. In a nutshell, they are a disgrace as the people of God. Hence, Daniel’s fervent prayer of confession.

Confession comes from the Greek word homologeo, meaning “same word, to speak the same thing.” Confession means simply, “we agree with what God has said, we agree with his opinion, his word of judgment.” We abandon our assessment and conclusion and embrace his word on the situation, realizing his unfailing love is perfect, which means his view is also absolutely perfect.

Daniel’s words are simple and straightforward. “Lord, you are in the right,” which also says that “we are in the wrong.” Thankfully, we have a God who is, in Daniel’s words, “merciful and forgiving.” What is true of Israel in Daniel’s day is true of all of our nations in our day as well, (realizing many of you reading this are not from the USA). Daniel speaks of the consequences of sin and rebellion against God, who is true to his word in judgment as well as in blessing. In his plea, Daniel prays three-fold, “O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord listen and act . . . Not because we deserve help, but because of your mercy.” Isn’t that the heart of all of our prayers? When we think of national repentance, notice that Daniel starts with confessing his own sin first and then the sins of his people.

There is one other interesting thing that occurs here. “The moment you began praying , a command was given.” Sometimes we may think that our prayers don’t result in immediate action, that God files our prayers in the “get to it later” box. Not so. Daniel’s prayer had an immediate effect. Realize God acts through your prayer. The prayer itself doesn’t change things. It is through prayer that God changes things, including the one doing the praying! Through prayer, we can be involved directly in what God is doing.

Music: ““Hear My Prayer O Lord” Purcell Voces8 One of the finest choral groups singing today. 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 in living our lives. We have become, no, we are arrogant. O Lord, hear, O Lord forgive. This we pray through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. ―adapted from Daniel 9. Daniel Sharp

Thursday, February 18

Reader: “I prayed to the Lord my God . . .”

Response: “and confessed.”

Scripture: Daniel 9:1-14

It was the first year of the reign of Darius the Mede, the son of Ahasuerus, who became king of the Babylonians. During the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, learned from reading the word of the Lord, as revealed to Jeremiah the prophet, that Jerusalem must lie desolate for seventy years. So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and fasting. I also wore rough burlap and sprinkled myself with ashes. I prayed to the Lord my God and confessed:

“O Lord, you are a great and awesome God! You always fulfill your covenant and keep your promises of unfailing love to those who love you and obey your commands. But we have sinned and done wrong. We have rebelled against you and scorned your commands and regulations. We have refused to listen to your servants, the prophets, who spoke on your authority to our kings and princes and ancestors and to all the people of the land.

“Lord, you are in the right; but as you see, our faces are covered with shame. This is true of all of us, including the people of Judah and Jerusalem and all Israel, scattered near and far, wherever you have driven us because of our disloyalty to you. O Lord, we and our kings, princes, and ancestors are covered with shame because we have sinned against you. But the Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him. We have not obeyed the Lord our God, for we have not followed the instructions he gave us through his servants the prophets. All Israel has disobeyed your instruction and turned away, refusing to listen to your voice.

“So now the solemn curses and judgments written in the Law of Moses, the servant of God, have been poured down on us because of our sin. You have kept your word and done to us and our rulers exactly as you warned. Never has there been such a disaster as happened in Jerusalem. Every curse written against us in the Law of Moses has come true. Yet we have refused to seek mercy from the Lord our God by turning from our sins and recognizing his truth. Therefore, the Lord has brought upon us the disaster he prepared. The Lord our God was right to do all of these things, for we did not obey him.

Reader: The word of the Lord

Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:

Yesterday on Ash Wednesday, we said nothing about the imposition of ashes. In the passage you just read concerning Daniel, we find him fasting and praying in sackcloth and ashes, a common expression of repentance throughout the Scriptures. We offer a brief word about that practice. Sackcloth is a very coarse, uncomfortable material against the skin. If you think of wearing clothes made solely of burlap (hemp), you are on the right track. The uncomfortable, irritating sackcloth served as an outward sign of sorrow and repentance, the picture being the lack of outward physical comfort paralleling the lack of inner spiritual comfort. The ashes reflected equally sorrow, despair and death. They also reminded one of the shortness of life. Humans, having been made originally from dust, eventually return again to dust. These two actions were to reflect humility and a repentant heart. We turn now to Daniel’s remarkable prayer demonstrating these very qualities. Daniel had read Jeremiah’s prophecy concerning Israel’s rebellion and the horrible consequences his people would experience as a result.

With the difficult days we have experienced in our own world these past months, note the appropriateness of the content of his prayer. It is a powerful declaration of confession and repentance. What is the overall structure? In the opening section of this pericope, he begins with truth: you are a great and awesome God who always speaks truth and keeps your word. You love those who are obedient to your word. The trouble is us! Note the words used for our response to God’s truth. We have sinned, done wrong, rebelled, scorned, and refused to listen! Other than that, we’re good! Not really. God’s prophets spoke his word, the truth, and we turned a deaf ear. Who is the “we?” Our leaders, our teachers, our ancestors and ourselves. The problem? We had a better idea; we would decide what was true. We would sit in judgment of God, weighing the truth of God’s word against our knowledge as we decided where God was lacking.

Like Thomas Jefferson, in our infinite wisdom, we would decide which parts to leave out and which to embrace. (Thomas Jefferson actually took a knife to the pages of Scripture and removed all the parts he didn’t agree with―everything having to do with the miraculous.) This passage ends with judgment and severe discipline from the Lord, just as he promised. When will we ever learn? God speaks truth and keeps his word. We live in a society throughout the world that fails again and again to realize there are consequences for rebelling against God’s word. Disobedience and failure to repent pays a rough wage. But they always pay in full. Sober words for these days. National repentance begins with you and me.

Film clip from “The Chosen” Peter’s repentance Powerful!!

Music: Psalm 51 A Broken Spirit and Contrite Heart The Sons of Korah

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

Prayer:

Holy Lord, I have sinned times without number and been guilty of pride and unbelief, of failure to find thy mind in thy Word, of neglect to seek thee in my daily life. My transgressions and short-comings present me with a list of accusations, but I bless thee that they will not stand against me, for all have been laid on Christ. Go on to subdue my corruptions and grant me grace to live above them. Let not the passions of the flesh nor listings of the mind bring my spirit into subjection, but do thou rule over me in liberty and power. I thank thee that many of my prayers have been refused. I have asked amiss and do not have. I have prayed from lusts and been rejected. I have longed for Egypt and been given a wilderness. Go on with thy patient work, answering ‘no’ to my wrongful prayers and fitting me to accept it. Purge me from every false desire, every base aspiration, everything contrary to thy rule. I thank thee for thy wisdom and thy love, for all the acts of discipline to which I am subject, for sometimes putting me into the furnace to refine my gold and remove my dross. Deliver me from every evil habit, every accretion of former sins, everything that dims the brightness of thy grace in me, everything that prevents me taking delight in thee, then I shall bless thee, God of Jeshurun*, for helping me be upright. This I pray through your Son Jesus Christ. By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and forever. Amen. ―The Valley of Vision, p.77
*A poetic name for the Hebrew Scriptures.

February 17, Ash Wednesday

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

Reader: “Shout aloud! Don’t be timid.”

Response: “Tell my people of their sins.”

Scripture: Isaiah 58:1-12

“Shout with the voice of a trumpet blast.

Shout aloud! Don’t be timid.

Tell my people Israel of their sins!

Yet they act so pious!

They come to the Temple every day

and seem delighted to learn all about me.

They act like a righteous nation

that would never abandon the laws of its God.

They ask me to take action on their behalf,

pretending they want to be near me.

‘We have fasted before you!’ they say.

‘Why aren’t you impressed?

We have been very hard on ourselves,

and you don’t even notice it!’

“I will tell you why!” I respond.

“It’s because you are fasting to please yourselves.

Even while you fast,

you keep oppressing your workers.

What good is fasting

when you keep on fighting and quarreling?

This kind of fasting

will never get you anywhere with me.

You humble yourselves

by going through the motions of penance,

bowing your heads

like reeds bending in the wind.

You dress in burlap

and cover yourselves with ashes.

Is this what you call fasting?

Do you really think this will please the Lord?

“No, this is the kind of fasting I want:

Free those who are wrongly imprisoned;

lighten the burden of those who work for you.

Let the oppressed go free,

and remove the chains that bind people.

Share your food with the hungry,

and give shelter to the homeless.

Give clothes to those who need them,

and do not hide from relatives who need your help.

“Then your salvation will come like the dawn,

and your wounds will quickly heal.

Your godliness will lead you forward,

and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind.

Then when you call, the Lord will answer.

‘Yes, I am here,’ he will quickly reply.

“Remove the heavy yoke of oppression.

Stop pointing your finger and spreading vicious rumors!

Feed the hungry,

and help those in trouble.

Then your light will shine out from the darkness,

and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.

The Lord will guide you continually,

giving you water when you are dry

and restoring your strength.

You will be like a well-watered garden,

like an ever-flowing spring.

Some of you will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities.

Then you will be known as a rebuilder of walls

and a restorer of homes.

Reader: The word of the Lord from the prophet Isaiah.

Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:

As we live through the season of Lent this year, I am confident in saying that the things in the world and in our lives are much different than at this time last year. What is the same as last year is that God is sovereign and unchangeable. In this pericope, God instructs the prophet Isaiah to speak the truth to his people in no uncertain terms! The sins of Israel are not unlike our own as nation’s, no matter where you are living in the world. (There are subscribers from around the world.) We all can identify! I’m afraid there is a fair amount of “pretend,” feel good worship happening too often. How could we say such? Look at the results. Israel’s fasts were very self-focused. There were quarrels and failure to treat other people with respect. In other words Israelites, “Your conduct toward each other is awful. Your words and actions don’t jive. The heart of your relationship with God is false. You are not honest with God.”

Fasting was a regular practice of the Israelites and frankly, ought to be in our lives today as well. After all, Jesus said, “When” you fast, not “if” you fast. With good health in mind, perhaps you may wish to fast in some way during this season in order to more deeply focus on your walk with God.

The Israelites, however, were fasting to impress God, manipulate God into doing what they wanted. In a sense they were bargaining with the Creator. It was an outward show. God looks at what is done, not what is said. God is also very clear about what he expects. For example, if someone is wrongly imprisoned, what have you done to correct the situation? How have you helped people who are in need of food, shelter, or clothes? Or, are you all “intending to do?” Actions like these bring healing. These are good actions for a fractured society like ours. God is more specific yet. “Stop pointing your finger and spreading vicious rumors!”

We have certainly seen plenty of such. Let’s get specific in this Lenten season. Are there relatives in your family you could help in some way? Rather than “giving up something for Lent,” is there something you could take on? Maybe fast a meal, or a day a week to pray specifically for something or someone instead of eating? Perhaps you make a covenant with the Lord to pray daily for that person who annoys you to death. You might even decide to use half the time you pray to be quiet and listen for God’s voice. If you are like me, I tend to spend my time of prayer mostly talking and doing little listening. God’s fasting is action. Read the passage again, noting God’s phrase, “This is the kind of fasting I want”. This Lenten season in 2021 only happens one time in all of eternity. Let’s live for eternity through these days.

Though Haddon Robinson preached one of the most memorable sermons I’ve heard in my 48 years in ministry, this sermon in 2012 relates specifically to today’s passage. There are two minutes of intro, then he preaches. Frankly from my perspective, he is one of the best preachers I’ve ever heard. He passed away in July 2017 at age 86.

Bonus: “Have You Heard The One About…The Case Study Of A Mugging?” – Haddon W. Robinson 28 minutes (2 minutes intro)

Music: “With Broken Heart and Contrite Sigh” St. Patrick Presbyterian Church

With broken heart and contrite sigh,

A trembling sinner, Lord, I cry:

Thy pard’ning grace is rich and free

O God, be merciful to me.

I smite upon my troubled breast,

With deep and conscious guilt oppressed;

Christ and His cross my only plea:

O God, be merciful to me.

Far off I stand with tearful eyes,

Nor dare uplift them to the skies;

But Thou dost all my anguish see,

O God, be merciful to me.

Nor alms, or deeds that I have done,

Can for a single sin atone;

To Calvary alone I flee;

O God, be merciful to me.

And when redeemed from sin and hell,

With all the ransomed throng I dwell,

My raptured song shall ever be,

God has been merciful to me.

Prayer:

Almighty and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that thou hast made and dost forgive the sins of all those 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 thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. ―BCP

The Preface

LENT – A Journey to the Cross 2021

How excited can you get about a season that starts by focusing on the certainty of death . . . yours specifically? Cheer up, you’re going to die sooner or later! 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 eternal life beyond death.

For many people being reminded about death and having to “give something up” are the primary thoughts regarding Lent. . .and are two good reasons to think about something else! The truth is, they are not really the point of Lent at all. 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 was Easter Sunday. 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. You see then, Lent is not a Catholic thing as many people believe. Though it was at times subject to abuse in the Roman Catholic church.

The heart of the Christian faith is our participation in the life, suffering, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus as Lord. Those things affect us personally. While Advent is concerned with the final Judgment, the Incarnation, and the birth of Jesus, this season points us to the price paid for redemption bringing new life. It is our prayer that these days leading up to Easter Sunday will further shape us into the image of Christ as we reflect with repentant hearts what he has done to free us from the bondage of our sinful selves.

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. Nothing you hear or see is original, the composers have simply rearranged the 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 free devotionals. The link to subscribe is: sharpdevotional.com. You enter your name and email. 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 5:02 EST. Of course subscribing is free.

Transfiguration Sunday, February 14

Reader: “This is my dearly loved Son.”

Response: “Listen to him.”

Scripture: Mark 9:1-10

Jesus went on to say, “I tell you the truth, some standing here right now will not die before they see the Kingdom of God arrive in great power!”

Six days later Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone. As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed, and his clothes became dazzling white, far whiter than any earthly bleach could ever make them.

Then Elijah and Moses appeared and began talking with Jesus.

Peter exclaimed, “Rabbi, it’s wonderful for us to be here! Let’s make three shelters as memorials—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He said this because he didn’t really know what else to say, for they were all terrified.

Then a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my dearly loved Son. Listen to him.” Suddenly, when they looked around, Moses and Elijah were

gone, and they saw only Jesus with them.

As 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. So they kept it to themselves, but they often asked each other what he meant by “rising from the dead.”

Reader: “The word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

This particular passage provides us with a marvelous connection between the Old and the New Testaments, the Old Covenant and the New Covenant. A little context may be helpful. Previously, Jesus and his disciples left the region of Galilee and headed northeast towards Caesarea Philippi. Their discussion on the way concerned Jesus’ identity. It was in this conversation that Peter declared Jesus to be the Messiah. After telling the disciples to tell no one that he was in fact the long-awaited Messiah, Jesus told them about his upcoming death and resurrection.

About a week later, Jesus took Peter, James, and John with him up a high mountain to be alone. Scholars have not identified which mountain it was. The significance is not in the specific mountain, but that the event happened on a mountain carries great importance. The three disciples saw Moses, Elijah, and Jesus in conversation together. In a discouraging moment, Elijah travelled to Mt. Sinai where he heard the voice of God and saw his backside as God passed by. You’ll recall that Moses received the Law from God on Mt. Sinai. As he descended with the Law tablets, his face shone so brightly, he was veiled until it faded. Both men encountered God directly and now they speak with the Messiah face to face.

In the case of the Transfiguration, the three disciples got a fleeting glimpse of the brilliant, shining glorified Savior. When Jesus appeared in this state, Moses and Elijah were gone. It was clear, neither Elijah or Moses was an equal with Jesus. At this point, the Old Covenant, the Law, was still in effect, but that was about to change. The discussion among Moses, Elijah, and Jesus was about this great change coming. The word used is Jesus’ “exodus!” from this world. Unlike the great Exodus led by Moses, this Redeemer set the entire world free from slavery to sin and death permanently. He would fulfill both the Law, (making it obsolete, Heb. 8:13 “When God speaks of a new covenant, it means he has made the first one obsolete.”), and likewise, fulfill all the Old Testament prophetic writings.

In Jesus’ words from the Sermon on the Mount, “I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writing of the prophets [Elijah et al]. No, I came to accomplish their purpose.” (Mt.5:17) If you will, Jesus is closing the loop with Moses and Elijah on the mountain! Have you ever noticed how many significant events took place on mountains? The unity of Scripture is never more apparent than in this passage. Like at his baptism, God the Father, affirms the upcoming work of his Son with his voice from the cloud.

As we have mentioned often previously, in the Bible, the cloud represents the physical presence of God. (Cloud of fire in the desert, cloud over the Ark of the Covenant, cloud at the Ascension, etc.) Here, like later in the Garden of Gethsemane, Peter, James, and John fell asleep and failed to grasp the significance of the moment. God’s words to the three were so clear, “This is my dearly loved Son. Listen to him.” Interestingly, Moses used that very phrase, “listen to him” (Deut.18:15) in speaking of the great Prophet to come (Messiah). Those words ought to ring daily in our ears. These disciples had trouble understanding what “rising from the dead” meant. Hindsight is easy, but we are called to faith which is why we need to “listen to him.”

We begin the Lenten “Journey with Jesus” this coming Wednesday! You’ll receive your first email Wednesday morning.

Music: “Christ Upon the Mountain Peak”

Jesus on the mountain peak,

stands alone in glory blazing.

Let us, if we dare to speak,

join the saints and angels praising.

Hallelujah!

Trembling at his feet we saw

Moses and Elijah speaking.

All the prophets and the law

shout through them their joyful greeting.

Hallelujah!

Swift the cloud of glory came,

God proclaiming in its thunder

Jesus as the Son by name!

Nations, cry aloud in wonder!

Hallelujah!

This is God’s beloved Son!

Law and prophets sing before him;

first and last and only One.

All creation shall adore him!

Hallelujah!

Prayer:

Father, at the transfiguration in glory of your only-begotten Son, you confirmed the mysteries of faith when the prophets Moses and Elijah appeared with Jesus. You foreshadowed what we shall be when you bring your sonship to its perfection. Grant that by listening to the voice of Jesus we may become heirs with him, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. O Christ, you led Peter, James and John down from the mountain and into the suffering world: when our hearts crave permanence, may we know the permanence of your love as you take us with you on your way. O Christ, you will transfigure our poor earthly bodies and conform them to your glorious body; we pray to you for our brothers and sisters who are dying: that they may be changed into your likeness, from glory to glory. Amen. ―from Prayers for Sunday Services, p.83

Fifth Sunday after Epiphany, February 7

Reader: “Haven’t you heard? Don’t you understand?”

Response: “Are you deaf to the words of God— ”

Scripture: Isaiah 40:21-31

Haven’t you heard? Don’t you understand?

Are you deaf to the words of God—

the words he gave before the world began?

Are you so ignorant?

God sits above the circle of the earth.

The people below seem like grasshoppers to him!

He spreads out the heavens like a curtain

and makes his tent from them.

He judges the great people of the world

and brings them all to nothing.

They hardly get started, barely taking root,

when he blows on them and they wither.

The wind carries them off like chaff.

“To whom will you compare me?

Who is my equal?” asks the Holy One.

Look up into the heavens.

Who created all the stars?

He brings them out like an army, one after another,

calling each by its name.

Because of his great power and incomparable strength,

not a single one is missing.

O Jacob, how can you say the Lord does not see your troubles?

O Israel, how can you say God ignores your rights?

Have you never heard?

Have you never understood?

The Lord is the everlasting God,

the Creator of all the earth.

He never grows weak or weary.

No one can measure the depths of his understanding.

He gives power to the weak

and strength to the powerless.

Even youths will become weak and tired,

and young men will fall in exhaustion.

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.

They will soar high on wings like eagles.

They will run and not grow weary.

They will walk and not faint.

Reader: “The word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

What a magnificent, mind-stretching reminder of our God! It is interesting to me that the first words of this passage have to do with hearing. We go back to the very beginning of creation and how did it come into being? Sound. God spoke! God is not a mute idol, he speaks. Remember, for the Jewish understanding of hearing, it was measured by doing. Do not be deaf to the words of God. All creation speaks of God.

Isaiah describes the immensity of God in creation-like terms. People are like grasshoppers in comparison. The universe is his tent! I have an app on my phone called SkyView which enables you to look at the location stars and planets on your phone, along with the Hubble Telescope and International Space Station from anywhere in the world. With it, you just hold your phone up to the sky or point it to the floor (to see the other side of the world!) and you can begin to see the vastness of God’s creation. There is a little circle and you put the circle on the star and it will tell you how many light years away the star is and what it’s name is! Everything you see is part of God’s “tent.” (The app is free.)

With all the hype about everything people are and do, the next verses are a powerful perspective adjuster! God judges the “great” people of the world and puts them in their proper place. I love the phrase, “they hardly get started.” Not that I’m a great person, but I’ve said my whole life, “I’m just getting started.” Though I’m semi-retired, I still have the sense that I’m just getting started in life. Actually, that is the truth. Life on this earth is the preface to the glorious life that lies ahead for the believer. Even if I live to 100, I’ve only just begun.

Isaiah then refers back again to the stars of the universe enfolding people in perspective of the massive expanse. He gives a clear picture of minuteness of human beings in contrast to the immensity of all creation. Isaiah concludes this pericope reminding the Israelites and us how very personal God is toward his people. He gives strength to the weak and strong alike. He never wears out. He understands everything perfectly all the time. In spite of his incomprehensible greatness to humans, the sky, the clouds, the earth, sun, moon, stars, galaxies, the universe are all his, yet, he is intimately and personally involved in the life of those created in his own image. Stop and dwell on the previous sentence. Those who trust the LORD will find new strength. That includes us today!

Music: “The Omnipotence” Schubert Hour of Power Choir excellent!!

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven and on earth and everywhere else, thank you for your renewing strength and tireless love. We find great comfort in knowing you see our troubles, our fears, our weaknesses. We are not alone in our struggles. You give us power when we are weak, strength when we have run out of everything and are ready to quit, understanding when we are confused or troubled, assurance when we are afraid, and faith when we waver in unbelief. There is none your equal and in that we rejoice greatly! Thank you for speaking so clearly in your Word. The wonder of who you are, and that you comunicate and care about us “grasshoppers,” is easy to put into words, but difficult to grasp. All we can say is we love you and thank you for loving us in such a glorious way. We pray this in the name of Jesus, who with you and the Holy Spirit, remain one God forever and ever. Amen. ―Daniel Sharp

Fourth Sunday after Epiphany, January 31

Reader: “I will raise up a prophet like you from among their fellow Israelites.”

Response: “I will put my words in his mouth.”

Scripture: Deuteronomy 18:15-22

Moses continued, “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him. For this is what you yourselves requested of the Lord your God when you were assembled at Mount Sinai. You said, ‘Don’t let us hear the voice of the Lord our God anymore or see this blazing fire, for we will die.’

“Then the Lord said to me, ‘What they have said is right. I will raise up a prophet like you from among their fellow Israelites. I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell the people everything I command him. I will personally deal with anyone who will not listen to the messages the prophet proclaims on my behalf. But any prophet who falsely claims to speak in my name or who speaks in the name of another god must die.’

“But you may wonder, ‘How will we know whether or not a prophecy is from the Lord?’ If the prophet speaks in the Lord’s name but his prediction does not happen or come true, you will know that the Lord did not give that message. That prophet has spoken without my authority and need not be feared.

Reader: “The word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

This is a most interesting passage because, once again, it is describing both the present and the future. Moses was unique among all human beings who have ever lived. Though there were many Old Testament prophets, Moses was unique. What was it that set him apart? We read at the end of the book of Deuteronomy that, “There has never been another prophet in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face.” (Deut. 34:10). This face to face encounter with God set him apart.

In this passage, he tells the people that this same LORD of theirs would raise up another super Israelite prophet like himself and that they were to listen to him (Deut.18:15). Israel had a penchant for ignoring prophets. The people were afraid to hear the voice of the LORD themselves. (Deut.5:24-31) The Jews were looking for this Prophet referred to by Moses. They wondered outwardly if John the Baptist was that Prophet (John 1:21). This later Prophet would speak the very words God wished to communicate to his people. In Moses’ mind as he spoke to the people, to reject the words of the Prophet was to reject the words of God. The Prophet’s words and God’s words were one in the same. Jesus, the Prophet to whom Moses is referring, said, “I don’t speak on my own authority. The Father who sent me has commanded me what to say and how to say it.” (John 12:49).

In contrast, a false prophet who speaks in the name of the LORD faces death. This last statement seems to appeal more to the immediate situation in Moses’ day. The sad truth is, some of the First Testament prophets of God were stoned because the people rejected God’s word through the prophets, naming them as false prophets! (E.g. Tradition says that Jeremiah was stoned to death in Egypt and Isaiah was sawn in two.)

The last couple of verses are known as the test of a prophet of the LORD. A true prophet of God is never wrong in what he or she says. If there is a prediction of a future event that does not transpire, they are no prophet of the LORD. The standard is 100% accuracy every time. If something predicted does not come true, one may disregard what was said. In our day, with many predictions and dreams regarding the future of the world, we need to be very cautious in responding to prophetic visions. One “vision” may come perfectly true. The next “vision” must also be perfectly true, and every “vision” afterwards must be completely accurate. 99 out of 100 is good, but is a failure as a prophet of God. It behooves us to know the Scriptures and weigh words very carefully in accordance with God’s word in our days of fantastic claims.

Music: “God Has Spoken By His Prophets”

Prayer: O God, I bless thee for the happy moment when I first saw thy law fulfilled in Christ, wrath appeased, death destroyed, sin forgiven, my soul saved. Ever since, Thou hast been faithful to me, daily have I proved the power of Jesus’ blood, daily have I known the strength of the Spirit, my teacher, director, sanctifier. I want no other rock to build upon than that I have, desire no other hope than that of gospel truth, need no other look than that which gazes on the cross. Forgive me if I have tried to add anything to the one foundation, if I have unconsciously relied upon my knowledge, experience, deeds, and not seen them as filthy rags, if I have attempted to complete what is perfect in Christ; May my cry be always, only Jesus, only Jesus! O God, hear me, do for me more than I ask, think, or dream. In my Savior’s name I pray. Amen. ―from The Valley of Vision, p.54

Third Sunday after Epiphany, January 24

Reader: “Let all that I am wait quietly before God,”

Response: “for my hope is in him.”

Scripture: Psalm 62:5-12

Let all that I am wait quietly before God,

for my hope is in him.

He alone is my rock and my salvation,

my fortress where I will not be shaken.

My victory and honor come from God alone.

He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.

O my people, trust in him at all times.

Pour out your heart to him,

for God is our refuge.

Common people are as worthless as a puff of wind,

and the powerful are not what they appear to be.

If you weigh them on the scales,

together they are lighter than a breath of air.

Don’t make your living by extortion

or put your hope in stealing.

And if your wealth increases,

don’t make it the center of your life.

God has spoken plainly,

and I have heard it many times:

Power, O God, belongs to you;

unfailing love, O Lord, is yours.

Surely you repay all people

according to what they have done.

Reader: “The word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:
The first sentence of this passage could very easily be a “life verse.” Those words put everything regarding the portion of life that we live on this earth into perspective. It is the most sublime place of rest. Have you ever noticed how much waiting there is in the Bible? Noah waited a 100 years for the flood he knew was coming; Abraham waited twenty-five years for Isaac; Rebekah and Rachel waited for children; Israelites endured 430 years of slavery before the Exodus; then wandered forty years in the wilderness while the older unfaithful generation died off; Zechariah and Elizabeth waited an entire lifetime for a son of their own; Jesus waited another two days after receiving word that Lazarus was very ill before he went to the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus; the early believers were told by Jesus to wait in Jerusalem to receive power on high; God is waiting now before sending his Son to establish his kingdom and bring this world to and end. God is giving people time to repent and receive forgiveness for their sins.

As I write today’s devotional in mid-September, things are generally pretty intense in our country. Politics is hitting its full nasty stride. People are going out of their way to write pointed tart messages to whoever will read what they write. Some longtime friendships are experiencing stress as a result. Then in contrast, we have this beautiful focusing sentence! There is no fear here. God is my rock and my salvation.

There is a line in the old German hymn, “If Thou But Suffer God to Guide Thee,” that has been translated, “built on the rock that naught can move.” I love that translation because it is so perfect. NOTHING can move God. He is the source of everything in existence. Whatever is going on in the country where you live (we’ve just had an inauguration -hopefully- in the US), King David wrote these words, “O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.” No one arrives in a position of power without God allowing it. He sets up kings and removes them. Again, David’s words, “The powerful are not what they appear to be.” “Power, O God belongs to you; unfailing love, O Lord, is yours. Surely you repay all people according to what they have done.” “Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him.” Come Lord Jesus, I am waiting. God is our source of hope, not human beings or human leaders.

Music: “In God is My Salvation” Ole Miss Men’s Glee Club

“If Thou But Suffer God to Guide Thee” Calvin Alumni Choir

Prayer:Father in heaven, who hast brought us to this day, let the peace of Thy love descend upon us. May every stormy passion be subdued, every unquiet thought cast out, every earthly care and anxiety forgotten that in the calm of Thy loving Presence we may find a remedy for our souls’ unrest, and in Thy loving-kindness an answer to our every need; for the sake of Thy Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. ―Source Unknown, The Quiet Corner, p.91

Second Sunday after Epiphany, January 17

Friends, I have a confession to make! I wrote something in last Sunday’s devotional that was not true. There was one sentence that said Jesus was tempted by the Devil and then he was baptised by John. That is exactly backwards for many reasons! (One of our sharp subscribers graciously and kindly asked if what I wrote was true.) I was working between John’s gospel, which says nothing of Jesus’ temptation, and Luke’s gospel which, like the other synoptics all record the temptation of Jesus. I’m not sure where my brain was when I typed that. Even missed it in the proof reading! I actually know the right order. Anyway, I will try to be more diligent in proofing things.

Reader: “This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee”

Response: “was the first time Jesus revealed his glory.”

Scripture: John 2:1-12

The next day there was a wedding celebration in the village of Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the celebration. The wine supply ran out during the festivities, so Jesus’ mother told him, “They have no more wine.” [This is all TRUE!]

“Dear woman, that’s not our problem,” Jesus replied. “My time has not yet come.”

But his mother told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

Standing nearby were six stone water jars, used for Jewish ceremonial washing. Each could hold twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus told the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” When the jars had been filled, he said, “Now dip some out, and take it to the master of ceremonies.” So the servants followed his instructions.

When the master of ceremonies tasted the water that was now wine, not knowing where it had come from (though, of course, the servants knew), he called the bridegroom over. “A host always serves the best wine first,” he said. “Then, when everyone has had a lot to drink, he brings out the less expensive wine. But you have kept the best until now!”

This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his glory. And his disciples believed in him.

After the wedding he went to Capernaum for a few days with his mother, his brothers, and his disciples.

Reader: “The word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

As we have mentioned previously, Epiphany is associated with the visit of the Magi, the baptism of Jesus, and the wedding at Cana of Galilee. John is the only gospel writer who records this latter event. Sometimes the other writers refered to supernatural acts that Jesus did as miracles, but not John. He describes them as “signs.” When Jesus did something like turning the water to wine, it was to act as a sign pointing to his identity as the Son of man.

In John’s gospel, he describes seven (perfection in Jewish thought) signs: changing water to wine, curing the nobleman’s son, healing the paralytic, feeding the five thousand, walking on water, opening the eyes of a blind man, and raising Lazarus from the dead. Every single act pointed beyond the immediate event but to the truth that the Kingdom of God had come among them in the person of Jesus Christ. That this event was a Jewish wedding is of great significance. With this sign, Jesus was going public.

John mentions that this event occurred on “the third day.” Is there significance stating that? Perhaps. Some scholars have reasoned that Jesus was ushering in a new creation, similar in concept to his resurrection on the third day. Many Jewish weddings occur on Tuesday, the third day of the week because on the third day of creation, God said, “It is good” two times and the brides took that expression as a double blessing on their marriage!

We look next at Jesus’ interaction with his mother. Mary is referred to in this gospel only as the “mother of Jesus.” What may seem to us as a rather harsh response in our day in referring to her as “woman,” was not exactly so in Jesus’ day. It was an address of respect and distinction. Mary appears in only one other story in John’s gospel and it is at the foot of the cross. It is there while hanging on the cross that Jesus again addresses his mother, “Dear woman, here is your son.” Likewise, following his resurrection, Jesus speaks to Mary Magdalene with the words, “Dear woman, why are you crying?”

What is established in this pericope is that the relationship between Jesus and his mother is now different. Jesus responds to his heavenly Father, not his earthly mother. When he says at the wedding, “My time is not yet come,” that is a clear indication that he is not operating on an “earthly clock.” Time and timing are a recurrent theme throughout John’s gospel. Jesus was tuned to his Father’s will which meant he was always in exactly the right place at the right time doing the right thing bringing glory to God. God’s action in our world is made manifest in the flesh of Jesus Christ!

Reader: “The word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Music: “Songs of Thankfulness and Praise (You’ll note this hymn has all three Epiphany themes!)

Songs of thankfulness and praise,

Jesus, Lord, to thee we raise,

Manifested by the star

To the sages from afar;

Branch of royal David’s stem

In thy birth at Bethlehem;

Praises be to thee addressed,

God in flesh made manifest.

Manifest at Jordan’s stream,

Prophet, Priest, and King supreme;

And at Cana, wedding guest,

In thy Godhead manifest;

Manifest in pow’r divine,

Changing water into wine;

Praises be to thee addressed,

God in flesh made manifest.

Grant us grace to see thee, Lord.

Mirrored in thy holy Word;

May we imitate thee now,

And be pure, as pure art thou;

That we like to thee may be

At thy great Epiphany;

And may praise thee, ever-blessed,

God in flesh made manifest.

Prayer:O God, you made of one blood all nations, and, by a star in the East, revealed to all peoples him whose name is Emmanuel. Enable us who know your presence with us so to proclaim his unsearchable riches, that all may come to his light and bow before the brightness of his rising, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen. ―Lawrence Hull Stookey from The United Methodist Publising House

First Sunday after Epiphany January 10

Reader: “John saw Jesus coming toward him and said,”

Response: “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”

Scripture: John 1:29-34

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! He is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘A man is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.’ I did not recognize him as the Messiah, but I have been baptizing with water so that he might be revealed to Israel.”

Then John testified, “I saw the Holy Spirit descending like a dove from heaven and resting upon him. I didn’t know he was the one, but when God sent me to baptize with water, he told me, ‘The one on whom you see the Spirit descend and rest is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I saw this happen to Jesus, so I testify that he is the Chosen One of God.”

Reader: “The word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

We just passed Epiphany a couple of days ago. There are three themes that are associated with this day, one of which is the baptism of Jesus, which is celebrated the first Sunday after Epiphany. People have asked me, “Since Jesus was perfect, why did he need to be baptized?” That is a perfectly logical question. John’s baptism was for the repentance of sin, yet Jesus was sinless, so why the necessity? In subjecting himself to baptism, Jesus openly took the sin of all people upon himself. He fully embraced his humanity. He placed, as it were, himself upon the altar as the substitute for our sin. In submitting to John’s baptism, he shows solidarity with a fallen human race and becomes our Redeemer and Reconciler. Jesus’ baptism was also an affirmation of the validity of John’s baptism ministry. His baptism indicated to his Father in heaven his embracing of the mission he came to do, a task that would involve great suffering and death. It is Luke who tells us that as Jesus was being baptized, he was praying and communing with the Father, the heavens opened and a dove came from heaven and rested on him, an affirmation from the Father. In the Scriptures, a dove symbolizes purity, innocence, and loveliness (dove’s role in Noah and the Ark Gen.8:9-12). In fact, throughout the Bible, God on different occasions revealed himself in a visible shape to humans. There is the cloud in the desert, the glorious light hovering over the Ark of the Covenant, or the tongues of fire at Pentecost. An additional word here may be helpful. That the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove descending upon Jesus, did not mean that the Lord Jesus was not previously filled with the Holy Spirit. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and filled as a human from conception. The baptism is a public declaration of his Messiahship. This event marks the beginning of his public ministry. Remember the baptism occurs right after his temptation by the devil. God the Father declares a wonderful affirmation, “Thou art my beloved Son in thee I am well pleased.” On two other occasions the Father spoke words of encouragement in relation to Jesus’ mission on earth. One was at the Transfiguration when Jesus was talking with Moses and Elijah about his upcoming “exodus” from the earth (Luke 9:28-35) and the other one was when Jesus was talking to a crowd during Holy Week about his upcoming sacrifice and God thundered from heaven (John 12:28-29). To me, these affirmations from the Father indicate how close was the Father and the Son’s relationship during Jesus’ time on earth. These words of encouragement also underscore the humanity of Jesus. Humans need to be affirmed and encouraged in their calls to ministry. Think about it, Jesus’ mission was understood by no one on earth, not even the disciples! How lonely would that be? It was only after the resurrection did people begin to get it and even then, many people still rejected Christ’s work of salvation, even as they do today. You can begin to see how crucial was John’s baptism of the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

Music: “Baptized in Water” Chris Brunelle

Prayer:

Dearest Lord Jesus, when we begin to try to comprehend what it must have been like to leave the glories of heaven, where you had been for all eternity, and willingly humble yourself to become a human being, we must confess, we have no idea what that was like―and even that is an understatement. We wonder about the under-the-breath remarks made to Mary and Joseph about your “miraculous birth” and the snide comments behind their backs. What must it have been like being the big brother among your brothers and sisters? Even at twelve you were about your Father’s business and no one understood, not even your earthly mom and dad. Virtually your whole life here, people were often confused as to what you had come to do. When you died there was but a single convert and he died within minutes of confessing you. Your life and mission seemed a complete defeat and yet . . . you defeated death, the devil, evil, and paid with your life blood for the sins of the entire world. We say the words, believe the words, trust the words, and try to grasp the wonder of what you have done. We simply fall to our knees with heads bowed low in deepest gratitede for your sacrifice. We love you, Lord. Our language doesn’t have the words to express our hearts. You are our singular hope of eternal life in your presence. Glory to you Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen. ―Daniel Sharp

Sunday, January 17 Look for the next devotional next Sunday and each Sunday between now and Ash Wednesday, Feb. 17th

Advent 2020 In Closing

Friends,

I want to thank you all for sharing these past thirty-nine days and for sharing these devotionals with friends. Our prayer as always is that we are drawn closer and deeper in our encounters with the Lord through his word. More than simply reading a passage, may we develop a daily pattern of hearing the voice of the Lord as we read. I trust the music and prayers have likewise encouraged and edified you. Blessings on you all and thank you for your kind words of encouragement.

I also want to thank you for subscribing this year. I want to mention something to you if the Lord so moves you. Doing these devotionals is not without actual cost―e.g. getting the material into the proper format and year-round monthly rentals to the email host. I checked into setting up a 501c (3) and found it wasn’t feasible for writing these devotionals. If you would like to help with expenses, you can make a donation which is not tax deductible. The subscriptions are always and always will be completely free. There is certainly no obligation to contribute, but if you would like to, please make your check to: Dan Sharp, 4017 Isle Vista Ave, Belle Isle, FL 32812. Or you can also contribute via my PayPal account. dansharp9@gmail.com

As the Advent and Christmastide season closes, I would like to thank all of you who contributed to the devotional ministry. May the Lord bless you in this coming year.

Plus there is an additional feature this year. You will be receiving a devotional each Sunday, beginning next Sunday, January 10th, and for the next six weeks until Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 17th at which time, the Lenten devotionals begin going from Ash Wednesday all the way through Pentecost on May 23rd. You do not need to resubscribe.

I’ve enclosed the list of music links for each day for your enjoyment beneath the list of source books for the prayers.

THE SOURCE BOOKS FOR THE PRAYERS

The Pursuit of God, AW Tozer, Christian Publications

The Book of Uncommon Prayer, ed. Constance and Daniel Pollock, Word Publishing

Early Christian Prayers, ed. Hamman, Regnery Publishing

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 Northumbria Community

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

Book of Common Prayer, Episcopal,1979, 1928 (BCP)

Peter Marshall’s Lasting Prayers, Droke House Publishers

THE MUSIC LINKS FOR ADVENT 2020

Nov.29 “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” arr. Alice Parker

Nov.30 “Lo He Comes with Clouds Descending” Litchfield Cathedral Choir

Dec.1 “Joy to the World” John Rutter and Cambridge Choir

Dec.2 “O Little Town of Bethlehem” Salt Lake Vocal Artists These 8 minutes will help you be quiet. Just listen. It’s gorgeous!!! Arr. Dan Forrest

Bonus: beautiful!

“Wake, Awake, for Night is Flying” Nordic Choir of Luther College

Dec.3 “The King Shall Come When Morning Dawns

Dec.4 “Children, Go Where I Send Thee” Home Free with Kenny Rogers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7GR-c8-tKI DO NOT MISS THIS!!!!!

Dec.5 “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus” Geneva Christian Choir

Dec.6 “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord” from the musical “Godspell”

Dec.7 “Advent Hymn” Christy Nockels

Dec.8 “Benedictus” Karl Jenkins Beautiful music almost beyond belief!

Dec.9 “God Rest You Merry Gentlemen” Libera

Dec. 10 “Go Tell It on the Mountain” Home Free ―an energetic setting!

Dec.11 What Child Is This? Home Free

Dec.12 “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence” Caitelen

Dec.13 “Glory to God In the Highest” Messiah

Dec.14 “I Wonder as I Wander” Simon Khorolskiy

Dec.15 ““O Come, Let Us Adore Him” Voctave (I admit, this is a repeat from last year!)

Dec.16 “Behold the Lamb of God” from Messiah Mogens Dahl Chamber Choir

Dec.17 “Of the Father’s Love Begotten” Mississippi College Choir

Bonus: (Leave it to the Mormons . . . except for the theology!!)

“Angels from the Realms of Glory” BYU Idaho Dept. of Music

Dec.18 ““Infant Holy, Infant Lowly” Chris Rupp and the Fox and the Hound

Bonus: Interesting fact. Chris Rupp a former member of Home Free (below) went out on his own (Infant Holy, Infant Lowly) though he still sings with Home Free sometimes.

“Angels We Have Heard on High” Home Free (I know, a repeat from other years. But in case you missed it then. This is really one of the best versions. Not over produced IMO.

Dec.19 “Long Ago Prophets Knew” A British Christian Music Programme

Would this ever happen in the states???

Bonus: “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing” King’s College Choir Spectacular Brass and Cathedral setting, don’t miss it.

Dec.20 “The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came” All Angels

Dec.21 “Silent Night”

Sissel Kyrkjebϴ This Norwegian lady has one of the most beautiful soprano voices you will ever hear. Effortless!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=uK3_Kr2nLtA&list=RDuK3_Kr2nLtA&start_radio=1&t=127&t=0

Bonus: “Silent Night” Libera -Exquisite Boy Choir The Brits know how to do Christmas!!! Don’t miss this either!

Dec.22 “Hannah’s Prayer Edmund and Gisela Bullock

Dec.23 “Magnificat” JS Bach GLORIOUS!!! At the end of every piece he wrote, he put S.D.G. Soli Deo Gloria, “to God alone be glory.”

Translation:

My soul magnifies the Lord,

And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.

For he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden:

for behold, henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bo1x-62WmrI

Bonus:

You can watch and listen to the entire Magnificat about 35 minutes long at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YHf3CtEi8E

Dec.24 “Fanfare and Carol, O Come, All Ye Faithful” arr. David Wilcocks Phillip Jones Brass Ensemble and Bach Choir

Bonus: “Mary, Did You Know?” Vocative with Mark Lowrey, (the guy who wrote the song) DON’T MISS THIS!!!! Best setting of this I’ve ever heard. Astounding voices.

Dec.25 “On Christmas Night All Christians Sing” The Brits again!

Bonuses!:

“Good Christian Men, Rejoice” King’s College Choir

www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4yYb6yCNws

“Good Christian Men, Rejoice” Wissmann family

“I Saw Three Ships Come Sailing In”

Dec.26 “Angels We Have Heard on High” Robert Shaw Chorale gorgeous choral singing. Terrific arrangement!

Bonus: “I Wonder as I Wander” The King Singers and London Symphony

Dec. 27 “This Little Light of Mine” arr. Moses Hogan The National Lutheran Choir

Bonus:

“Jesus, What a Wonderful Child” Christ Church Nashville

Dec.28 “Away in a Manger” Libera Angelic!

Bonus: “Away in a Manger” Home Free Beautiful video with original tune

Dec.29 “Sing We Now of Christmas” The Singers Matthew Culloton

Bonus: (Had this one from last year. Didn’t think you’d mind!)

“Sweet Little Jesus Boy” Mahalia Jackson She is singing to Jesus and we get to listen! Don’t miss this. There was only one of her. The very best.

Dec.30 “Star Carol” Nathan Pacheco

Bonus: “A Spotless Rose” Paul Mealor

Dec.31 “Mary Had a Baby” Nathaniel Dett Chorale Love it!

I thought these last few days of this year’s devotionals, I’d include a few of the secular classics, not for their theology, but for their beauty, and God loves music and beauty.

Bonus: “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” Home Free Video Get ready to shed a tear!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=no2ErxNojyo

Jan.1 “Now Let Thy Servant Depart in Peace” Robert Shaw Festival Singers As you listen to this, watch the text below. If you have ear phones, put them on to listen. Though it is sung in Russian (it’s from Rachmaninoff’s Vespers) you will be able to follow. The soloist sings what you are looking at! Also listen very carefully at the end and you will hear the world famous low Russian basses- in this case Americans! By the way, this is the music sung in the Eastern Orthodox worship services. They are not big on overhead screens! All singing is a cappella. Just the human voice singing to God.

“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.

He is a light to reveal God to the nations,

and he is the glory of your people Israel!”

Bonus: “Now Let Thy Servant Depart in Peace” Chesnokoff Male Choir of Donskoy Monastery

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ma8NjcAUOg Note the stories of the Bible portrayed throughout the sanctuary of this Orthodox Church.

Jan.2 “Personent Hodie” arr. Lara Hoggard Choralis (wait for the light!)

Bonus:

“On This Day Earth Shall Ring” St Malachy’s college choir

“The Christmas Song” The King’s Singers’

Jan.3 “Twas’ in the Moon of Wintertime” Cambridge Singers

Bonuses! “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” Andy Williams

“The Little Drummer Boy” The King’s Singers

Jan.4 “We Three Kings of Orient Are” Robert Shaw Chorale wonderful setting

Bonus: “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” Casting Crowns The message to our world.

Jan.5 “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks Dan Forrest

Atlanta Master Chorale

Bonus: “Have Yourself A Merry

Little Christmas” Michael Bublé Beautiful!

Jan.6 “As with Gladness Men of Old” from Ipswich, England

Bonus:

“We Three Kings” Kings College (of course!)

“Auld Lang Syne” Home Free

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFcSfqYqHs4© Daniel Sharp 2020

Wednesday, January 6, The Epiphany of the Lord

Reader: “Where is the newborn king of the Jews?”

Response: “We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.”

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

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, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.”

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

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

‘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.’”

Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared. Then 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!”

After 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. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They 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.

When 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.

Reader: “The word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

Epiphany is a day which turns our attention to the visit of the magi. Other noted themes are Jesus’ performing the miracle at the wedding in Cana of Galilee and John the Baptist’s baptism of Jesus. Central on the day is the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles as evidenced by the visit of the Magi. A few days ago we spoke of the mystery of God being revealed. I’m not sure we of the 21st century grasp the full drama of such a revelation. For at least 2,000 years the basic understanding was that God was the God of Israel. The Israelites were his people who were blessed and disciplined alternately all through the First Testament. It seemed there was more of the latter and less of the former! The New Testament continued in the same vein. The opening words are: “This is a record of the ancestors of Jesus the Messiah, a descendant of David and of Abraham.” That’s about as Jewish an introduction as there is!

Jesus said time and again he had come to bring his message to the Jews. He taught from synagogue to synagogue and proclaimed the kingdom of God in the open to anyone who would listen. At times told his disciples to go only to the lost house of Israel. At the same time, he used illustrations from the First Testament demonstrating the breadth of the gospel when his own people, the Jews, rejected his message (E.g.Naaman, widow of Zarephath). But we see from his birth, the visit of the Magi was an epiphany to the Jews and to early believers. These Gentile kings worshiped Christ. This baby had come to bring redemption to the whole world.

We live in a world that has things exactly backwards. Rather than having one Savior for all nations, tribes, peoples, and languages―God’s design to bring redemption, the secular world has decided people are free to make their own gods and all religions are equally valid . . . or no religion is fine as well. Rather than worship a sovereign God who is creator of all that is and has designed a plan and purpose for all people, people have chosen to become their own god and become the judges of God while rejecting his Son. Pray this year that “people who walk in darkness” may see a great light, the Light of the World. May it be a year of epiphanies for us all. Lord knows we need them!

Music: “As with Gladness Men of Old” from Ipswich, England

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sp5 2sx2_GYs

“We Three Kings” Kings College (of course!)

Bonus: “Auld Lang Syne” Home Free Don’t miss this!!

Prayer:

Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: grant that your people, illumined by our Word and Sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ’s glory, that he may be known, worshiped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; that we and the whole world may perceive the glory of his marvelous works; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. ―BCP

Tuesday, January 5

Reader: “The Lord said to my Lord,”

Response: “Sit in the place of honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies.”

Scripture: Psalm 110

The LORD said to my Lord,

“Sit in the place of honor at my right hand

until I humble your enemies,

making them a footstool under your feet.”

The Lord will extend your powerful kingdom from Jerusalem;

you will rule over your enemies.

When you go to war,

your people will serve you willingly.

You are arrayed in holy garments,

and your strength will be renewed each day like the morning dew.

The Lord has taken an oath and will not break his vow:

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

The Lord stands at your right hand to protect you.

He will strike down many kings when his anger erupts.

He will punish the nations

and fill their lands with corpses;

he will shatter heads over the whole earth.

But he himself will be refreshed from brooks along the way.

He will be victorious.

Reader: “The word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

An epiphany is about gaining new insight into a situation or process. In other words, the “light goes on!” Let’s look a little closer at this text. You have probably noticed before or had someone explain the difference between “LORD” and “Lord.” But just in case, when the text is “LORD,” the Hebrew YHWH, the transliterated name of God is referred to. When Moses was at the burning bush and asked God, “Who shall I say sent me (to lead the Israelites out of Egypt)? What is his name?” God’s answer was “I AM WHO I AM” or “I WILL BE WHAT I WILL BE.” That is to say, God is self-sufficient, self-existent, the only being in the universe that is not dependent upon something else for his existence. God is outside of creation. He is the uncreated Creator of all that was, is, or ever will be. This is the God of Mt. Sinai, Israel’s LORD.

Later on, the Jews regarded the name of God as too holy to be pronounced. The name was never said out loud, so Adonai, meaning lord or master, was substituted when the spoken text referred to YHWH. When the text is “Lord,” and not “LORD,” it’s meaning is ‘my master, my superior.’ I hope you are not confused! Jesus quoted this very text (Lk.20:42-44) in claiming he was the Messiah. So you would read it, God the Father said to his Son, (a son of King David), “Sit in the place of honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies.”

The right hand of God was the place of authority and strength. In the court of the Sanhedrin, it was also the place of acquittal whereas the court position on the left hand side was of conviction. The New Testament has several references to Jesus sitting at the right hand of the Father (Acts 2:33 (Ascension); 7:55-56; (Stephen’s martyrdom); Heb.1:3. Now, the question Jesus was driving home was, “Why would king David address his son as his Lord?” . . . unless his son was his Messiah. The implication to the Pharisees was that this “son of David” was more than just a human being. They had much trouble grasping that God would ever come in human flesh, which was the central focus at the opening of John’s gospel. As you read the psalm, notice particularly the spelling of Lord or LORD. When it is LORD, the reference is to God the Father (Is.63:16). When the spelling is Lord, the reference is to the Son, the Messiah.

One other note concerning this pericope, there is the reference where the LORD says to the Lord, “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.” Kings in the First Testament, while being patrons of the Temple, never functioned as priests. In contrast, the Messiah served as both king and high priest. Melchizedek, was both priest and king of Jerusalem in spite of not being from the tribe of Levi and lineage of Aaron. In like manner, Jesus likewise served as King, Priest, and also Prophet, though he was from the tribe of Judah from the lineage of David not Aaron. King Jesus, the Messiah, will ultimately rule the nations and set up his eternal kingdom. A flesh and blood Messiah who would reach out to all peoples and tribes and tongues was the mystery of the Old Testament and a great surprise to the Jews and Jewish leaders of the New Testament.

Music: “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks Dan Forrest Atlanta Master Chorale

Bonus: “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” Michael Bublé Beautiful!

Prayer:

O God, by the leading of a star you manifested your only Son to the peoples of the earth: Lead us, who know you now by faith, to your presence, where we may see your glory face to face; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. ―BCP

Monday, January 4

Reader: “It is sin to know what you ought to do”

Response: “and then not do it.”

Scripture: James 4:11-17

Don’t speak evil against each other, dear brothers and sisters. If you criticize and judge each other, then you are criticizing and judging God’s law. But your job is to obey the law, not to judge whether it applies to you. God alone, who gave the law, is the Judge. He alone has the power to save or to destroy. So what right do you have to judge your neighbor?

Look here, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.” How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.” Otherwise you are boasting about your own pretentious plans, and all such boasting is evil.

Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.

Reader: “The word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

In many ways the book of James is the “Proverbs” of the New Testament. It also harkens to the Sermon on the Mount: “Judge not, that ye be not judged.” Then there is the reminder of the “beam in the eye” reference. Paul likewise in Romans addresses the “judging a brother” concern. Notice speaking evil is associated with judging and violating God’s law. To what law is James referring? It’s the law of loving your neighbor as yourself.

We certainly make judgments all the time. Discernment is vitally important, but delighting in criticizing another crosses the boundary. James seems to know how humans enjoy finding faults in others. Then there is this wonderful line, “Your job is to obey the law, not to judge whether it applies to you.” James knows us too well! God alone is the Judge.

The past portion of our reading is a warning about being too self-confident about today and tomorrow. The future is always uncertain from our perspective but never from God’s. All our days are numbered before there was even one of them (Ps.139:16). All of us have had something happen in our lives that was unexpected. We had our plans and then instantly everything changed. James has introduced this measuring phrase, “If the Lord wants us to . . .” or in our words “Lord willing.” Rather than walking around “Lord willing” everything, James is reminding us of the significance of not forgetting about God as we make all our plans and decisions for the future. It is the Lord who has authority over our lives.

James’ final short word is powerful. Knowing what we ought to do and not doing it is sin. The converse is true as well: knowing what we ought not do and doing it is sin. Sometimes our problem is we don’t know whether or not we should do or not do. In such cases, it seems wisdom would say wait until you know for certain so you are acting in faith and confidence. Wise words from James as we begin another year!

Music: “We Three Kings of Orient Are” Robert Shaw Chorale a wonderful setting

Bonus: “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” Casting Crowns The message to our world.

Prayer:

Almighty God, the fountain of all wisdom, who knowest our necessities before we ask, and our ignorance in asking, lighten our darkness, we beseech Thee, and by Thy great mercy defend us; for the love of Thine only Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. ―BCP

Sunday, January 3, Second Sunday in Christmastide

Reader: “Because of Christ and our faith in him,”

Response: “we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence.”

Scripture: Ephesians 3:3-14

As I briefly wrote earlier, God himself revealed his mysterious plan to me. As you read what I have written, you will understand my insight into this plan regarding Christ. God did not reveal it to previous generations, but now by his Spirit he has revealed it to his holy apostles and prophets.

And this is God’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus. By God’s grace and mighty power, I have been given the privilege of serving him by spreading this Good News.

Though I am the least deserving of all God’s people, he graciously gave me the privilege of telling the Gentiles about the endless treasures available to them in Christ. I was chosen to explain to everyone this mysterious plan that God, the Creator of all things, had kept secret from the beginning.

God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was his eternal plan, which he carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord.

Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence. So please don’t lose heart because of my trials here. I am suffering for you, so you should feel honored.

When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father.

Reader: “The word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

The marking of the twelve days of Christmas dates all the way back to the Council of Tours in 567 AD. These coming days provide a good opportunity to reflect on the implications of the birth of Christ. In this passage, Paul refers to God revealing his mysterious plan to himself. That revelation surely refers to his Damascus road experience where he was confronted with the truth that Jesus was the Messiah he was persecuting. The Jews, knowing they were God’s chosen people, had believed that God was intended only for them. Such was Paul’s mindset prior to his trip to Damascus. A blinding encounter, literally he “saw the light” and instantly was confronted with the truth of Jesus by Jesus himself.

Here Paul is writing to the church in Ephesus helping them to grasp and reinforcing the truth that the church includes Jews and Gentiles who are united as one body in Jesus Christ. The church is the Israel of God, the new children of God. Paul is stating that what God had kept secret was that the gospel would be for all people. It would appear that Paul was well aware of his previous life of persecuting Christians and was most grateful that God had touched his life and given him the privilege of proclaiming the gospel to the very people he persecuted and to the Gentiles as well! What an act of grace from God!

I’d like to touch on the part of the passage that talks about coming into God’s presence boldly and with confidence. Frankly, that’s something I’ve wrestled with from time to time. It’s easy to pray and talk about the things on my heart and those situations I’m concerned about. It’s when I think about what is actually happening in my prayer that causes me to pause. By that I mean, I’m talking with the Creator of the universe, God who has never not existed, who knows everything about everything, who simply spoke creation into being with no expenditure effort, who intimately knows everyone who has ever existed, who rejoices at the salvation of one person, who longs that all people would repent . . . And now I am talking and interacting with God through Jesus Christ? Seriously, why would a God like that care about me? Isn’t my prayer a bit presumptuous?

What I discover is that I’m a bit too “me” conscious. Look again at what Paul wrote here, “Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly . . .” The reason God hears my prayer is because of Christ and my trust in him. If I were to come on my own merits, it would truly be terminally hopeless. What does Hebrews say? “Since we have a great High Priest . . .” (Heb.4:14-16). It is Jesus who intercedes on our behalf. Being human, Jesus identifies completely and understands us better than we understand ourselves. So I can pray to the Father with confidence and boldness.

Music: “Twas’ in the Moon of Wintertime” Cambridge Singers

Bonuses! A secular tune! Not a lot of theology here! Just joy!

“It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” Andy Williams

“The Little Drummer Boy” The King’s Singers

Prayer:

Almighty and eternal God, Thou art hidden from my sight: Thou art beyond the understanding of my mind: Thy thoughts are not as my thoughts: Thy ways are past finding out.

Yet hast Thou breathed Thy Spirit into my life:

Yet hast thou formed my mind to seek Thee:

Yet hast Thou inclined my heart to love Thee:

Yet hast Thou made me restless for the rest that is in Thee:

Yet hast Thou planted within me a hunger and thirst that make me dissatisfied with all the joys of earth.I bless Thee for that knocking at my heart’s door that warns me of Thy waiting presence. I bless Thee for Thy hand upon my life, and for the sure knowledge that, however I may falter and fail, yet underneath are Thine everlasting arms. Let me today embark on no undertaking that is not in line with Thy will for my life, nor shrink from any sacrifice which Thy will may demand. Suggest, direct, control every movement of my mind; for my Lord Christ’s sake. Amen. ―John Baillie, A Diary of Private Prayer, p.21

Saturday, January 2, Christmastide

Reader: “Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge,”

Response: “but fools despise wisdom and discipline.”

Scripture: Proverbs 1:1-7

These are the proverbs of Solomon, David’s son, king of Israel.

Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline,

to help them understand the insights of the wise.

Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives,

to help them do what is right, just, and fair.

These proverbs will give insight to the simple,

knowledge and discernment to the young.

Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser.

Let those with understanding receive guidance

by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables,

the words of the wise and their riddles.

Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge,

but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

Reader: “The word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

Imagine you had a twenty-three-year-old son or daughter launching out on their own entering the workforce. They came to you for advice (I said this was imaginary!), what would be your counsel? King Solomon, a man renown for his insights into all manner of wisdom, has helped us out with the book of Proverbs. He begins by telling us that the purpose of proverbs is to teach wisdom and discipline in living life. His first basic principle is fearing the Lord. A right relationship to God is the foundation on which everything else is built. It’s the rock.

If I might be so bold, what are you doing in a disciplined manner to cultivate this “fear of the Lord?” One of the primary ways is to carve out a block of time each day with the Scriptures studying, reading, meditating on, praying through in which you encounter the living Lord. It doesn’t happen any other way apart from time with the Scriptures. Every time you sit down with your Bible ask the Lord to show you what he wants you to see.

Take this passage for instance. Let’s walk our way through it. Our topic is proverbs. We begin with a purpose statement. The purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline. Ask yourself why? In typical Jewsih fashion, the second half of the verse answers the question the first half raised. The purpose of wisdom and discipline is to better understand the insights of people who are already wise. Learn from those with experience. Another purpose of wisdom and discipline is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives. The idea of wisdom and discipline is that they are practical and should affect the way one lives. They are also apparently instrumental in producing success. They are also useful in helping one in doing right, making just and fair decisions.

How much clambering do we hear today about justice? The source of such is the fear of the Lord. We’ve seen some things about the purpose of proverbs, but what else will they do? Proverbs give insight to the person who is subject to doing stupid things and not thinking things through. It will help them get insight into themselves and how they think. Proverbs can give knowledge and the ability to discern to those young people with little experience. There is no ultimate “arrival” place with wisdom; it’s always possible to become even wiser. Exploring the meaning of proverbs and parables brings understanding. With understanding, wisdom brings guidance. Fearing the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, hence the wise person will commit to nurturing their relationship with the Lord. For example, a proverb from my wise godfearing father was, “You never have to apologize for what you didn’t say.” Wisdom. When you are reading Scripture, always ask yourself, “Why did it say that? And why did they use those words?”

Music: “Personent Hodie” arr. Lara Hoggard Choralis (wait for the light!)

Bonus:

“On This Day Earth Shall Ring” St Malachy’s college choir

Bonus: “The Christmas Song” The King’s Singers’

Prayer:Lord, teach me to listen. The times are noisy and my ears are weary with the thousand raucous sounds which continuously assault them. Give me the spirit of the boy Samuel when he said to Thee, “Speak, for thy servant heareth.” Let me hear Thee speaking in my heart. Let me get used to the sound of Thy Voice, that its tones may be familiar when the sounds of earth die away and the only sound will be the music of Thy speaking Voice. Amen. ―A.W. Tozer, The Pursuit of God, p.82

Friday, January 1, Christmastide

Reader: “He was named Jesus,”

Response: “the name given him by the angel.”

Scripture: Luke 2:21-40

Eight days later, when the baby was circumcised, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel even before he was conceived.

Then 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. The law of the Lord says, “If a woman’s first child is a boy, he must be dedicated to the Lord.” So they offered the sacrifice required in the law of the Lord—“either a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”

At 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 and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. That 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, Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying,

“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.

He is a light to reveal God to the nations,

and he is the glory of your people Israel!”

Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about him. Then 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. As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.”

Anna, 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. Then 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. She 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.

When Jesus’ parents had fulfilled all the requirements of the law of the Lord, they returned home to Nazareth in Galilee. There the child grew up healthy and strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God’s favor was on him.

Some thoughts:

As we mentioned the other day, Jesus’ parents were devout observant Jews, meaning they obeyed the Jewish law. According to the law, baby boys were circumcised and given their name on the eighth day after their birth. Why so specific about this particular day? It’s in accordance with the ancient Jewish law as given and as it turns out, there is a good medical reason as well. Normally, prothrombin, the material that causes blood to clot reaches 100%, though not in the very first days after birth. On the eighth day it hits 110%, the only time it ever gets that high, and then settles back to the normal level. So circumcision on the eighth day allows the blood its maximum clotting potential. God thought of everything! The naming of the person is to reflect their character, hence Jesus means “God is salvation.” Then after his circumcision (it’s eight days since Christmas Day), Mary and Joseph went back to the Temple forty days later for the rite of purification (February 2nd is forty days from the birth). Again, this was according to the law that the firstborn belonged to the Lord. A sacrifice of redemption was offered. Apparently Mary and Joseph were poor as their sacrificial offering was the offering of the poor. Normally the offering would be an unblemished lamb. If not a lamb, then two turtle doves or two pigeons. Having offered the two birds as redemption, Mary would later offer their Son, the Lamb of God, as the ultimate unblemished lamb, the redemptive sacrifice.

We are reminded of the story of Abraham and Isaac on Mt. Moriah, the place of the crucifixion of Jesus, and the words of Abraham, “God himself will provide the lamb for the whole burnt offering.” A reminder here, the “whole burnt offering” represented the total commitment of surrendering body, soul, and spirit to God; only the ashes remained. Simeon, who may or may not have been a priest, the text doesn’t say, was nevertheless a devout believer. The Holy Spirit has revealed to him he would not die before actually seeing the Messiah. On the particular day, that same Spirit told him to go to the Temple.

When Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to present him as the law required, Simeon immediately recognized who he had in his arms. Simeon’s words have been set musically many, many times. Though many translations say “die in peace,” the best translation is “depart or dismiss” in peace. Not death, but a departure from this life to the next. That is actually a better description of death for the believer. In his words are also the certainty that this little baby is the Savior of all peoples, tribes and nations.

One final note, as the women were the first to proclaim the risen Savior, so here Anna, the devout elderly widow, was the first to talk about this six week old baby to all who had been waiting expectantly for God to come and rescue his people. What do we learn from this pericope? God works in the details. He is tuned to every life and every aspect of every life, including yours and mine.

Music: “Now Let Thy Servant Depart in Peace” Robert Shaw Festival Singers As you listen to this, watch the text below. If you have ear phones, put them on to listen. Though it is sung in Russian (it’s from Rachmaninoff’s Vespers) you will be able to follow. The soloist sings what you are looking at! Also listen very carefully at the end and you will hear the world famous low Russian basses- in this case Americans! By the way, this is the music sung in the Eastern Orthodox worship services. They are not big on overhead screens! All Orthodox singing is a cappella. Just the human voice communing with God in song, a lost practice in much of the worship today as all too often the voice is drowned out.

“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.

He is a light to reveal God to the nations,

and he is the glory of your people Israel!”

Bonus: “Now Let Thy Servant Depart in Peace” Chesnokoff Male Choir of Donskoy Monastery

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ma8NjcAUOg Note the stories of the Bible portrayed on the walls and ceiling throughout the sanctuary of this Orthodox Church.

Prayer:

Lord God my Father in heaven, when I come to the end of my days and depart this world to enter Paradise in the presence of Jesus, grant that life in this world would have brought glory to you. While I am still here, I ask that your Holy Spirit would continually prod me to your world. May I not be so preoccupied with my days here, that I fail to live with heaven as my home. This world is temporary. I was made to live in your world. May I live in such a manner here, that when I depart this life, my adjustment to heaven will be less of a shock. May my communion with you and your word be daily in all the coming year. This is my desire and prayer through Jesus Christ, my hope and salvation. Amen. ―Daniel Sharp

Thursday, December 31, Christmastide

Reader: “I am the light of the world.”

Response: “If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness.”

Scripture: John 8:12-19

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”

The Pharisees replied, “You are making those claims about yourself! Such testimony is not valid.”

Jesus told them, “These claims are valid even though I make them about myself. For I know where I came from and where I am going, but you don’t know this about me. You judge me by human standards, but I do not judge anyone. And if I did, my judgment would be correct in every respect because I am not alone. The Father who sent me is with me. Your own law says that if two people agree about something, their witness is accepted as fact. I am one witness, and my Father who sent me is the other.”

“Where is your father?” they asked.

Jesus answered, “Since you don’t know who I am, you don’t know who my Father is. If you knew me, you would also know my Father.”

Reader: “The word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

Every year around this time, there is some “new study” wondering if Jesus was an actual historical person? Who really, was he? Was he married? How could someone be born of a virgin? Etc. In fact, that was the very question which surfaced in each of the first chapters of John’s gospel. Chapter one, Nathaneal’s question 1:49, chapter two miracle at Cana 2:11, chapter three Nicodemas 3:34, chapter four woman at the well 4:26, chapter five Jesus forgave sin 5:18, chapter six feeding 5,000 6:14, and chapter seven miracles 7:26. The seventh chapter takes place in the context of the Feast of Tabernacles, a celebration with Messianic implications. In the latter part of the chapter, at the climax of the feast, Jesus spoke as being the source of “living water.” The Jewish crowd picked up on the Messianic implications of such a statement hearkening back to Moses’ comment about a greater Prophet would arise from among the Jews. There was division among the people as to if Jesus was or was not the Messiah. At the end of chapter seven there is a later insertion in the first verses of chapter eight in regards to the woman caught in adultery (7:53-8:11). So 8:12 should be read right after 7:52 since it is in the very same setting and carries the same theme further. When Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.” Again, hearing this as a Jew in Jesus’ day would (and did) trigger a Messianic connection.

God’s presence throughout the First Testament very often was signaled by light. “Let there be light” at creation, light in the burning bush, light leading the Israelites in the desert, the great light hovering over the Ark of the Covenant in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple. The Feast of Tabernacles had a great celebration of light in the Temple, the eighth and last day when countless lamps and lights were lit in commemoration of days gone by. That’s what was going on when Jesus made his statement that he was the light of the world! He was, in effect, claiming to be God, thereby identifying with the light of God hovering over the Ark!

The Pharisees understood exactly what he was claiming and quickly bristled at the statement. Jesus took up their challenge reminding them that there needed to be two witnesses to prove the validity of a fact. The two witnesses as to his identity were his Father in heaven and himself. (Note how often in Scripture there are two witnesses validating an act or statement: E.g. two servants accompanying Abraham and Isaac, two angels visited Lot before the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, Moses and the burning bush, two thieves crucified with Jesus, two angels at the tomb and at the ascension, and many more examples.)

The challenge in our day is the same in perhaps a more passive way. First, my guess is that most people never think about Jesus at all unless there is some kind of crisis. People who dismiss Jesus, are actually dismissing their own caricature of Jesus. I find social media comments about Jesus most often ill-informed, not really knowing what the Scriptures actually say and taking things completely out of context. The challenge and calling for all of us this coming year is to let Jesus speak through us in a world trying hopelessly to manufacture its own light and truth. Let’s be one of those two witnesses!

Music: “Mary Had a Baby” Nathaniel Dett Chorale Love it!

I thought these last few days of this year’s devotionals, I’d include a few of the secular classics, not for their theology, but for their beauty and familiarity, since God loves music and beauty. He invented both!

Bonus: “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” Home Free Video Get ready to shed a tear(s)!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=no2ErxNojyo

Prayer:Most gracious Father, who hast been infinitely merciful to us, not only in the year past, but through all the years of our life, be pleased to accept our most unfeigned thanks for Thine innumerable blessings to us; graciously pardoning the manifold sins and infirmities of our life past, and bountifully bestowing upon us all Thine abundant grace. And, every year which Thou shalt be pleased to add to our lives, add also, we humbly implore Thee, more strength to our faith, more ardor to our love, and a greater perfection to our obedience; and grant that, in a humble sincerity and constant perseverance, we may serve Thee most faithfully the remainder of our lives, for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen. ―Charles How (1661-1745), Prayers Ancient and Modern

Wednesday, December 30, Christmastide

Reader: “A day is like a thousand years to the Lord,”

Response: “and a thousand years is like a day.”

Scripture: 2 Peter 3:8-13

But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment.

Since everything around us is going to be destroyed like this, what holy and godly lives you should live, looking forward to the day of God and hurrying it along. On that day, he will set the heavens on fire, and the elements will melt away in the flames. But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness.

Reader: “The word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

A passage such as this, helps us put the nativity in context. The birth of Jesus introduces the “earthly portion” of the redemption, the re-creation plan of God. In Peter’s epistle, he is addressing a viewpoint held by some in his day and many, many people including Christians in our day who doubt a literal, visible, glorious reappearing of Jesus Christ. Peter has written this second epistle to warn them yet again. It’s very clear that those in the early church believed Jesus would return during their lifetimes. But he did not return.

Peter’s letter helps us get outside of our human perspective and reasoning. How so? He reminds his readers that time is relative. Our God is in time and at the same moment , wholly apart from time, in a sense, above, outside and beyond time. Remember, “In the beginning God created . . .” In that one statement we see that God is uncreated and beyond time altogether. What seems to us like a long delay in God’s time is but a present moment. We need to be able to think in other dimensions than our earthly ones.

To make this point I’m going to try to condense a C.S. Lewis illustration. Imagine you are writing a novel. In your story, Mary is sitting in a chair reading a book. There is a knock at her door (in your novel.) At this point in your writing, you decide to go get a drink of water, which you do, then are distracted, grab a cookie and empty a waste basket. You come back, sit down, eat the rest of your cookie, pick up your pen and begin writing again. Your story continues. . . Mary put down her book, got up and answered the door.

Now as someone reads your novel, the time you spent in getting a drink, eating and emptying the waste basket appears nowhere in your novel. The time frame in the novel and the time frame in your getting a drink are in two different worlds. This example is a rough idea of what Peter is getting at in saying a thousand years are as a day and a day as a thousand years. (This idea is also why God can hear a million prayers at the same time giving complete attention to each one.)

So time is one factor. Peter also addresses the delay factor making clear that God is desirous of giving people time to repent and receive salvation, not wishing that anyone perish because the Day of Judgment is final. Peter also exhorts people not to become complacent in their waiting. By saying Christ’s return will come as a thief in the night, it means without warning, catching us by surprise.

I’m reminded of the days of Noah when the flood came without warning and destroyed the entire world with the exception of those in the ark, an ark Noah and his sons had labored to build over the span of 100 years! Do you think there were any days when they wondered if a flood was really going to come, since people didn’t even know what a flood was? Was there any ridicule of Noah and his family? Surely so. Just like there is ridicule from some people in our day concerning the return of the Lord as a fantasy and not something to be taken literally. God’s word says unequivocally that the Lord will return as he promised and establish the new heavens and new earth filled with God’s righteousness.

When you see the exactness of all of the Old Testament prophecies in predicting the coming Messiah and when you read what Jesus said about his return and when you understand the relative nature of time in earthly and heavenly dimensions, I would believe exactly what the Scripture records. There is also a basic pattern throughout the Bible and it is this: there is an awful lot of waiting for fulfillment. E.g. the Flood; Abraham/Sarah and all the infertility issues throughout the Scriptures; 400 years of slavery in Egypt before the exodus; Joseph waiting 13 years to get out of prison; 40 years in the wilderness; 400 years of silence between the Testaments; fasting 40 days in the wilderness then temptation; waiting for the empowerment of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and so forth. Then you look at your own experience and all the things you are praying about, much of the Christian life has to do with exhibiting faith as we wait. But when God acts . . . !!

Music: “Star Carol” Nathan Pacheco

Bonus: “A Spotless Rose” Paul Mealor

A spotless rose is blowing, sprung from a tender root,

Of ancient seers’ foreshowing, of Jesse promised fruit;

Its fairest bud unfolds to light

Amid the cold, cold winter

And in the dark midnight.

The Rose which I a singing whereof Isaiah said,

Is from its sweet root springing in Mary, purest Maid;

For through our God’s great love and might

The blessed babe she bare us

On a cold, cold winter’s night.

Prayer: Let nothing disturb you, let nothing dismay you; all things pass: God never changes. Patience attains all it strives for. He who has God finds he lacks nothing: God alone suffices. ―Teresa of Avila, (1515-1582), Eerdmans’ Book of Famous Prayers, p.51

Tuesday, December 29, Christmastide

Reader: “The Lord has honored me,”

Response: “and my God has given me “

Scripture: Isaiah 49:5-15

And now the Lord speaks—

the one who formed me in my mother’s womb to be his servant,

who commissioned me to bring Israel back to him.

The Lord has honored me,

and my God has given me strength.

He says, “You will do more than restore the people of Israel to me.

I will make you a light to the Gentiles,

and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.”

The Lord, the Redeemer

and Holy One of Israel,

says to the one who is despised and rejected by the nations,

to the one who is the servant of rulers:

“Kings will stand at attention when you pass by.

Princes will also bow low

because of the Lord, the faithful one,

the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.”

Promises of Israel’s Restoration

This is what the Lord says:

“At just the right time, I will respond to you.

On the day of salvation I will help you.

I will protect you and give you to the people

as my covenant with them.

Through you I will reestablish the land of Israel

and assign it to its own people again.

I will say to the prisoners, ‘Come out in freedom,’

and to those in darkness, ‘Come into the light.’

They will be my sheep, grazing in green pastures

and on hills that were previously bare.

They will neither hunger nor thirst.

The searing sun will not reach them anymore.

For the Lord in his mercy will lead them;

he will lead them beside cool waters.

And I will make my mountains into level paths for them.

The highways will be raised above the valleys.

See, my people will return from far away,

from lands to the north and west,

and from as far south as Egypt.”

Sing for joy, O heavens!

Rejoice, O earth!

Burst into song, O mountains!

For the Lord has comforted his people

and will have compassion on them in their suffering.

Yet Jerusalem says, “The Lord has deserted us;

the Lord has forgotten us.”

“Never! Can a mother forget her nursing child?

Can she feel no love for the child she has borne?

But even if that were possible,

I would not forget you!

Reader: “The word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

You’ll recall all the way back in the twelfth chapter of Genesis, God called Abram out of Ur of the Chaldeans and made a covenant. Part of that covenant stated that all nations would be blessed through him, his family, Israel, and eventually through the Messiah. The problem was that Israel, acting as God’s servant, was unfaithful and had been disciplined and hauled off to Babylon as exiles. God intended to rescue Israel from captivity, but how to atone for their sin? The answer is in the Messiah, the Servant of God. In the first verse of this chapter, through Isaiah, the Servant of the Lord proclaims, “Listen to me, all you in distant lands! Pay attention, you who are far away! [Israelites in exile] The Lord called me before my birth; from within the womb he called me by name.” (Remember the words of Gabriel to Mary? “You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus.”)

With that backdrop, we go to today’s pericope. Again the Servant of the Lord is speaking. “The one who formed me in my mother’s womb to be his servant, who commissioned me to bring Israel back to him.” You can’t but help notice God’s interest and call from the moment of conception and the beginning of mortal life which clearly begins long before physical birth (Psalm 139:13-16). Such was the case for Samson, Jeremiah, John the Baptist, Jesus, and every person who was ever conceived. God knows every day of every person from the moment their life began in the womb.

Though Israel failed in its role to bring blessing to the nations, God’s humble Servant stepped in and brought redemption to Israel and to the Gentile nations of the whole world even though receiving continuing rejection by God’s chosen people. In spite of this, the Servant would bring his people back to their homeland. There will again be rejoicing! He does not forget his people. Note the verbs in this passage. “I will respond, I will help, I will protect, I will reestablish.” The last sentences of this passage are so powerful. “Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for the child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you! Even when his children fail, as we do, God’s love and compassion for them and us remains constant and overwhelming. What a marvelous Savior!

Music: “Sing We Now of Christmas” The Singers Matthew Culloton

Bonus: (Had this one from last year. Didn’t think you’d mind!)

“Sweet Little Jesus Boy” Mahalia Jackson She is singing to Jesus and we get to listen! Don’t miss this. There was only one of her. The very best.

Prayer:

Grant, Almighty God, that as thou hast, in various ways, testified and daily also dost prove how dear and precious to thee are mankind, as we enjoy daily so many and so remarkable proofs of thy goodness and favor,―O grant that we may learn to rely wholly on thy goodness, so many examples of which thou settest before us, and which thou wouldst have us continually to experience, that we may not only pass through our earthly course, but also confidently aspire to the hope of that blessed and celestial life which is laid up for us in heaven, through Christ alone our Lord. Amen.

―John Calvin, Devotions & Prayers of John Calvin, p.55

Monday, December 28, Christmastide

Reader: “This fulfilled what the Lord had spoken through the prophet:”

Response: “I called my Son out of Egypt.”

Scripture: Matthew 2:13-18

After 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.”

That night Joseph left for Egypt with the child and Mary, his mother, and they stayed there until Herod’s death. This fulfilled what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: “I called my Son out of Egypt.”

Herod 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. Herod’s brutal action fulfilled what God had spoken through the prophet Jeremiah:

“A cry was heard in Ramah—

weeping and great mourning.

Rachel weeps for her children,

refusing to be comforted,

for they are dead.”

Reader: “The word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

This third day in Christmastide has been observed since the fifth century in parts of the Western Church as the Feast of the Holy Innocents, a remembrance of Herod’s slaughter of the boys in Bethlehem in a desperate effort to kill Jesus. At a deeper level, Herod was used by the devil in an effort to thwart God’s plan of redemption. God had previously communicated news to Joseph regarding Mary’s pregnancy via an angel and here again an angelic visitation in a dream warns them to leave Bethlehem because the murdering king is seeking to kill their baby boy. Joseph gathers up Mary, the baby Jesus, and leaves that very night for Egypt.

After the birth of Jesus, we don’t know how long Mary and Joseph may have stayed in Bethlehem. In Luke’s account, he refers to Jesus as a baby. In Matthew’s record, he refers to Jesus as a child. It is Matthew who records the visit of the magi sometime after the birth of the Savior. There is reason to believe that Mary and Joseph may have stayed a while in Bethlehem after the census before escaping to Egypt, noting that Herod’s decree was to kill all boys under two years of age.

Herod, “king of the Jews” was hated by the Jews. He descended from the Edomites (Esau’s lineage rather than Jacob’s) which meant he was not a descendant of King David and not considered to be Jewish since the blessing fell on Jacob and not Esau. He was also despised for his collaboration with the occupying Romans. Knowing he was not accepted by the Jews meant that he was paranoid, always afraid someone would take his throne. He killed two of his wives, his brother, three of his sons, two husbands of his sister, among others, out of fear that they were plotting against him! He kept kosher law so people said it was safer to be his pig than his son!

In a similar story some 1400 years earlier, Pharaoh, king of Egypt, likewise ordered all baby Jewish boys to be killed in a kind of prefiguring of Herod’s cruelty. Moses, the redeemer of the Israelites, like Jesus, the Redeemer of all peoples, was spared to lead the people out of bondage in Egypt to freedom. Here, once again, God calls the ultimate Redeemer to lead his people out of the bondage of sin to forgiveness and freedom.

The reference to Rachel weeping for her children may seem odd and bears some comment. Jeremiah recorded (38:15) the people of Israel being led into exile passing by the village of Ramah on their way to captivity in Babylon. Ramah was right near Bethlehem. You’ll recall Jacob’s wife, Rachel, dying giving birth in Bethlehem to Benjamin, one of the twelve sons of Israel (Jacob). She was buried in Ramah. The idea is that from her grave, Rachel is weeping as the Israelites, descendants of her sons pass by her grave on the way into Babylonian captivity. But Jeremiah records that the Lord tells her they will return to the homeland in these words, “Let your voice cease from its bitter weeping and your eyes from tears, for there is a reward for your work . . . they will return.” (Jer.31:15-16)

Just as the Jews would return from exile to their homeland, so Jesus would return from his exile in Egypt back to Israel. Since Rachel had lived about 800 years before Jeremiah, it is interesting that Rachel is apparently still aware of what is happening on earth. But then we have Samuel coming from the grave to appear to King Saul knowing Saul’s situation, Moses and Elijah appearing at the Transfiguration to talk with Jesus about his upcoming “exodus” from earth. It would appear that, in some cases at least, people who have died are aware of what is happening on earth to some degree. This is not doctrine, just interesting! This is another example of the unity of the whole of Scripture.

Music: “Away in a Manger” Libera Angelic!

Bonus: “Away in a Manger” Home Free Beautiful video with the original 1887 tune.

Prayer:

Almighty God, who canst give the light that in darkness shall make us glad, the life that in gloom shall make us joy, and the peace that amidst discord shall bring us quietness, let us live this day in that light, that life, and that peace, so that we may gain the victory over those things that press us down, and over the flesh that so often encumbers us, and over death that seemeth for a moment to win the victory. Thus we, being filled with inward peace, and light, and life, may walk all the days of this our mortal life, doing our work as the business of our Father, glorifying it, because it is Thy will, knowing that what Thou givest Thou givest in love. Bestow upon us the greatest and last blessing, that we, being in Thy presence, may be like unto Thee for evermore. These things we do ask, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. ―George Dawson, Prayers Ancient and Modern, p.205

Sunday, December 27, First Sunday in Christmastide

Reader: “In the beginning the Word already existed.”

Response: “The Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

Scripture: John 1:1-14

In the beginning the Word already existed.

The Word was with God,

and the Word was God.

He existed in the beginning with God.

God created everything through him,

and nothing was created except through him.

The Word gave life to everything that was created,

and his life brought light to everyone.

The light shines in the darkness,

and the darkness can never extinguish it.

God sent a man, John the Baptist, to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light. The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.

He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.

So 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.

Reader: “The word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

The New Testament contains what many scholars believe are texts of hymns the early church sang. Such is the case for these first few lines in John’s gospel. In those early days of the church, hymns were a way of teaching faith and doctrine, a lesson from which many of the songwriters of today could greatly benefit. Volumes and volumes have been written on these fourteen verses, a centerpiece of the Christian faith.

Notice how this passage echoes the beginning of Genesis which says “In the beginning God created . . .” John writes, “God created everything through him” [Jesus],thereby equating Jesus, the Logos, as God. “The Word was God” and also revealed God. John establishes the eternality of the Word. “For Jewish people, the logos was the word of the Lord, an expression of God’s wisdom and creative power. By Jesus’ time, the logos was viewed as coming from God and having his personality.”[The NLT Study Bible, p.1768] Recall in Genesis how God breathed the breath of life into man and he became a living person or a human being, unique among all of God’s creation. John writes that the Word gave life to everything that was created and this kind of life brought light to everyone.

Light is a central theme in all of this gospel. Remember also in Genesis that light was created right after the heavens and the earth. The creation of light destroyed the darkness. John writes so beautifully that the light shines in the darkness and the darkness can never extinguish it. This statement has profound implications. Notice darkness is always at war with the light. I don’t know this, but I would venture that more crimes are committed at night than in the day. (Riots tend to happen more frequently at night it seems.)

Through the centuries there have been countless failed attempts to stamp out Christians and Christianity. Here, God’s Word says very clearly that that will never happen. Such a statement can also help us to identify “darkness” and the work of the evil one when such a nation, people, or movement seeks to destroy the work of the gospel. The smallest light is visible in any darkness. No matter how dark the darkness is, darkness cannot ever extinguish the tiniest light.

While there is so much that could be said about this Prologue, I want to make a brief comment about the final sentence where it says “he [Logos] became human and made his home among us.” Some translations will read “he became flesh and dwelt among us.” The Greek word for “human” or “flesh” is sarx. To this point we learned that the Logos was God, Creator, giver of life, and unknown by his creation. The Gnostics, one of the people John was addressing, believed Jesus was not truly human, more of a “spiritual” type being. They did not believe Jesus died on the cross for example. John bluntly states that the Word [Logos] became flesh, human flesh, i.e. was a human being in every way, and made his home among us. This truth was especially hard for the Jews and Greeks who could not conceive of God having human flesh. The Greek word for “made his home” refers to a dwelling or tabernacle. For the Jewish readers, that immediately reminded them of the wilderness Tabernacle and God’s presence among them those forty years. Now, Jesus dwells in that Temple, and we are that temple. God in Christ is a human being, just like them. Seeing him is seeing the glory of God’s only Son. You and I are here to let that unquenchable light shine with the light of the Son, as temples of the Holy Spirit (I Cor. 6:19).

Music: “This Little Light of Mine” arr.Moses Hogan The National Lutheran Choir

Bonus:

“Jesus, What a Wonderful Child” Christ Church Nashville

Prayer:

Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hast sent thy Son to take upon him our nature, and hast made him to become the Son of man, that we might become the sons of God: grant that we, being conformed to his humility and sufferings, may be partakers of his resurrection. We bless and adore you, O Christ: Son of God, yet born of Mary; Son of God, yet our brother; eternal Word, yet a child without speech; clothed in glory, yet wrapped in swaddling bands; Lord of heaven and earth, yet lying in a manger. We confess that we have lost our childlike innocence; we have despised what is tender and pure and corrupted ourselves with worldly opinion and secular culture. Forgive us, O God, and make us like little children whose lights shine in the darkness, lights of faith, of hope, and of love; so that we may again worship with wonder and awe at your manger throne. This we pray through Jesus Christ, who reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

―Prayers for Sunday Services, p.76, adapted Daniel Sharp

Saturday, December 26, Christmastide

Reader: “Lord Jesus,”

Response: “receive my spirit.”

Scripture: Acts 7:51-60

“You stubborn people! You are heathen at heart and deaf to the truth. Must you forever resist the Holy Spirit? That’s what your ancestors did, and so do you! Name one prophet your ancestors didn’t persecute! They even killed the ones who predicted the coming of the Righteous One—the Messiah whom you betrayed and murdered. You deliberately disobeyed God’s law, even though you received it from the hands of angels.”

The Jewish leaders were infuriated by Stephen’s accusation, and they shook their fists at him in rage. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand. And he told them, “Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand!”

Then they put their hands over their ears and began shouting. They rushed at him and dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. His accusers took off their coats and laid them at the feet of a young man named Saul.

As they stoned him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” He fell to his knees, shouting, “Lord, don’t charge them with this sin!” And with that, he died.

Reader: “The word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

Traditionally, this passage has been read the day after Christmas. For those unfamiliar with this tradition, it may seem like an odd choice. But there is a reason. Stephen was the first adult martyr of the faith. This passage occurs at the end of a powerful message and challenge he gave to the Jewish leaders. He chided them for resisting the testimony of the Holy Spirit, reminding them of their long history of killing the prophets who predicted the coming of the Messiah. When he said, “I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand!” that pushed them over the edge. When he identified Jesus as the divine Son of Man spoken of in the book of Daniel, it was akin to blasphemy, deserving of stoning to death under the law, which they did.

In his dying moments, Stephen prayed words similar to those of Jesus on the cross, “Lord, don’t charge them with this sin.” Already following Christ brought persecution and sorrow as Saul, a consenting witness to the death of Stephen, was to learn. The soul of Mary, the mother of Jesus, was indeed pierced as Simeon had prophesied at Jesus’ dedication forty days after his birth (Lk.2:35). From the beginning, following Jesus was not without cost, then or now.

Music: “Angels We Have Heard on High” Robert Shaw Chorale gorgeous choral singing. Terrific arrangement!

Bonus: “I Wonder as I Wander” The King Singers and London Symphony

Prayer: Lord God, I am no longer my own, but Thine. Put me to what Thou wilt, rank me with whom Thou wilt; put me to doing, put me to suffering; let me be employed for Thee or laid aside for Thee. Let me be full, let me be empty; let me have all things, let me have nothing; I freely and heartily yield all things to Thy pleasure and disposal. And now, O glorious and blessed God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Thou art mine, and I am Thine. So be it. And the covenant which I have made on earth, let it be ratified in heaven. Amen. ―The Methodist Covenant Prayer, Celtic Daily Prayer, p30

Friday, December 25, Christmas Day

Reminder: the Sharp Devotionals go all the way to Epiphany, January 6th, and then some!

Reader: “Shout to the Lord, all the earth;”

Response: “break out in praise and sing for joy! ”

Scripture: Psalm 98

Sing a new song to the Lord,

for he has done wonderful deeds.

His right hand has won a mighty victory;

his holy arm has shown his saving power!

The Lord has announced his victory

and has revealed his righteousness to every nation!

He has remembered his promise to love and be faithful to Israel.

The ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.

Shout to the Lord, all the earth;

break out in praise and sing for joy!

Sing your praise to the Lord with the harp,

with the harp and melodious song,

with trumpets and the sound of the ram’s horn.

Make a joyful symphony before the Lord, the King!

Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise!

Let the earth and all living things join in.

Let the rivers clap their hands in glee!

Let the hills sing out their songs of joy

before the Lord,

for he is coming to judge the earth.

He will judge the world with justice,

and the nations with fairness.

Reader: “The word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

On this glorious Christmas day this psalm helps us grasp the magnificent scope of our celebration. Put yourself back in those days of Israel. For those who recognized what had happened, God had actually arrived. He was faithful to Israel after centuries of longing! It was truly a “new song” for certain! And the Child had come for all nations.

One of the major forms of praise is singing, which can express great joy! The psalmist urges us to voice our praise with voice and instrument, to make a symphony of sound! Sometimes we may be inclined to think that only humans can voice praise to God. Again, the psalmist reminds us that the birth of the Messiah and his coming restoration was not only of human beings but of all creation. The crashing of ocean waves and breaching whales create their own spectacular music. We never tire of watching. If you have ever been near the rapids of a river, or stood by a massive waterfall, you can’t help but sense the “rejoicing” of the water. Do hills sing? Even apart from “the hills are alive with the sound of music”(!), anytime you have ever walked in a meadow in the early morning or sat at the top of a hill for an extended period of time, you will hear music of a different sort,

God’s creation singing its song of praise. The psalmist concludes with the powerful reminder that God is coming to earth again to judge the world with justice and he will treat all nations with fairness. In these days when justice is of great concern, we are reminded that God is the ultimate judge and that he alone is the arbiter of fairness. This may seem a bit of an odd passage and comments for a Christmas Day, but it is a reminder of the massive scope of the significance of Jesus’ birth which impacts everything on earth and in the heavens. Christmas is not a one day event from the historical past. It is a miraculous day which impacts everything forever!

Music: “On Christmas Night All Christians Sing” The Brits again!

Bonuses! (I’ve taken the liberty to add some bonus music, including some wonderful settings of a few secular classics.)

“Good Christian Men, Rejoice” King’s College Choir

www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4yYb6yCNws

“I Saw Three Ships Come Sailing In” Blackmore’s Night

“Good Christian Men, Rejoice” Wissmann family

Prayer:

Glory be to thee, O Christ, whose praises the angels sing, whom the heights of heaven adore. In the miracle of thy stable-birth and in the mystery of thine incarnation thy people everywhere rejoice this day. To thy name help us to bow the knee and all its worshipping, bow the head and all its thinking, bow the will and all its choosing, bow the heart and all its loving.

Glory be to thee, O Father, who by the birth of thy Son didst give a great light to dawn on the world’s darkness. Glory be to thee, O Holy Spirit, who hast, again in these days, hung forth a star in the lowly heaven of every Christian soul and seekest to lead us in the ways of humility and the paths of peace. Blessed be God, the only God: three persons in one eternity of love. Blessed be God for all that he is. Blessed be God for all that he has done. Blessed in his Church on earth and blessed in the height of heaven.

Grant, O Father, that we who celebrate his nativity with deep devotion may also find the day of judgment a day of mercy. Lord Jesus Christ, born colored and poor, welcomed by working men and kings, come to our world and heal our deep divisions, that we may be not white and black, male and female, employer and employed, but the children of God, seeing you, our Lord in one another. All glory to you, great God, for the gift of your Son, light in darkness and hope of the world, whom you have sent to save mankind. With singing angels, let us praise your name, and tell the earth his story, so that men may believe, rejoice, and bow down, acknowledging your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. ―from Prayers for Sunday Services, Edinburg, p.74

Thursday, December 24, Christmas Eve

Candle Lighter: “The Light of the world has come!” (As you light the Christ candle.)

Reader: “Glory to God in highest heaven,”

Response: “and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”

Scripture: Luke 2:1-20

At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, to whom he was engaged, who was now expecting a child.

And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.

That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”

Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in highest heaven,

and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”

When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.

Reader: “The glorious word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

I would guess you have heard this passage read on Christmas Eve almost as many times as you are years old! Think of it. It’s the magnificent culmination of thousands of years of anticipation in such an understated entrance of God into the world. At the risk of repeating what you already know, I thought I’d add some context to this most familiar account.

At this particular time in Roman history, there were also censuses in Spain, Syria, and Gaul in addition to Judea. Rome had firm control of the Mediterranean world. In some ways, reporting for a census was sort of like producing a birth certificate, except you were the proof you were born there. The journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem was about eighty miles. Even riding on a donkey, we’re talking of a trip of several days. But notice the Bible says nothing about a donkey. And I would not assume that Mary was nine months pregnant when they started their eighty mile journey! The phrase “while they were there” seems to indicate they may have been there for an extended period of time. It could well be that they each had relatives living in Bethlehem. Family lineage was huge in the Jewish culture as borne out by the lists of genealogies throughout the Scriptures. At any rate, Jesus was born during their stay there. “There was no lodging available for them” is a much better translation than “there was no room for them at the inn,” especially since there were no inns in Bethlehem at that time! “Lodging” would refer to a guest room in a private house or a public shelter for travelers. Neither were available, hence, the manger and animal shelter served as the delivery room for the King of kings!

Shepherds were viewed as poor, common humble people who tended their flocks outdoors, sometimes through the cold winter months as well. We don’t know the actual month of Jesus’ birth, though with some biblical reasoning late summer or September is a more likely time from. (E.g. Judean shephards are not in the fields with their flocks in the winter months.) As with Zechariah and to a lesser degree with Mary, the shepherds were frightened at the angels’ appearance, though this angelic entrance into our world was quite a bit more dramatic. The message was clear, a Savior has been born. The angels mention again that Jesus is wrapped snugly in strips of cloth as a sign, the normal custom for newborns in that day and even in ours. Such a practice provides a newborn comfort and security, feeling somewhat similar to the coziness of the womb.

Luke, who most likely got all this information from Mary herself, gives us this account simply and in a straightforward manner. But think about it. Since the dawn of creation and that devastating moment in the Garden of Eden when a perfect, sinless relationship between man and God was permanently destroyed, humans and all of creation looked forward to a coming Redeemer. We are looking at thousands and thousands of years. Yet, on this particular day, at some point the Creator of the universe emerged from the womb, God in human flesh, fully, completely human in every way and fully divine as he had been for all eternity. Could it have been a more humble entrance?

The one who created vast worlds measured in light years, arrives as the Light of the world with a cry that pierces his own universe. We can’t begin to imagine the humility involved in such love for ones made in his own image. At some point down the road, we’ll get to join the angels in “Glory to God in highest heaven” and we’ll be there! Merry Christmas!

Music: “Fanfare and Carol, O Come, All Ye Faithful” arr. David Wilcocks Phillip Jones Brass Ensemble and Bach Choir

Bonus: “Mary, Did You Know?” Vocative with Mark Lowrey, (the guy who wrote the song sings it) DON’T MISS THIS!!!! Best setting of this I’ve ever heard. Astounding voices.

Prayer:

O God, who hast caused this holy night to shine with the illumination of the true Light: Grant us, we beseech, that as we have known the mystery of that Light upon the earth, so may we also perfectly enjoy him in heaven; where with thee and the Holy Spirit he liveth and reigneth, one God in glory, everlasting. Amen. ―BCP

Wednesday, December 23

Reader: “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord.”

Response: “How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!”

Scripture: Luke 1:46b-55

Mary responded, [following her visit with Elizabeth]

“Oh, how my soul praises the Lord.

How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!

For he took notice of his lowly servant girl,

and from now on all generations will call me blessed.

For the Mighty One is holy,

and he has done great things for me.

He shows mercy from generation to generation

to all who fear him.

His mighty arm has done tremendous things!

He has scattered the proud and haughty ones.

He has brought down princes from their thrones

and exalted the humble.

He has filled the hungry with good things

and sent the rich away with empty hands.

He has helped his servant Israel

and remembered to be merciful.

For he made this promise to our ancestors,

to Abraham and his children forever.”

Reader: “The glorious word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

And here we have what is known as the Magnificat, meaning “magnified,” named such for the first word of the Latin text in the Vulgate, as translated by Jerome in the early fifth century. Mary is a most significant person in Scripture and one who has at the same time been controversial as to her position and role in Christendom. In Roman Catholicism she is seen as sinless, the Eastern Orthodox has a slightly different perspective, whereas Protestant theology has yet a different viewpoint. A discussion of the differences is beyond the scope and purpose of these devotionals.

What I would like to do is for us to note Mary’s involvement in Jesus’ life her entire life and then look at her role in relation to Eve at creation. We saw how Mary, as a young girl, humbly accepted her role to be the bearer of God’s Son. She followed the Jewish law in his circumcision and the redemption of the first born on the fortieth day. She bore at least six other children. She was most concerned when he was lost at the Temple at the age of twelve, but didn’t understand his response. She was present for his first miracle at the wedding in Cana. Later she went with her other sons to “bring Jesus home” fearing maybe he had “lost it.” He assured that those who were his disciples were his “real family.” I’m guessing she was wondering what that meant. When he was crucified, she was among those that were present at the cross, as Jesus commended John to take care of her. Following his death and resurrection, she was apparently among the believing community and was named as being part of the praying community at Pentecost.

The first line of her song proved true “How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!” There is a second theological aspect of Mary I would like to touch on. We have read in the Scriptures that Jesus was the second Adam (I Cor. 15:45-48). Paul writes the first Adam became a life-giving being, the second Adam a life-giving spirit. With the first Adam’s fall, sin entered, and his spirit died. The second Adam resisted the devil, remained sinless, and conquered death making possible the renewing of the spirit in man. Likewise, the first Eve was created perfect but fell in sin which led to an entire fallen human race. In effect, she was the mother of death for the human race. Mary, the second Eve, though a sinner from birth, bore the Son of God, the Savior of the world, who brought life to the fallen human race. Thus in a sense, since Jesus was the second Adam, Mary could be viewed as the second Eve, a most significant role in the master plan of God’s redemption and recreation.

Music: “Magnificat” JS Bach GLORIOUS!!! At the end of every piece Bach wrote S.D.G. Soli Deo Gloria, “to God alone be glory.”

Translation:

My soul magnifies the Lord,

And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.

For he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden:

for behold, henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bo1x-62WmrI

Bonus:

You can watch and listen to the entire piece about 35 minutes long at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YHf3CtEi8E

Prayer:

Lord of all creation, we have erred and gone our own way from the beginning. We were born in sin and it didn’t take us long to confirm that truth! Our lives have been a long battle to humble ourselves and walk in your path. Discipline continues to be a challenge for us. We are continually guided by what we think, what we want, and how we feel rather than how you think, what you want, and how you feel. We live all too often by our fallen dead spirit rather than by your transforming Holy Spirit. We have doubted your word like our human mother Eve rather than believe you. Give to us grace and strength to walk in obedience as did your earthly mother, Mary. This we pray through Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen. ―Daniel Sharp

Tuesday, December 22

Reader: ““My heart rejoices in the Lord!”

Response: “The Lord has made me strong.”

Scripture: 2 Samuel 2:1-10

Then Hannah prayed:

“My heart rejoices in the Lord!

The Lord has made me strong.

Now I have an answer for my enemies;

I rejoice because you rescued me.

No one is holy like the Lord!

There is no one besides you;

there is no Rock like our God.

“Stop acting so proud and haughty!

Don’t speak with such arrogance!

For the Lord is a God who knows what you have done;

he will judge your actions.

The bow of the mighty is now broken,

and those who stumbled are now strong.

Those who were well fed are now starving,

and those who were starving are now full.

The childless woman now has seven children,

and the woman with many children wastes away.

The Lord gives both death and life;

he brings some down to the grave but raises others up.

The Lord makes some poor and others rich;

he brings some down and lifts others up.

He lifts the poor from the dust

and the needy from the garbage dump.

He sets them among princes,

placing them in seats of honor.

For all the earth is the Lord’s,

and he has set the world in order.

“He will protect his faithful ones,

but the wicked will disappear in darkness.

No one will succeed by strength alone.

Those who fight against the Lord will be shattered.

He thunders against them from heaven;

the Lord judges throughout the earth.

He gives power to his king;

he increases the strength of his anointed one.”

Reader: “The word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

The good news is that the Lord answered Hannah’s prayer for a child (I Sam.1:19-28). He gave her Samuel who became the first great prophet in Israel. He anointed Israel’s first king, Saul, and its greatest, King David. He confronted Eli with his failure to discipline his own corrupt sons. And Samuel powerfully led Israel through rough waters, challenging them continually to follow the Lord. All of Israel gathered when he died to mourn his death. He was buried at his home in Ramah, which is there to this day. We visited this site when we went to Israel years ago. Samuel even appeared after his death to bring judgment on Saul for his failures following the Lord and to announce his impending death! His ministry continued from the grave, also confirming again that there is life after death.

In today’s passage, Hannah’s song of praise and Mary’s song of praise, which we’ll look at tomorrow, have many of the same themes. Bringing down the rich and powerful and exalting the poor and downtrodden are common references in both songs. For example, as wealthy men, Eli was not a stellar priest to say the least; Saul was an unrighteous ruler in Hannah’s time; and Herod was a terrible ruler in Mary’s day. The poor, Samuel, David, and Jesus were exalted from their humble and lowly positions to be powerful men fulfilling God’s purposes. In other similarities, Samuel and Jesus were both dedicated for God’s service in the Temple. Samuel anointed David for service and John the Baptist through the Holy Spirit anointed Jesus for ministry. In passing, a minor note, Hannah’s song refers to a childless woman who had seven children. She had five more after Samuel. We know that Mary, Jesus’ mother, had at least seven children. Hannah’s song describes Jesus’ ministry in a beautiful way. As you read through her hymn, all the various acts of Jesus easily come to mind. My guess is that Mary knew Hannah’s song well since the Scriptures tell us she was an observant Jew who loved her Lord (Lk.2:41). Both women responded in a beautiful and artful way to the intervention of God entering their lives to advance his plan of redemption. It is interesting that they could have also added their names to the “poor and unassuming.” That’s the same place we all fit in. Let us be as faithful as these women.

Music: “Hannah’s Prayer” Edmund and Gisela Bullock

Bonus:

“O Holy Night” Il Divo You will listen to this one multiple times. Voices from heaven!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5j_XuATgRU DON’T MISS IT!! One of the best of the whole Advent Season!

Prayer:

Lord, do not permit my trials to be above my strength; and do thou vouchsafe to be my strength and comfort in the time of trial. Give me grace to take in good part whatever shall befall me; and let my heart acknowledge it to be the Lord’s doing, and to come from Thy Providence, and not by chance. May I receive everything from Thy hand with patience and with joy. Amen. ―Thomas Wilson (1663-1755), Prayers Ancient and Modern, p.170

Monday, December 21

Reader: “May the God of Israel grant the request . . .”

Response: “you have asked of him.”

Scripture: I Samuel 1:1-18

There was a man named Elkanah who lived in Ramah in the region of Zuph in the hill country of Ephraim. He was the son of Jeroham, son of Elihu, son of Tohu, son of Zuph, of Ephraim. Elkanah had two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah did not.

Each year Elkanah would travel to Shiloh to worship and sacrifice to the Lord of Heaven’s Armies at the Tabernacle. The priests of the Lord at that time were the two sons of Eli—Hophni and Phinehas. On the days Elkanah presented his sacrifice, he would give portions of the meat to Peninnah and each of her children. And though he loved Hannah, he would give her only one choice portion because the Lord had given her no children. So Peninnah would taunt Hannah and make fun of her because the Lord had kept her from having children. Year after year it was the same—Peninnah would taunt Hannah as they went to the Tabernacle. Each time, Hannah would be reduced to tears and would not even eat.

“Why are you crying, Hannah?” Elkanah would ask. “Why aren’t you eating? Why be downhearted just because you have no children? You have me—isn’t that better than having ten sons?”

Once after a sacrificial meal at Shiloh, Hannah got up and went to pray. Eli the priest was sitting at his customary place beside the entrance of the Tabernacle. Hannah was in deep anguish, crying bitterly as she prayed to the Lord. And she made this vow: “O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, if you will look upon my sorrow and answer my prayer and give me a son, then I will give him back to you. He will be yours for his entire lifetime, and as a sign that he has been dedicated to the Lord, his hair will never be cut.”

As she was praying to the Lord, Eli watched her. Seeing her lips moving but hearing no sound, he thought she had been drinking. “Must you come here drunk?” he demanded. “Throw away your wine!”

“Oh no, sir!” she replied. “I haven’t been drinking wine or anything stronger. But I am very discouraged, and I was pouring out my heart to the Lord. Don’t think I am a wicked woman! For I have been praying out of great anguish and sorrow.”

“In that case,” Eli said, “go in peace! May the God of Israel grant the request you have asked of him.”

“Oh, thank you, sir!” she exclaimed. Then she went back and began to eat again, and she was no longer sad.

Reader: “The word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

This is a story that is all too familiar in the First Testament, the story of a woman dealing with infertility (Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, wife of Manoah, Hannah). In those days, being childless carried a heavy stigma of shame in the Hebrew culture. It is borne out in this story. Having dealt with infertility for years before our boys were born, we know the pain of going to bed at night weeping, wondering if God will ever answer our prayers for children. He doesn’t always, but in our case, he gave us two wonderful boys. So when I read this account, I can identify with Hannah’s sadness. I couldn’t help but smile at Elkanah’s typical man’s response to Hannah’s sorrow trying to make his wife feel better―it never works! “Why be downhearted just because you have no children?” You have me―isn’t that better than having ten sons?” (A word of advice, Elkanah, “Spend your time listening to her and empathizing with her, not solving her problem!)

They had traveled annually to Shiloh, the location of the Tabernacle to offer a sacrifice. Hannah always went, but it was a tough time for her. Not having children only magnified the situation. So again this year she went and poured out her heart to the Lord again and made a desperate vow to the Lord. If God gave her a son, she would give him back to the Lord. Eli, an undisciplined priest, heard her praying and thought she was drunk. Israel was in a spiritual wasteland at this point and Eli, frankly, did not even recognize spiritual fervor when he saw it. She explained to him her situation and he blessed her with “may God grant your request.” Hannah’s countenance changed and her sadness left. She believed God would answer her prayer.

We’ve often said there are shadows of the New Testament in the Old. Here is another case. This is somewhat similar to the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth. In a way, Eli was similar to the angel speaking to Zechariah. What is also interesting in each of the women I mentioned above who dealt with infertility, all had promised boys, boys that became very significant in the unfolding of God’s plan: Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Samson, Samuel, John the Baptist. All turned into major characters in the Bible.

What are some lessons here? 1) Don’t try to explain away the pain when someone is having a tough time (Elkanah). Listen and empathize. 2) Continue to pray, making your requests known and leave it in God’s hands. 3) Two wives are more trouble than one! 4) Keep your ears open for people around you today who may need a word of encouragement. 5) Continue to worship no matter what. 6) You are part of God’s larger plan whether you realize it or not. 7) You never know what God has in mind. (As we’ll see tomorrow with Hannah’s pregnancy.) Pray and be at peace.

Music: “Silent Night”

Sissel Kyrkjebϴ This Norwegian lady has one of the most beautiful soprano voices you will ever hear. Effortless!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=uK3_Kr2nLtA&list=RDuK3_Kr2nLtA&start_radio=1&t=127&t=0

Bonus: “Silent Night” Libera -Exquisite Boy Choir The Brits know how to do Christmas!!! Don’t miss this either!

Prayer:

Lord Jesus Christ, through whom all things were made, all stars, creatures on land and in the sea, all human beings, all things seen and unseen, and all powers and dominions, we humbly bow before you in reverence and awe. As creator of the universe you are, nevertheless, aware of each little detail of life, everyone’s life. What a magnificent God you are! You answer prayer and you answer it perfectly in your time. Grant that we would be persistent in the prayer burdens you give us. Like Hannah, may we pour out our hearts with fervor. Unlike Eli, may we be so tuned to your Spirit that we would recognize our part in the work of your kingdom. As we approach Christmas Day and gatherings of family and friends, tune our spirits to those around us that we may be a voice of hope and encouragement to those with whom we share time. Our Savior entered a hostile world and brought truth and tenderness. Help us to do the same. In Jesus’ name, Amen ―Daniel Sharp

Sunday, December 20, FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT

Candle Lighter: “The Light of the world is coming!” (As you light the fourth Advent candle.)

Reader: ““Greetings, favored woman!”

Response: “The Lord is with you!”

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38

In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!”

Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He 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. And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!”

Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.”

The 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. What’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. For the word of God will never fail.”

Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her.

Reader: “The word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

Think about it. In this passage Luke describes the pinnacle of Old Testament prophecy. All the prophetic announcements pointed to these few minutes of dialogue. Though the passage is very familiar to most of us, I’d like us to walk slowly through Gabriel’s announcement. Six months earlier Gabriel had appeared in Jerusalem to Zechariah to tell him of Elizabeth’s pregnancy carrying John the Baptist. Now he appears seventy miles north in the small village of Nazareth to a young engaged girl who is by herself. In this culture, engagement had the same moral boundaries as marriage, though there was no consummation until the actual marriage ceremony after the husband had prepared their home. Gabriel’s words were, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!”

Put yourself in Mary’s place. You are quietly minding your own business and this person, apparently the angel had no “other world” appearance or else Mary was very brave. When Gabriel appeared to Zechariah, the Scriptures say he was frightened. Fear was the usual response to an angelic appearance (E.g.shepherds in the fields). At any rate, Mary shows no fear. She is wondering, “God favors me. . . the Lord is with me? What does this mean?” Notice Mary accepts Gabriel’s words at face value even though she is confused and unsettled. She’s trying to get a handle on what was said. She’s poised, but troubled. Then we hear from the angel “Don’t be afraid, you’ve found favor with God! And Mary is thinking, “So what does all this mean?” The angel tells her what it means! You are going to conceive and give birth to a son, who you are going to name Jesus. Mary’s head is spinning trying to process the meaning of the words she’s hearing . . . and the angel’s words keep coming. This baby boy you are going to have will be very, very great and in fact, will be called the Son of the Most High. By now Mary is thinking, “Whoa, slow down! I’m still back at the conceiving part.” Gabriel continues, the Lord God will give him the eternal throne of his ancestor, King David, and he will reign over his Kingdom which will never end!” Mary is still back trying to process the conception part. So she asks, “Since I am a virgin and have never been with a man, how is this conception part going to happen? I’m not saying it can’t, but I don’t understand.”

Then in Luke’s most gracious and delicate manner he relates the angel’s explanation to Mary. The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. The baby born will be holy and he will be called the Son of God. We have no more details than that. In these words Mary learns that her baby will be holy, sinless. If he is to be the Redeemer of the world, he must be free of all sin in order to pay the price for sinners in the sight of God the Father. At the same time, he must have the exact same human nature in every way, hence born of a woman. In Gabriel’s words, both requirements, holy in God’s sight and perfectly human in God’s sight, have been met in this baby to be born of Mary. Only God could be the Father of Mary’s baby. The incarnation was spelled out. Mary was able to grasp Gabriel’s explanation. Almost as a word of encouragement, he tells her the story of her relative Elizabeth’s pregnancy, concluding with a final affirmation, “For nothing is impossible with God.” Mary gave her response in the most simple and sublime words of submission and trust, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” What poise, what grace, what faith!

Being a pregnant engaged woman meant gossip, knowing winks, rumors, possible stoning, and a ruined reputation. Undoubtedly she was not believed. Graciously, God sent Gabriel to her fiancé, Joseph, to tell him of the news knowing he would likewise never believe Mary’s story. She followed her Son all through his ministry, all the way to the cross. She was without a doubt, the most remarkable woman who has ever lived.

Music: “The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came” All Angels

Prayer:

Almighty God, who hast given us thy only-begotten Son to take our nature upon him, and as at this time to be born of a pure Virgin; grant that we being regenerate, and made thy children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by thy Holy Spirit; through the same our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the same Spirit, ever one God, world without end. ―BCP

Saturday, December 19

Reader: “Surely this man is the Prophet . . .”

Response: “we’ve been expecting.”

Scripture: John 7:40-52

When the crowds heard him say this, some of them declared, “Surely this man is the Prophet we’ve been expecting.” Others said, “He is the Messiah.” Still others said, “But he can’t be! Will the Messiah come from Galilee? For 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.” So the crowd was divided about him. Some even wanted him arrested, but no one laid a hand on him.

When the Temple guards returned without having arrested Jesus, the leading priests and Pharisees demanded, “Why didn’t you bring him in?”

“We have never heard anyone speak like this!” the guards responded.

“Have you been led astray, too?” the Pharisees mocked. “Is there a single one of us rulers or Pharisees who believes in him? This foolish crowd follows him, but they are ignorant of the law. God’s curse is on them!”

Then Nicodemus, the leader who had met with Jesus earlier, spoke up. “Is it legal to convict a man before he is given a hearing?” he asked.

They replied, “Are you from Galilee, too? Search the Scriptures and see for yourself—no prophet ever comes from Galilee!”

Reader: “The word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

In reading this passage, it is important to understand the Jewish context. We’ve picked up John’s account midstream. Jesus was in Jerusalem during the Feast of Tabernacles, an agrarian feast with Messianic implications. The seven day feast featured the pouring of water each day with a prayer for God to send rain in late autumn. On this last day, being the climax of the whole feast, Jesus was not shy. He had just shouted that “Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” Jesus was referring to Messianic texts in Isaiah, Joel, and Ezekiel.

This all happened prior to what you just read. We then come to today’s pericope. That the crowd and the Jewish leaders picked up on Jesus’ claim is evident by their responses. (Remember the Jews knew the Old Testament inside and out.) Some said, “Surely this man is the Prophet we’ve been expecting.” (This is a direct reference to Moses’ prediction of the Lord raising up a Prophet like himself (Deut.18:15). Moses was viewed as a kind of super prophet.) Others in the crowd simply said Jesus was the Messiah. Then there was the issue of his birthplace. The Messiah had to be born in Bethlehem. Why someone didn’t ask Jesus where he was born is a mystery to me! Still others in the celebration wanted to have him arrested for blasphemy. The Temple guards were clearly taken with Jesus’ persona and speech. Nicodemus, a Jewish leader who had met secretly with Jesus earlier and was perhaps in the process of coming to faith, warned against drawing a hasty conclusion without hearing all the evidence. The Pharisees’ concluding comment here was the challenge to Nicodemus to search the Scriptures and he would find―”no prophet ever comes from Galilee!” Unfortunately for them in searching the Scriptures, we do find in Isaiah 9:1-2 a direct reference to the glory of God coming from Galilee. “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.”

What does this say to us? We need to be a people who know the Scriptures―part of the purpose of these daily devotionals. If the Jewish people in Jesus’ day did not know the Old Testament, they would have been completely oblivious to who was in their midst. But they did know the Tanakh (OT), but still many missed him. In our day, when it is popular to be a “spiritual” person―apart from the God of the Bible, it is imperative that we are well-versed in the Scriptures. Unfortunately, much of the so-called spirituality we read today is unbiblical and self-focused. In your conversations in various settings this season, don’t be shy to speak the truth with gentleness and clarity.

Music: “Long Ago Prophets Knew” A British Christian Music Programme

Would this ever happen in the states???

Bonus: “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing” Kings College Choir Spectacular Brass and Cathedral setting, don’t miss it.

Prayer:

We thank Thee, O God, for the return of the wondrous spell of this Advent season that brings its own sweet joy into our jaded and troubled hearts. Forbid it, Lord, that we should celebrate without understanding the significance of what we celebrate, or, like our counterparts so long ago, fail to see the star or to hear the song of glorious promise. As our hearts yield to the spirit of Christmas, may we discover that it is Thy Holy Spirit who comes―not in sentiment, but a power―to remind us of the only way by which there may be peace on the earth and good will among men. May we not spend Christmas, but keep it, that we may be kept in its hope, through Him who emptied Himself in coming to us that we might be filled with peace and joy in returning to God. Amen.

―Senate Chaplain Peter Marshall, prayer in the US Senate, Friday, December 19, 1947

Friday, December 18

Reader: “I will be his Father,

Response: “and he will be my Son.”

Scripture: Hebrews 1:5-14

For God never said to any angel what he said to Jesus:

“You are my Son.

Today I have become your Father.[a]”

God also said,

“I will be his Father,

and he will be my Son.”[b]

And when he brought his supreme[c] Son into the world, God said,[d]

“Let all of God’s angels worship him.”[e]

Regarding the angels, he says,

“He sends his angels like the winds,

his servants like flames of fire.”[f]

But to the Son he says,

“Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever.

You rule with a scepter of justice.

You 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.”[g]

He also says to the Son,

“In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundation of the earth

and made the heavens with your hands.

They will perish, but you remain forever.

They will wear out like old clothing.

You will fold them up like a cloak

and discard them like old clothing.

But you are always the same;

you will live forever.”[h]

And 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.”[i]

Therefore, angels are only servants—spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation.

Or Today I reveal you as my Son. Ps 2:7.
2 Sam 7:14.
Or firstborn.
Or when he again brings his supreme Son [or firstborn Son] into the world, God will say.
Deut 32:43.
Ps 104:4 (Greek version).
Ps 45:6-7.
Ps 102:25-27.
Ps 110:1.

Reader: “The word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

Commenting on this passage is a challenge because there is so much here, so I left the footnote references in. The book of Hebrews is a magnificent treatise on understanding Jesus in relation to the Old Testament. The better you know the First Testament, the more you will discover in this epistle. We mentioned yesterday the very high view the Jews had of angels and there was a very valid reason. For example, angels were divine messengers present in visiting Abram and Sarai, in the giving of the Law, at the tomb of Jesus, and at the ascension. The angels were to worship Jesus.

This passage is an argument for the superiority of Jesus, laid out almost as a court case. First, God the Father is the presenter commenting on his Son, then he comments on the angels, then on his Son, then on angels, then a concluding statement. It is also written as an inclusio, a literary device in which the beginning and ending of a section include the same material. (“God never said to any of the angels.”) I’ve also taken the liberty to include the footnote comments and references. The book of Hebrews quotes massive amounts of the Old Testament in demonstrating how Jesus fulfills and is superior in every way to various OT heroes. The writer begins right away telling his readers that God’s words to Jesus were unique. As lofty as angels were, they were not his Son. This translation uses the word “supreme” in reference to his Son. Sometimes it is translated elsewhere as “first born” which has to do with preeminence, placing him at the highest possible honor at the right hand (the strong hand) of the Father. This word, contrary to Jehovah Witnesses’ propaganda, has nothing to do with physical birth. (Col.1:18) Then there is the powerful statement from God commanding the angels to worship the Son. Then a few verses later, the Father calls the Son God and goes on to describe how he endures forever as creator and ruler over all creation. God’s comments on the person and role of his Son conclude with the invitation to sit in the place of honor at the Father’s right hand until the Father humbles all the enemies of the Son and they bow their necks under the feet of the Son. If that isn’t a strong enough case, the writer of Hebrews makes his concluding statement, “therefore, angels are only servants”―case closed! Readers, adjust your view of angels; Jesus sits at the Father’s right hand, his work completed.

Reading Jesus’ pedigree in this passage and throughout this remarkable epistle, makes the simple birth of a baby boy to a young mother in a nondescript rustic manger all the more awe-inspiring and mysterious. Who would have ever guessed the Son of God would enter this world in such a manner?

Music: “Infant Holy, Infant Lowly” Chris Rupp and the Fox and the Hound

Bonus: Interesting fact. Chris Rupp a former member of Home Free (below) went out on his own (Infant Holy, Infant Lowly) though he still sings with Home Free sometimes.

“Angels We Have Heard on High” Home Free (I know, a repeat from other years. But in case you missed it then. This is really one of the best versions. Not over produced IMO.

Prayer:

Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness and put on the armour of light, now in the time of this mortal life, in which your Son Jesus Christ came to us in great humility; so that on that last day, when he shall come again in glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal, through him who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, Amen.

―Thomas Cranmer (1489-1556), Eerdmans’ Book of Famous Prayers, p.45

Friends,I want to thank you for subscribing this year. I want to mention something to you if the Lord so moves you. Doing these devotionals is not without actual cost―e.g. getting the material into the proper format and year-round monthly rentals to the email host. I checked into setting up a 501c (3) and found it wasn’t feasible for writing this devotional. If you would like to help with expenses, you can make a donation which is not tax deductible. The subscriptions are always and always will be completely free. There is certainly no obligation to contribute, but if you would like to, please make your check to: Dan Sharp, 4017 Isle Vista Ave, Belle Isle, FL 32812. You can also contribute via my PayPal account.

Thursday, December 17

Reader: “Long ago God spoke many times.”

Response: “And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son.”

Scripture: Hebrews 1:1-4

Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And 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. The 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. This shows that the Son is far greater than the angels, just as the name God gave him is greater than their names.

Reader: “The word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

By now are you beginning to get the picture of how significant a role the Old Testament prophets played in the revealing of God’s grand design for restoration of all of creation? The writer of Hebrews packs so much in these four short verses built around the main clause, “God spoke.” Genesis opens with “In the beginning God created . . . and God said . . .” Our God acts and our God speaks in a variety of ways. Buddah doesn’t speak. Mohammed doesn’t speak. Confucious doesn’t speak. God speaks! God is persistent in speaking and he is also creative! The writer has set up the different ways God spoke in the “long ago,” contrasting it with how he has spoken in the present era (the era of the writing of Hebrews).

Think about the various ways God spoke in the First Testament. Of course with the voices of the prophets, but he also spoke in dreams, visions, stories, commands, angelic appearances, theophanies, short dramatizations―breaking pottery or burying things in the ground for example. He even had a donkey speak! God speaking in these final days (the historical era inaugurated by the birth of Jesus) was through his Son. The message was crystal clear, God not only spoke, he had come in the flesh. Along with the Father and the Holy Spirit, the Son is the creator and sustainer of the entire universe. The Son is God. The Son radiates God’s own glory.

This is the only place in the New Testament where the Greek word for “radiates” is used. It is different from all the other words for shine. This unique brightness is not reflective from another source, but rather a dazzling brilliance that comes from within the Son. As God incarnate, he is the source of the brilliance, another affirmation of the deity of Christ. The Son radiates the Father’s glory in the world. The unapproachable light of God is approachable only through the incarnate Christ. (The writer of Hebrews is seeking to show that Jesus, as God’s Son, is superior in every way to the Old Covenant and fulfills it completely. Notice, he carries Jesus’ work all the way through the ascension to his sitting down at the right hand of God the Father, indicating his work of redemption is finished. The high priest never sat down as his work was never finished.) The writer then concludes this short preamble stating Jesus’ superiority to angels. That may seem a little strange to us, but for the Jewish reader, it was a significant statement. Angels were often messengers of God in the Old Testament and held in high esteem. Jesus is superior to the angels. These four verses give a marvelous picture of God’s Son, making his humble birth in a stable all the more wondrous and surprising.

Music: “Of the Father’s Love Begotten” Mississippi College Singers

Bonus: (Leave it to the Mormons . . . except for the theology!!)

“Angels from the Realms of Glory” BYU Idaho Dept. of Music

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 radiant holy image may again be renewed within us, and, by contemplating Thy glorious perfections, we may feel daily improved within us that Divine similitude. Till this most blessed day break, and the shadows of this world fly away, let Thy Spirit be continually with us, and may we feel the powerful effects of Thy Divine grace constantly directing and supporting our steps; that all our endeavors, throughout the whole remaining part of our lives, may serve to promote the honor of Thy blessed Name, through Jesus Christ our Lord―Amen. ―Robert Leighton (1611-1684) adapted Daniel Sharp, Prayers Ancient and Modern p.353

Wednesday, December 16

Reader: “The day of judgment is coming,”

Response: “burning like a furnace.”

Scripture: Malachi 3:16-4:6

Then those who feared the Lord spoke with each other, and the Lord listened to what they said. In his presence, a scroll of remembrance was written to record the names of those who feared him and always thought about the honor of his name.

“They will be my people,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “On the day when I act in judgment, they will be my own special treasure. I will spare them as a father spares an obedient child. Then you will again see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.”

The Lord of Heaven’s Armies says, “The day of judgment is coming, burning like a furnace. On that day the arrogant and the wicked will be burned up like straw. They will be consumed—roots, branches, and all.

“But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture. On the day when I act, you will tread upon the wicked as if they were dust under your feet,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

“Remember to obey the Law of Moses, my servant—all the decrees and regulations that I gave him on Mount Sinai for all Israel.

“Look, I am sending you the prophet Elijah before the great and dreadful day of the Lord arrives. His preaching will turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the hearts of children to their fathers. Otherwise I will come and strike the land with a curse.”

Reader: “The word of the Lord,”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

We’ve said that often prophets have a rough task with a tough audience. Such was the case for Malachi. In his congregation of Israelites were the disillusioned, the cynical, the callous, the dishonest, the apathetic, the doubters, the skeptics, the arrogant, the defiant, and the downright evil persons. I said it was a tough crowd! All of those people appear in the four chapters of this book. Can you imagine preaching to this collection of humans? In spite of these malcontents, there were a few faithful people whose names were written in the Lamb’s book of life (Rev. 21:17). On the day of judgment they will be spared. Malachi speaks very plainly that a day of final judgment is coming for everyone who has ever lived. For the righteous who have put their trust in God comes abundant blessing and great joy, and for the wicked as described above, being burned up like straw. Malachi closes his message with the words we referred to a couple of days ago. He makes a final appeal for obedience to the Law of Moses, which every Jew knew. He then points the people forward to the coming of Elijah in heralding the great and dreadful day of the Lord and his message to repent and turn to the Savior or . . . receive the curse, which implies total destruction.

By now you might be getting tired of hearing about the coming judgment and the end of the world as we know it. Come on, Dan, let’s have some more Christmasy thoughts! I’m just writing about what the Bible says. Maybe the Scripture’s great concern with repentance and dealing with sin is that it is important to God! It may be that in general, we view Christmas and the birth of Jesus as a singular event disassociated from the greater Story of God. The result can be that we trivialize the nativity as a sweet sentimental story, kind of like a sacred “Good Night Moon.” For sure, we will celebrate the birth of Jesus with great joy and singing. Don’t hold back, but be aware the baby in the manger is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world through his own death.

Music: “Behold the Lamb of God” from Messiah Mogens Dahl Chamber Choir

Prayer:

O God, who hast proven Thy love for mankind by sending us Jesus Christ our Lord, and hast illumined our human life by the radiance of his presence, I give Thee thanks for this Thy greatest gift. For my Lord’s arrival in Bethlehem, for his journey to the Temple of his Father, for his days upon earth, for the record of his deeds of love, for the words he spoke for my guidance and help, for his forgiving my sin, for his obedience unto death, for his victory over death, for his ascension to his Father’s right hand, for his intercession on my behalf, and for the presence of his Spirit with me now, I thank thee, O God. And may this season be one of a more profound alleluia! This we pray in the name of the Baby who took away the sins of the world. Amen. ―A Diary of Private Prayer, p.29, adapted Daniel Sharp

Tuesday, December 15

Reader: “Now repent of your sins and turn to God,”

Response: “so that your sins may be wiped away.”

Scripture: Act 3:17-4:4

“Friends, I realize that what you and your leaders did to Jesus was done in ignorance. But God was fulfilling what all the prophets had foretold about the Messiah—that he must suffer these things. Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. Then times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord, and he will again send you Jesus, your appointed Messiah. For he must remain in heaven until the time for the final restoration of all things, as God promised long ago through his holy prophets. Moses 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.’ Then Moses said, ‘Anyone who will not listen to that Prophet will be completely cut off from God’s people.’

“Starting with Samuel, every prophet spoke about what is happening today. You 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.’ When 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.”

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. These leaders were very disturbed that Peter and John were teaching the people that through Jesus there is a resurrection of the dead. They arrested them and, since it was already evening, put them in jail until morning. But many of the people who heard their message believed it, so the number of men who believed now totaled about 5,000.

Reader: “The word of the Lord,”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

In following up on yesterday’s comments, Peter picks up that same discussion in his sermon at Pentecost. The people he was speaking to, like many people today, are ignorant of Jesus. In Peter’s day, they killed Jesus. In our day, people effectively kill Jesus by ignoring his death, resurrection, and ascension. His death likewise means nothing to them. Peter proclaimed to the people that God was fulfilling the words of all the prophets regarding the suffering of the Messiah. It wasn’t as though they had had no warning in regards to the Messiah. Peter then reiterated Moses’ esteemed words from Deuteronomy where he spoke of God raising up from among the Jews the ultimate Prophet meaning Jesus. Failure to respond to this Prophet meant being cut off from God. Peter let the people know that they were in the waiting period for the Son of God to return for the final restoration of all things, as are we.

From the time of Abraham through today, God intends to bless all nations through the people of Israel. Of course, there has always been resistance to the gospel as we read how the religious leaders were very disturbed at the message of Peter and John. The message of the gospel did not fit their narrative of how things should be. The nature of the truth moves everyone off center both then and now. And, there is often a price to pay for proclaiming the truth. As you are in various settings this Advent season, do not shy away from speaking the truth. It’s too important.

Music: “O Come, Let Us Adore Him” Voctave (I admit, this is a repeat from last year!)

Prayer:

I kneel before you Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of the glorious riches of Jesus, he may strengthen me with power through his Spirit in my inner being, so that Christ may dwell in my heart through faith. And I pray that I, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that I may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. This I pray through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

―adapted Daniel Sharp, the Apostle Paul, Eph. 3:14-19

Monday, December 14

Reader: “‘Go and tell your master,”

Response: “Elijah is here.’”

Scripture: I Kings 18:1-18

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!” So Elijah went to appear before Ahab.

Meanwhile, the famine had become very severe in Samaria. So Ahab summoned Obadiah, who was in charge of the palace. (Obadiah was a devoted follower of the Lord. Once 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.) Ahab 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.” So they divided the land between them. Ahab went one way by himself, and Obadiah went another way by himself.

As 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.

“Yes, it is,” Elijah replied. “Now go and tell your master, ‘Elijah is here.’”

“Oh, sir,” Obadiah protested, “what harm have I done to you that you are sending me to my death at the hands of Ahab? For 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. And now you say, ‘Go and tell your master, “Elijah is here.”’ But 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. Has 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. And now you say, ‘Go and tell your master, “Elijah is here.”’ Sir, if I do that, Ahab will certainly kill me.”

But Elijah said, “I swear by the Lord Almighty, in whose presence I stand, that I will present myself to Ahab this very day.”

So Obadiah went to tell Ahab that Elijah had come, and Ahab went out to meet Elijah. When Ahab saw him, he exclaimed, “So, is it really you, you troublemaker of Israel?”

“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.

Reader: “The word of the Lord,”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

And you are wondering by now, “What does this passage of Scripture have to do with Advent or Christmas?” Thank you for asking! God’s plan of redeeming his fallen creation spans thousands of years. We are living in the unfolding of that plan in the First Testament as it continues. We’re going to examine a part of that plan which involves the prophet Elijah, whose name means “my God is Yahweh” (El=God, jah=Yahweh).

Prophets were and are major players in the revealing of God’s truth. Old Testament prophets spoke God’s truth to nations and kings. This pericope mentions a group of 100 prophets. It was common for prophets to get together for study and encouragement. Apparently Elijah exercised leadership in some of these groups (II Kings 2:3-7). A significant portion of the content of the First Testament is the writings and messages of the prophets. Their words were of judgment and on occasion of prophesying the future, not only of events but also of the coming of the Messiah. The closing verses of the book of Malachi, the last book in the Old Testament, makes reference to Moses as the giver of the Law and Elijah as “the prophet before the great and dreadful day of the Lord arrives.” So it is not surprising then that these two “greats”of the Old Testament appear at the Mount of Transfiguration to encourage Jesus just before he embarks on the final weeks of his life on earth.

Now, in the passage you just read, Elijah did what prophets do. He confronted old Ahab, a wicked Jewish king, and Jezebel, his pagan wife and worshipper of Baal, for their abandonment of the God of Israel. As a result of God’s judgment, Elijah had prophesied a seven year drought. This reading ends with Elijah laying it out plain and simply to Ahab, “I’m not the problem for Israel. You are because of your refusal to obey the Lord.” Down through the ages there have been people used of God to speak the truth into the life and culture of people and of nations. Through the voices of people like Elijah, may there be people in our day who confront leaders and nations with their abandonment of God’s truth and call for repentance.

Music: “I Wonder as I Wander” Simon Khorolskiy

Prayer:

Thou blessed Spirit, author of all grace and comfort, Prophet to my soul, come, work repentance in my soul; represent sin to me in its odious colors that I may hate it; melt my heart by the majesty and mercy of God; show me my ruined self and the help there is in him; teach me to behold my creator, his ability to save, his arms outstretched, his heart big for me. Help me not only to receive him but to walk in him, depend upon him, commune with him, be conformed to him, follow him, imperfect, but still pressing forward, not complaining of labor, but valuing rest, not murmuring under trials, but thankful for my state. Perceiving nothing in myself, may I find in Christ wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. In his holy name I pray. Amen. ―adapted Daniel Sharp, The Valley of Vision, p.17

Sunday, December 13, THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT

Candle Lighter: “The Light of the world is coming!” (As you light the third (pink) Advent candle. A candle of joy!)

Reader: “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me,”

Response: “for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor.”

Scripture: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me,

for the Lord has anointed me

to bring good news to the poor.

He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted

and to proclaim that captives will be released

and prisoners will be freed.

He has sent me to tell those who mourn

that the time of the Lord’s favor has come,

and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies.

To all who mourn in Israel,

he will give a crown of beauty for ashes,

a joyous blessing instead of mourning,

festive praise instead of despair.

In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks

that the Lord has planted for his own glory.

They will rebuild the ancient ruins,

repairing cities destroyed long ago.

They will revive them,

though they have been deserted for many generations.

“For I, the Lord, love justice.

I hate robbery and wrongdoing.

I will faithfully reward my people for their suffering

and make an everlasting covenant with them.

Their descendants will be recognized

and honored among the nations.

Everyone will realize that they are a people

the Lord has blessed.”

I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God!

For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation

and draped me in a robe of righteousness.

I am like a bridegroom dressed for his wedding

or a bride with her jewels.

The Sovereign Lord will show his justice to the nations of the world.

Everyone will praise him!

His righteousness will be like a garden in early spring,

with plants springing up everywhere.

Reader: “The word of the Lord,”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

You’ll recall Jesus quoting this passage in Luke’s gospel (4:18). It was the beginning of his public ministry and he had just finished a forty day fast only to be tempted by the devil. He traveled from Jerusalem back to the region of Galilee where he began to teach in the synagogues from town to town. His fame spread for he taught with unusual authority. So when he came to his hometown, Nazareth, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath as was his usual custom. (Scripture reading was a major and significant part of Jewish worship. In fact, there was a lectionary, a set schedule of readings. For example, the Torah was mapped out on a three year cycle. In Jesus’ case, the reading was from Isaiah 61.) Jesus stood up to read (the usual custom). When he finished, he sat down. Every Jew knew that this passage was a direct reference to the long-awaited Messiah.

The Septuagint, the Greek translation of the First Testament, adds the phrase “and the blind will see” to the phrase “and the prisoners will be freed.” When John the Baptist was in prison and sent a message to Jesus asking if he truly was the Messiah, Jesus again referred to this passage (Lk.7:22-23) as his answer. The Jews had been waiting 400 years since the last prophet and a 1,000 years since King David waiting and looking for the Messiah. Now the local boy, one of the sons of Mary and (assumedly) Joseph named Jesus, (they had at least six other children), claimed to be the long-awaited Messiah! He had grown up among them. They knew him as a teenager! The Nazarites didn’t go for it, thought he was blaspheming, and sought to kill him.

Isaiah writes that Israel, which has been under great oppression, will be restored. God will bring justice and peace and blessing to his people. This chapter began with the Sovereign Lord proclaiming deliverance and concludes with the Sovereign Lord showing justice to the nations with everyone rejoicing and praising the goodness of our God.

In the days in which we live, this kind of world may seem far-fetched, unreal, out of reach, . . . impossible. That was the same reaction of the Nazarites when Jesus sat down and said, “The Scripture you just heard has been fulfilled this very day!” Because of the Nazarites’ preconceived ideas and historical knowledge, they were not able to move out of their own mindset and recognize the Savior of the world. Likewise, sometimes we become so familiar with a situation or relationship, that we fail to see its deeper significance―like a spouse, or a child, a friend, or God working in our very midst! We actually miss the eternal value right before our eyes.

Music: ““Glory to God In the Highest” Messiah

Prayer: O God, quicken to life every power within me, that I may lay hold on eternal things. Open my eyes that I may see; give me acute spiritual perception; enable me to taste Thee and know that Thou art good. Make heaven more real to me than any earthly thing has ever been. Amen. ―AW Tozer, The Pursuit of God, p.59

Saturday, December 12

Reader: “John the Baptist came and showed you the right way to live,”

Response: “but you didn’t believe him.”

Scripture: Matthew 21:28-32

“But what do you think about this? A man with two sons told the older boy, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ The son answered, ‘No, I won’t go,’ but later he changed his mind and went anyway. Then the father told the other son, ‘You go,’ and he said, ‘Yes, sir, I will.’ But he didn’t go.

“Which of the two obeyed his father?”

They replied, “The first.”

Then Jesus explained his meaning: “I tell you the truth, corrupt tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the Kingdom of God before you do. For John the Baptist came and showed you the right way to live, but you didn’t believe him, while tax collectors and prostitutes did. And even when you saw this happening, you refused to believe him and repent of your sins.

Reader: “The word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

In this Advent season, having been in ministry in the church for forty-two years and having planned forty-two Christmas Eve services and having sat through well over 100 such observances with well over 100,000 worshipers, I’ve noticed how some people grasp the significance of the worship while others come for the candle-lighting at the end. We don’t usually see the candle lighting aficionados again until Easter (for the brass and Hallelujah Chorus) or perhaps next Christmas Eve. They are the older son. There is lip service, but no follow through. Then there is the person who stumbles into Christmas Eve off of the street who was looking for a place to get warm and stays for all the services, finds the truth of the gospel and returns the following Sunday, having begun a transformed life. A little understanding of Jewish background might be helpful here. In Jesus’ parable of the two sons, the older boy’s negative response to his father’s command would have been viewed as disrespecting his father’s authority. Yet, he eventually changed his mind and was obedient, while the second son said he would obey his father, yet in actual practice, he refused to go. Jesus is telling this parable during Monday of Holy Week in another effort to help the Jewish leaders see who he is, the Messiah, and who they are. John the Baptist represents the father in the parable and the tax collectors represent the oldest son who said no, but later repented of his way and obeyed the father. The Jewish leaders represent the second son who said yes, but did not go. They were the ones who rejected the message of John the Baptist as to repenting of their sins in preparation for the coming Messiah. Repentance was for “sinners,” not for them. In their minds, they didn’t need to repent. The tax collectors and prostitutes recognized their own sinfulness and repented at the message of John, while the Jewish leaders believed in their moral righteousness and superiority and saw no need for repentance. Jesus assured the former would get into the kingdom and the latter would be cast out. This message was always the challenge of a Christmas Eve service helping people realize the sanctuary is filled with sinners in need of repentance in spite of pretty clothes, candles, and singing “Silent Night.” Remember, Christmas Eve is not about celebrating Jesus’ birthday. He has none. It’s about the Ancient of Days, God’s eternal Son, entering our world in human flesh to save sinners without hope. Remember that this December 24th.

Music: “ “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence” Caitelen gorgeous!

Prayer:

O Lord Jesus our God, who called people from their daily work saying to them ‘Come ye after me’, may we your children today hear your voice and gladly answer your call to give our lives to you, to serve your Church, to offer our gifts, and give away our hearts to you only. May our response be not only one of intent, but one of relentless faithful obedience. May we not flack in zeal and spirit. Grant that we may reflect your humble spirit Jesus, and pick up our crosses daily and follow you to the glory of your Father in heaven who with you and the Holy Spirit, reign one God, world without end. Amen.

―adapted Daniel Sharp

Friday, December 11

Reader: “Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead,”

Response: “I press on.”

Scripture: Philippians 3:12-16

I 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. No, 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, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you. But we must hold on to the progress we have already made.

Reader: “The word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

Paul has spent the first part of this chapter writing about the priceless value of knowing Christ. His rich Jewish pedigree and past actions meant nothing to him and in fact, he called them garbage! Gaining the righteousness of Christ was everything. Wanting to know Christ better and better was his singular goal. Then we come to the above passage. Paul’s words certainly speak to me. My desire is to press on to become more and more Christlike. I want him to think and live his life in and through me. But I have noticed something else that rears its ugly head in the midst of my endeavor to press on. It is a voice ever reminding me of my past sins. Often it’s very specific things that happened even decades ago. This voice delights in pointing out these incidents as if it wants me to keep them in my memory bank. With it comes the message, “You will never be a holy person, so quit trying. You are a fraud. Skip the pious act. Your past has nailed you. If people knew about this, you’d be humiliated. Give it up. God knows the truth about you. You can’t fool him.” It is important that we recognize the source of that “voice” and call the father of lies a liar and to go back to hell. There was one truth in all those accusations. God does know the truth about you which is why his Son was born in a manger in Bethlehem to forgive all your sins from the past as well as those in the future. Paul pounded home the point that past conduct has no bearing on obtaining salvation and has no condemning power after salvation. God’s grace extended to people in Jesus Christ brings eternal redemption. “Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead” is the goal and direction of living out the days of our lives. The ability to forget the past is a mark of spiritual maturity because it recognizes the full impact of Christ’s atonement. After all, God forgets our sins as far as the east is from the west. Our ability to forget our own sins is a mark of godliness. In a season when past actions can bring hurt to a family gathering, it’s important to repent and press on to what lies ahead. And when that “lying voice” comes around, laugh at him and tell him to go back where he came from.

Music: “What Child Is This?” Home Free Sorry for these guys two days in a row but WOW. You at least heard a true bass!!

Prayer: Searcher of hearts, it is a good day to me when thou givest me a glimpse of myself; sin is my greatest evil, but thou art my greatest good. I have cause to loathe myself, and not to seek self-honor, for no one desires to commend his own dunghill. My country, my family, my church fare worse because of my sins, for sinners bring judgment in thinking sins are small, or that God is not angry with them. Let me not take other good men as my example, and think I am good because I am like them, for all good men are not so good as thou desirest, are not always consistent, do not always follow holiness, do not feel eternal good in sore affliction. Show me how to know when a thing is evil which I think is right and good, how to know when what is lawful comes from an evil principle, such as desire for reputation or wealth by usury. Give me grace to recall my needs, my lack of knowing thy will in Scripture, of wisdom to guide others, of daily repentance, want of which keeps thee at bay, of the spirit of prayer, having words without love, of zeal for thy glory, seeking my own ends, of joy in thee and thy will, of love to others. And let me not lay my water pipe too short of the fountain, never touching the eternal spring, never drawing down water from above. ―The Valley of Vision,p.69

Thursday, December 10

Reader: “Write my answer plainly on tablets,”

Response: “so that a runner can carry the correct message to others.”

Scripture: Habakkuk 2:1-5

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.

Then the Lord said to me,

“Write my answer plainly on tablets,

so that a runner can carry the correct message to others.

This 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.

“Look at the proud!

They trust in themselves, and their lives are crooked.

But the righteous will live by their faithfulness to God.

Wealth 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.

Reader: “The word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

“When violence and corruption abound and evil appears to rule, the faithful may be tempted to wonder whether God really cares or is really in control.” words from The NLT Study Bible, p.1504. Habakkuk was in a troubling and unsettling situation. Once again, Israel was in trouble for her rebellion against God. They had broken the Covenant again and again and were now the subject of a Babylonian attack. God’s own words were, “I’m raising up the Babylonians, a cruel and violent people. They will march across the world and conquer other lands. They are notorious for their cruelty and do whatever they like.” Ouch! God is siding with the Babylonians against his own people! Habakkuk asks God the same question we ask in regards to similar situations in our day. His words, “Will you let them get away with this forever?” Our words, “Lord, the bad guys are winning. Are you going to do anything? Whose side are you on?” Notice, the Lord honors honest questions. His response is the text you just read. God’s message is very plain and clear. His words . . . It may seem slow to you, but wait patiently. We are working on my timeline, not yours. Yet you want to avoid the consequences of your actions. You people are absorbed in your perspective, not mine. You respond to the way you think it ought to be if you were in charge. You’re not. This is how I think. I will describe the end for you. Their wealth and arrogance are never satisfied as they overrun people. They have become wealthy by extortion, but that too will abruptly end. It is certain and it is final. While this was God’s answer to Habakkuk’s question, it is also the answer to the world situation today. The Lord is coming back and he will judge the actions of everyone who has ever lived. Yes, their evil lives are crooked, but you who are righteous are to live in faithfulness to God. God will bring justice. Take heart! No one “gets away with it.” In the bustle of this Advent season, the truth of God’s judgment seems so very remote, perhaps even unreal. That’s because we think like earthbound people and the devil is pleased with our thinking! But God came to the manger in Bethlehem, he has come into our hearts, and he is coming again to bring justice in establishing his eternal kingdom. Tell the news!

Music: “Go Tell It on the Mountain” Home Free ―an energetic setting!

Prayer:

O Lord, if only my will may remain right and firm towards Thee, do with me whatsoever it shall please Thee. For it cannot be anything but good, whatsoever Thou shalt do with me. If it be Thy will I should be in darkness, be Thou blessed; and if it be Thy will I should be in light, be Thou again blessed. If Thou vouchsafe to comfort me, be Thou blessed; and, if Thou wilt have me afflicted, be Thou ever equally blessed―Amen. ―Thomas à Kempis, Prayers Ancient and Modern, p.92

Wednesday, December 9

Reader: “When Zechariah was in the sanctuary,”

Response: “an angel of the Lord appeared to him.”

Scripture: Luke 1:5-17

When 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. Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous in God’s eyes, careful to obey all of the Lord’s commandments and regulations. They had no children because Elizabeth was unable to conceive, and they were both very old.

One day Zechariah was serving God in the Temple, for his order was on duty that week. As was the custom of the priests, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and burn incense. While the incense was being burned, a great crowd stood outside, praying.

While Zechariah was in the sanctuary, an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the incense altar. Zechariah was shaken and overwhelmed with fear when he saw him. But 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. You will have great joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for 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. And he will turn many Israelites to the Lord their God. He 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.”

Reader: “The word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

Our attention in today’s passage draws us closer to events associated more directly with the nativity of Jesus. A little background to Luke’s account may be helpful. Note once again how the Scriptures are tied to verifiable fact. “When Herod was king of Judea . . .” is traceable historical truth. Zechariah was a Jewish priest. As you know, not anyone could be a priest. There was no job application to fill out. No Zip Recruiter agency! Unless you were from the tribe of Levi and could trace your ancestry specifically to Aaron, and could prove it, you need not apply for the position of a priest. Not all Levites were priests. The Hebrew word for priest is kohan or Cohen (in English). Zechariah was especially esteemed because Elizabeth also traced her lineage to the priestly line of Aaron. They were doubly blessed in that regard. There were twenty-four divisions of priests who ministered in the Temple. The rotation for service was determined by lot to determine God’s will. The eighth division was that of Abijah and Zechariah was one of the priests in that division. The lot fell on the eighth division and within the division, the lot fell on Zechariah. He was the priest who got to burn incense. If a priest was fortunate, he might get to serve one time in the Temple in his entire life time. It was a coveted magnificent privilege afforded Zechariah. He and his wife had suffered childless their entire marriage and the sun had set on those years of possible conception. Writing as a physician, Luke simply stated that Elizabeth was unable to conceive. Childlessness was not a punishment, for the Scriptures state clearly that they were viewed as righteous by God. Being viewed as righteous in God’s sight is a good place to be. (Something to think about, does God view you as righteous?) The day arrived and Zechariah entered the Holy Place, (not the Holy of Holies―that was reserved for the High Priest one day a year on Yom Kippur). At what is perhaps the most sacred moment in Zechariah’s long life, an angel appears standing right beside the altar of incense! He is terrified. Apparently, he and Elizabeth had been praying for a son for a long time, even beyond reasonable expectations. God has clearly ordained this whole sequence in unfolding his will from the first lot cast to the appearance of the angel, Gabriel. Not only would they have a son, the angel explained what this son would do and what his role would be in God’s unfolding plan. He would not be just another boy in Israel, he would be the very one prophesied 400 years earlier as the forerunner of the Messiah! Zechariah had his doubts as to Gabriel’s story. You know the rest. He was mute until the birth of John.

So what does this historical account tell us? You can rest assured that God is in the details of your life. One word never appears anywhere in Scripture and that word is coincidence. There are none. God is sovereign in all things, even in the throwing of the dice in this case! Nothing is beyond hope or the power of God. A baby was conceived when it wasn’t possible. God answered a prayer that had been prayed for years and his timing was perfect. In this case, his action came within the context of worship. At times, God intervenes in human lives in a miraculous way. Though it is rare, sometimes God tells the specifics regarding the future ahead of time. Throughout Advent, we see the glorious unfolding of the Father’s divine plan step by step.

Music: “God Rest You Merry Gentlemen” Libera

Prayer:

Our loving heavenly Father, these past months have been rather uncertain, but I guess all time is uncertain. Forgive us for the occasions we have panicked and become afraid of what might be. Our faith has wavered and we’ve taken our eyes off of you. The passage of Scripture we read today certainly underscores the truth that you know all things and are the sovereign Lord of time and of history. You are able to bring about anything and are never late in your timing of those things you desire. May we learn to trust you in moving into the unknown paths of life now and in the years ahead. Nothing comes as a surprise to you. We say those words Lord, but help us to live them in our minds, in our souls, and in your Spirit. Do not let us succumb to the pontificating of the world, but may we continue to prepare for the coming of your Son in whose name we pray. ―Daniel Sharp

Friends,I want to thank you for subscribing this year. I want to mention something to you if the Lord so moves you. Doing these devotionals is not without actual cost ―e.g. getting the material into the proper format and year-round monthly rentals to the email host. I checked into setting up a 501c (3) and found it wasn’t feasible for writing this devotional. If you would like to help with expenses, you can make a donation which is not tax deductible. The subscriptions are always and always will be completely free. There is certainly no obligation to contribute, but if you would like to, please make your check to: Dan Sharp, 4017 Isle Vista Ave, Belle Isle, FL 32812.

Tuesday, December 8

Reader: “But in that day, the branch of the Lord . . .”

Response: “will be beautiful and glorious.”

Scripture: Isaiah 4:2-6

But 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.

All who remain in Zion

will be a holy people—

those who survive the destruction of Jerusalem

and are recorded among the living.

The Lord will wash the filth from beautiful Zion

and cleanse Jerusalem of its bloodstains

with the hot breath of fiery judgment.

Then 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.

It will be a shelter from daytime heat

and a hiding place from storms and rain.

Reader: “This is the word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

This passage is another example of describing the immediate reality which is also a shadow of the ultimate truth. The “branch of the Lord” can refer to the restoration of Israel to its homeland. Remember at this point in Isaiah’s prophecy, Israel is in exile for its rebellion and abandonment of God. But, the “Branch of the Lord” can also refer to the Messiah and his coming reign at the end of the age with this pericope describing the glorious kingdom yet to be. Nature itself will be transformed in incredible beauty and fruitfulness. Holiness and purity will replace filth and rebellion. Those faithful to the Lord will have their names recorded in the Book of Life (Rev.3:5; 20:12). Justice for all the injustices will be paid in full. All of those things that happened on earth when it seemed “they got away with it” will be called into account before God and will receive God’s justice. The Lord will then provide comfort, security, and peace for all the faithful. Note the illusion to God’s continuous protection and provision via the pillar of fire and the cloud in leading and protecting his people in their wilderness journey. What had been an actual event on earth in leading and guiding his people was but a foreshadowing of his ultimate care and provision. A word here about a passage that is sometimes used to reflect on what heaven will be like. It is I Cor. 2:9, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” Paul is responding to those people who have not understood the gospel and have rejected the ministry of the Holy Spirit which is to show us the mind of God and his wisdom. The passage is not actually talking about heaven, but about receiving truth and seeking the mind of God. There are plenty of other portions of Scripture that give us hints of a heavenly world we cannot imagine, so don’t be discouraged! The music that follows will begin to stretch your mind a bit. Our Lord is glorious and his Kingdom is beyond our imagination!

Music: “Beneductus” Karl Jenkins Beautiful music almost beyond belief!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piap-T4j720 This is worth every minute of your time!

A magnificent picture of the biggest picture of our God at work. The text: “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest!” Can you imagine the glory of the New Creation when God makes all things new?

Prayer: Lord, how excellent are Thy ways and how devious and dark are the ways of man. Show us how to die, that we may rise again to newness of life. Rend the veil of our self-life from the top down as Thou didst rend the veil of the Temple. We would draw near in full assurance of faith. We would dwell with Thee in daily experience here on this earth so that we may be accustomed to the glory when we enter Thy heaven to dwell with Thee there. In Jesus’ name. Amen. ―A.W. Tozer, The Pursuit of God, p.47

Monday, December 7

Reader: “Brothers, what should we do?”

Response: “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God.”

Scripture: Acts 2:37-42

Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”

Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away—all who have been called by the Lord our God.” Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!”

Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.

All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.

Reader: “The word of the Lord,”

Response:”Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

Yesterday we commented on the message of John the Baptist calling people to repent. You’ll recall his words were that one would come after him baptizing with the Holy Spirit and with fire. Well, that day came at Pentecost. Fire was associated with the presence of God throughout the Scriptures: pillar of fire in the desert, giving the Law at Mt. Sinai, Elijah on Mt. Carmel, fiery chariot taking him to heaven, dedication of the Temple, and numerous other times. The writer of Hebrews (12:29) describes God as “a consuming fire.” Following the pouring out of the Holy Spirit as evidenced by tongues of fire, Peter preached the gospel empowered by God’s Spirit. I love the words “pierced their hearts.” What a great phrase. The gospel pierces. It cuts right through to the very base, the core of our being. That’s what the Spirit does. Then God waits for a response. The words of the people gathered were, “What should we do?” Notice, their reply involved action. It wasn’t “Wow! What a powerful message” or “I felt so moved.” People responded, repented, and were baptized. “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” Those words are as true today as when Peter uttered them long ago. Nations and people today need to repent from our crooked and perverse ways. Pray to that end. The people of Peter’s day continued to gather together physically, which is so much different than our “virtual” gatherings. Their gatherings centered on studying the Scriptures, fellowship in eating together, including sharing the Lord’s Supper, and then a time of praying together. Though it doesn’t say it here, I can’t help but believe there was also singing, especially when reading all the references to singing in Paul’s letters. In concluding today’s thoughts, this last year has brought some real challenges in terms of physically worshiping together. Make no mistake, “virtual” is not nor will ever be a replacement for the real thing, God’s people gathering together in worship. After all the word “church,” ekklesia, means “a body of citizens called together.” Watching a pastor speak from somewhere else in the world may be edifying, but that pastor has no idea who you are, your life, and cannot shepherd you. You also have no accountability to spiritual leadership. Then there is the whole aspect of Christ being present in your midst when two or three are gathered together . . . There is so much more to say but I better stop! In short, let us be a repentant people who gather regularly to worship in the presence of God.

Music: “Advent Hymn” Christy Nockels

Prayer: A Prayer for Meeting

Holy Spirit, you make alive; bless also this our gathering,

The speaker and the hearer; fresh from the heart it shall come,

by your aid, let it also go to the heart. ―Søren Kierkegaard 1813-1855

Sunday, December 6 SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT

Candle Lighter: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.”

(In lighting the second Advent Candle)

Reader: “A voice shouting in the wilderness,”

Response: “‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming!’”

Scripture: Mark 1:1-8

This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God. It began just as the prophet Isaiah had written:

“Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,

and he will prepare your way.

He is a voice shouting in the wilderness,

‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming!

Clear the road for him!’”

This 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. All 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. His clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food he ate locusts and wild honey.

John 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. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit!”

Reader: “The word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

The focus of this second Sunday in Advent turns our attention to John the Baptist. Mark’s gospel centers on Jesus as the Servant of God, so he begins with Jesus’ adult public ministry, skipping the birth narrative and the genealogies. In identifying John as this prophetic forerunner of the Messiah, Mark quotes from Malachi and Isaiah, the two most pronounced prophecies from the First Testament. Malachi spoke of an Elijah type figure as that person. In those days when royalty was to travel, messengers would be sent out ahead of time to make repairs in the often poorly maintained roads. I noticed years ago when I was in Kenya, the road from the airport to Nairobi was beautiful. The other roads not so much. Check the roads around our state capitols. Same idea. Here Mark is proclaiming that the Son of God, the Messiah, has come. He is helping his readers (most likely the church in Rome, based on some of the “Latinisms” in the rest of the book) who may not have been as familiar with the Hebrew Scriptures, to grasp the significance of John the Baptist’s role in proclaiming the coming of the Son of God. He’s an example. Mark makes a comment that John’s clothes were “woven from coarse camel hair and that he wore a leather belt around his waist.” What is the point of saying that? It is an indirect reference to the prophet Elijah’s attire (II Kings 1:8) because Mark wants his readers to get the connection that John the Baptist is the New Testament Elijah.. The early church referred to itself as “The Way,” perhaps as a result of the phrase “Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming . . .” In preparation for the Lord’s coming, John called the people to repent of their sins, a familiar theme to the Israelites wandering in the wilderness some 1400 years earlier. His message was that a repentant heart was the kind of heart that was prepared to receive the message of the gospel. After 400 years of silence from any prophet, John’s ministry was a growing phenomenon as flocks of people traveled the eighteen miles from Jerusalem down to the Jordan River to see and hear this “wild man from the desert.” The message, “I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit!”(Pentecost). How does this passage speak to us? Read the words of Malachi and Isaiah again. The Bible is our Messenger as the Holy Spirit speaks to guide us in preparing the way, the way to what? “Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming! Clear the road for him!” You are going to meet the Lord, either when you die or when he returns. In other words, get your act together. Heed the words of John. Repent. Clean up your life. Get deadly serious about the Lord. Spend time with the Messenger. Listen and live out your baptism and bury your old self daily and rise to new life.

Music: “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord” from the musical “Godspell”

A word about this video. The idea is that people from all walks of life have repented, discovered the setting free of the gospel, and the joy of having been washed from their sins. The fountain is their baptism and John the Baptist is the one who has called them. You see a couple of glances at Jesus who is coming to be baptized by John.

Prayer: Merciful God, who didst send thy messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. ―Book of Common Prayer, (BCP)

Saturday, December 5

Reader: “I will give you a new heart,”

Response: “and I will put a new spirit in you.”

Scripture: Ezekiel 36:24-28

For I will gather you up from all the nations and bring you home again to your land.

“Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. Your filth will be washed away, and you will no longer worship idols. And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations.

“And you will live in Israel, the land I gave your ancestors long ago. You will be my people, and I will be your God.

Reader: “The word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

People have said that the First Testament is the New Testament concealed and the New is the First revealed. I would suggest the First is also a shadow of the eternal. This passage is an example of what I mean. As we have said frequently, the beginning theme of Advent is about the end of time, when Jesus returns to bring final judgment and establish his eternal Kingdom. In many ways our present world is very much like the days of Israel’s exile. God’s people were in a full on rebellion when they were crushed and sent into captivity by various powers, the Assyrians, Babylonians, and Persians. They suffered the consequences of their actions experiencing war and conflict, not unlike today’s world. In the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve rejected God, what happened? They had been in perfect communion with God, body, soul, and spirit. But when sin entered, their spirits died. The spiritual relationship with God died. Eventually, they died physically as well, but the spiritual communion was severed. And, as a result, it was gone from the human race as well. We became a “fallen people.” When King David writes, “In sin did my mother conceive me.” That is what he is referring to. We are born being separated from God from birth. When we become a Christian, we are born of the Holy Spirit and the spirit part of us that died with the sinning of Adam and Eve, has been reborn, “born again” in our lives. Having said that, the battle between self and the Holy Spirit continues. The self (soul) still wants to be in charge. Now to our passage. Ezekiel is speaking at one level of his immediate circumstances in Israel, but on another, he is describing what is yet to be for Israel. God is going to ultimately bring his people back from exile to the land of Israel for his own name’s sake, not because they deserve it. He is painting a picture not only of Israel’s restoration, but demonstrating the truth of God’s ability to restore any peoples. Paul writes in II Cor. 5:27, “Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone and the battle between self and the Spirit will be over. At the Second Coming and final judgment we will receive our glorified resurrection bodies like Jesus’. Our hearts will be tender and responsive praising and glorifying our Lord. No more battles between our stubborn will and the Spirit. We will willingly and joyously always follow the Lord’s leading in his glorious kingdom.

Music: “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus” Geneva International Christian Choir and Orchestra

Prayer:

Sever me from myself that I may be grateful to you;

May I perish to self that I may be safe in you;

May I die to myself that I may live in you;

May I wither to myself that I may blossom in you;

May I be emptied of myself that I may abound in you;

May I be nothing to myself that I may be all to you.
―Erasmus, 1466-1536, The Book of Uncommon Prayer, p.66

Friday, December 4

Reader: “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb.”

Response: “Before you were born I set you apart.”

Scripture: Jeremiah 1:4-10

The Lord gave me this message:

“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.”

“O Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!”

The Lord replied, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!” Then the Lord reached out and touched my mouth and said,

“Look, I have put my words in your mouth!

Today 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.”

Reader: “This is the word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

What strikes me about this passage is that it is remarkably like the mission of Jesus. Read it again and think of it as the Father speaking to his Son, the Savior. Jesus was prophet, priest and king. (Skip the “I’m too young part!” After all, we are speaking of the Ancient of Days!) Jesus continually sought his Father’s leading. “I always do what the Father has told me.” John 8:29. Then we have the promise of the Father’s continual presence. Jesus spoke the Father’s words always. And he spoke words that convicted and challenged Jewish kings and leadership as well as words of healing and building up. Tradition has that Jeremiah was eventually stoned to death in Egypt by his own people, Jewish exiles who rejected his message. As you see, there were many similarities between Jeremiah’s call and Jesus’ mission. This is another pointed pericope which speaks of God’s care of his children from even before their birth. In Psalm 139 we are reminded that God has recorded every day of our life even before day one! What task has God called you to today? I’m not sure how often we remind ourselves of our part in God’s bigger unfolding of history. Whether we are out in a wide open field in Kansas or in the bustling streets of Hong Kong, my guess is that most of us feel pretty insignificant in what God is doing in his kingdom today. What difference do we really make? Is our life important to God or are we just another of six billion people on this planet that he looks after? Such thinking is really another version of Jeremiah’s “I can’t speak for you Lord, I’m too inconsequential in your grand design for the world.” Not true. It’s a lie. God’s word to you and me is the same word he gave to Jeremiah and to his Son Jesus. I will be with you, guide you, and give you the words to say. I have a purpose for your life. Don’t make excuses and sink into your own little world. I have a purpose for you being on earth! I love you. I died for you. Don’t belittle my death with such thoughts. Friends, the Lord knows all the details of your day. What is God saying to you in this passage about today? Hold still and listen.

Music:“Children, Go Where I Send Thee” with Home Free and the late Kenny Rogers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7GR-c8-tKI DO NOT MISS THIS!!!!

Prayer:

Father in heaven, I find it so easy to live each day focusing on the things of the day, things I have to do, work, errands, bills, the news . . . Even when I read your Word all too often is more like another check off in the “to do” list for the day. In truth, though it’s embarrassing, sometimes I forget what I’ve read right after I read it. My mind is elsewhere. The intimacy of your words “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb” is haunting. That familiarity goes deeper than any relationship I’ve ever known. Forgive me for brushing off your desire to lead and guide me in the path you’ve prepared, a path of eternal significance. I repent of the dullness of my mind and will. When I read your words, help me to hold still until I hear your voice and find your mind in what you have to say to me. Help me revel in your presence. This I pray through Jesus Christ, who with you and the Holy Spirit, reign one God, world without end. Amen. ―Daniel Sharp

Thursday, December 3

Reader: “Oh, that we might know the Lord!”

Response: “Let us press on to know him.”

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.

In just a short time he will restore us,

so that we may live in his presence.

Oh, 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.”

“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.

I sent my prophets to cut you to pieces—

to slaughter you with my words,

with judgments as inescapable as light.

I want you to show love,

not offer sacrifices.

I want you to know me

more than I want burnt offerings.

Reader: “The word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

“Danny, I want you to go sit in the corner for ten minutes and think about what you did to your sister.” I was never fond of “time outs” or, when the offence was more egregious, a spanking. Hard discipline is still not my favorite thing. Yet the opening sentence of this passage is beautiful in demonstrating the great love God has for his children. Advent has to do with judgment, both that which is yet to come, as well as current guidance from the Lord. Sometimes we may have the idea that God judged and dealt with his children in Bible times, but that he doesn’t really intervene much in people’s daily lives today. We may read this passage and assume that it is speaking only of Israel and Judah’s circumstances. It certainly does address his chosen people, but like all Scripture, it speaks to us as well today, December 3, 2020. It would certainly seem that God has been disciplining us and the whole world in the year 2020. God’s words, “What should I do with you? Your love vanishes like the morning mist and disappears like dew in the sunlight.” Israel had gone through the motions of worship, but their hearts were distant. Then came these powerful words from the Lord to you and me, “I want you to know me.” Imagine! God wants a very personal relationship with us. The Creator of all that is seen and unseen, all that exists, past, present, and future, cares intimately about you as you read these words. Then there is the earlier verse, “Oh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know him.” How is your “pressing on” coming? One of the main purposes of writing these daily devotionals is to help all of us “press on to know him” daily. So when you read a passage, don’t just read it once and move on. Pause, read, reread, get stuck on a word or phrase, talk with the Lord as you read, “Lord, what do you want me to see here?” “Come, let us return to the Lord.” We’re supposed to come back again and again . . . In other words, take your time with your ears open to the Holy Spirit. There is so much to consider in this passage, for it tells us so much about the Lord and what he views as important. All of us need to take “time outs,” that is, time with the Lord and his word. It’s a good discipline!

Music: “The King Shall Come When Morning Dawns” Chris Brunelle

Prayer:

Almighty God, in this hour of quietness I seek communion with Thee. From the fret and fever of the day’s business, from the world’s discordant noises, from the praise and blame of men, from the confused thoughts and vain imaginations of my own heart, I would now turn aside and seek the quietness of Thy presence. All day long have I toiled and striven; but now, in stillness of heart and in the clear light of Thine eternity, I would ponder the pattern my life has been weaving. Gracious God, I seek Thy presence at the close of another day, beseeching Thee to create a little pool of heavenly peace within my heart e’re I lie down to sleep. Let all the day’s excitements and anxieties now give place to a time of inward recollection, as I wait upon Thee and meditate upon Thy love. This I pray, Father, through Jesus Christ, who with you and the Holy Spirit, reign one God eternal, world without end. Amen. ―John Baillie, A Diary of Private Prayer

Wednesday, December 2

Reader: “And he will stand to lead his flock”

Response: “with the Lord’s strength.”

Scripture: Micah 5:1-5a

Mobilize! Marshal your troops!

The enemy is laying siege to Jerusalem.

They will strike Israel’s leader

in the face with a rod.

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,

are only a small village among all the people of Judah.

Yet a ruler of Israel,

whose origins are in the distant past,

will come from you on my behalf.

The people of Israel will be abandoned to their enemies

until the woman in labor gives birth.

Then at last his fellow countrymen

will return from exile to their own land.

And he will stand to lead his flock with the Lord’s strength,

in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.

Then his people will live there undisturbed,

for he will be highly honored around the world.

And he will be the source of peace.

Reader: “The inspired word of God.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Music: “O Little Town of Bethlehem” Salt Lake Vocal Artists These 8 minutes will help you be quiet. Just listen. It’s gorgeous!!! Arr. Dan Forrest

Bonus: Beautiful!

“Wake, Awake, for Night is Flying” Nordic Choir of Luther College

“Wake, Awake for Night Is Flying” Philip Nicolai, 1597, trans. Catherine Winkworth, 1858

Wake, awake for night is flying:

The watchmen on the heights are crying,

Awake, Jerusalem, arise!

Midnight’s solemn hour is tolling,

His chariot wheels are nearer rolling,

He comes; prepare, ye virgins wise.

Rise up, with willing feet,

Go forth, the bridegroom meet: Alleluia!

Bear through the night your well-trimmed light,

Speed forth to join the marriage rite.

Zion hears the watchmen singing,

Her heart with deep delight is springing,

She wakes, she rises from her gloom:

forth her Bridegroom come, all glorious,

In grace arrayed, by truth victorious,

Her star is ris’n, her light is come!

All hail, Incarnate Lord,

our crown, and our reward! Alleluia!

We haste along, in pomp of song,

And gladsome join the marriage throng.

Lamb of God, the heav’ns adore thee,

And men and angels sing before thee,

With harp and cymbal’s clearest tone.

By the pearly gates in wonder

We stand, and swell the voice of thunder

That echoes round thy dazzling throne.

No vision ever brought,

No ear hath ever caught such rejoicing!

We raise the song, we swell the throng

To praise Thee ages all along. Amen.

Prayer:

O Holy child of Bethlehem descend to us we pray. Cast out our sin and enter in, be born in us today. We hear the Christmas angels, the great, glad tidings tell. O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel. ―Phillip Brooks

Tuesday, December 1

Reader: “ O Lord, how long will you be angry with us? Forever?”

Response: “How long will your jealousy burn like fire?”

Scripture: Psalm 79

O God, pagan nations have conquered your land,

your special possession.

They have defiled your holy Temple

and made Jerusalem a heap of ruins.

They have left the bodies of your servants

as food for the birds of heaven.

The flesh of your godly ones

has become food for the wild animals.

Blood has flowed like water all around Jerusalem;

no one is left to bury the dead.

We are mocked by our neighbors,

an object of scorn and derision to those around us.

O Lord, how long will you be angry with us? Forever?

How long will your jealousy burn like fire?

Pour out your wrath on the nations that refuse to acknowledge you—

on kingdoms that do not call upon your name.

For they have devoured your people Israel,

making the land a desolate wilderness.

Do not hold us guilty for the sins of our ancestors!

Let your compassion quickly meet our needs,

for we are on the brink of despair.

Help us, O God of our salvation!

Help us for the glory of your name.

Save us and forgive our sins

for the honor of your name.

Why should pagan nations be allowed to scoff,

asking, “Where is their God?”

Show us your vengeance against the nations,

for they have spilled the blood of your servants.

Listen to the moaning of the prisoners.

Demonstrate your great power by saving those condemned to die.

O Lord, pay back our neighbors seven times

for the scorn they have hurled at you.

Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture,

will thank you forever and ever,

praising your greatness from generation to generation.

Reader: “The word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

One of the significant perspectives of being a Christian in this season of the year, is to always keep the entire picture of God’s grand story, his masterful plan of redeeming the whole created order in mind. As we have said in years past, Christmas is not simply a birthday party for Jesus. We must see each part of God’s wondrous tapestry in relation to the whole. So Advent’s opening thread emerges with the Lord’s return interwoven with the coming of God’s judgment. This psalm is an interesting, very relevant commentary on our day and age. How often have I been angry that a person or a group or a people get away with defying God, mocking him and his people, seemingly without restraint. Asaph, the psalmist, writes that godly people have been overrun and killed by pagan nations. Those who live are being scorned and ridiculed. He then assumes something I find interesting. He assumes God is angry with his own people which has resulted in the present situation. His thoughts, “God, you are venting at the wrong people. Go after them, not us!” (One of the principles throughout all of Scripture is that God welcomes his children to bare their hearts and emotions before him. God is infinitely personal. Don’t ever shy from telling God what is on your heart. He can manage!) Then comes a very, very interesting relevant phrase. “Do not hold us guilty for the sins of our ancestors!” Generational guilt! Ezekiel makes clear (Ez.18:19-20) that children do not ultimately pay for the sins of their parents when God judges. Children are not punished for the parent’s sins nor the parents for the child’s sins. Ezekiel is quoting Deuteronomy (24:16). Parent’s sins can bring later consequences, but the children are not guilty for creating these consequences. And it works the other way around as well. And so, as a result of our ancestors’ sin, we are in a tough situation. Lord help us! But did you notice that the children repent of their own sins as well. Humility and concern for God’s name is prominent then and now. Repentance is key in dealing with past sins of ancestors as well as present sins. I fear repentance for our own sins and granting forgiveness for the past is a missing factor in today’s culture.The psalmist’s appeal to God to pay the evil doers for their actions returns, “Lord pay them back!” Demonstrate your power Lord, by saving your people, and, reminding us that we are “the sheep of your pasture.” The bottom line is that our God is just, which means every action is judged and rewarded accordingly both good and evil. Healing is the ultimate goal. Advent puts Christmas in context, puts justice in context, puts our lives in context as we watch and wait for the Lord’s return. This season is a three-fold advent: Jesus came in humanity as a baby; Jesus came via the Holy Spirit into our hearts when we came to faith; Jesus will come again in glory to set up his eternal Kingdom judging the living and the dead. “Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will thank you forever and ever, praising your greatness from generation to generation.” Ps.79:13

Music: “Joy to the World” John Rutter and Cambridge Choir

Prayer:

Hear me, O God! A broken heart is my best part.

Use still thy rod, that I may prove, therein, Thy love.

If Thou hadst not been stern to me, but left me free,

I had forgotten myself and Thee.

For, sin’s so sweet, as minds ill-bent rarely repent,

Unless they meet their punishment.

Who more can crave than Thou hast done?

Thou savest a Son to free a slave,

First made of nought, with all since bought.

Sin, death, and hell His glorious Name quite overcame;

Yet I rebel and slight the same,

But, I’ll come in before my loss me farther toss;

As sure to win under His cross. ―Ben Johnson (1572-1637)

Some thoughts: The Scriptures often have meanings on several levels at the same time, meaning they apply to the immediate people and situation; they are a shadow of what is to come at a later time in terms of events; and they may also be a commentary on life itself. It behooves us to pay attention to each word and phrase of God’s Word. Such is the case of this most familiar prophetic passage from the First Testament. The diet of the early Hebrews consisted primarily of bread, meat, and liquids. The “staff of bread” is the “support of life.” To the Hebrew, bread (lehem in Hebrew) was essential to life. So when Jesus said to the Jews, “I am the bread of life” they would have read that statement as far more profound than we might. Bethlehem meant “house (beth in Hebrew) of bread.” This little village, about six miles southwest of Jerusalem, figured prominently in God’s grand unfolding story. It was here that Rachel died and was buried giving birth to Benjamin, the last of the twelve sons of Jacob. It was here that the Moabitess, Ruth, met Boaz, the son of Salmon and Rahab, the prostitute, who was instrumental in the destruction of Jericho. In both of these circumstances by grafting two non-Jewish women into the covenant of his people, God was indicating that the gospel extended to all peoples. It was here in Bethlehem that a descendant of Boaz and Ruth’s marriage, David, Israel’s greatest king (c.1000 BC), called home. And of course, Bethlehem was to serve as the entry place on planet Earth for the humble arrival of the King of kings, Jesus Christ. Micah, the prophet, lived around 725 BC, during the exile. At that time Zerubbabel, a descendant of David, was a prominent leader bringing the exiles back to Jerusalem. He was the focus of Israel’s hope for deliverance, but he mysteriously disappeared. On a deeper level, the greatest Israelite King yet to come will be highly honored around the world and bring ultimate peace. This pericope is another example of the wonder of Scripture as the various intricacies span well over 1000 years, yet are precise in detail. At the time the ordinary everyday events were occurring in such a humble place, I wonder if the players fully grasped the significance of the part they were playing in God’s grandest design. I wonder if we grasp the full significance. You see, the last verses of this passage have yet to be fulfilled, as today, we await the return of the Prince of Peace, the Bread of Life, the kingly son of Bethlehem.

Monday, November 30

Reader: “God’s word given to us.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Scripture: Micah 4:1-5

In the last days, the mountain of the Lord’s house

will be the highest of all—

the most important place on earth.

It will be raised above the other hills,

and people from all over the world will stream there to worship.

People from many nations will come and say,

“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,

to the house of Jacob’s God.

There he will teach us his ways,

and we will walk in his paths.”

For the Lord’s teaching will go out from Zion;

his word will go out from Jerusalem.

The Lord will mediate between peoples

and will settle disputes between strong nations far away.

They will hammer their swords into plowshares

and their spears into pruning hooks.

Nation will no longer fight against nation,

nor train for war anymore.

Everyone will live in peace and prosperity,

enjoying their own grapevines and fig trees,

for there will be nothing to fear.

The Lord of Heaven’s Armies

has made this promise!

Though the nations around us follow their idols,

we will follow the Lord our God forever and ever.

Reader: “The word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

As we mentioned yesterday, the first days of the Advent season are focused on Jesus’ return, the Second Coming, and setting up his eternal kingdom. Why and how did that theme emerge and what does it have to do with Christmas? The development of this season in the early centuries of the church began with time set aside for people preparing for baptism on Epiphany on January 6th. (Christmas had not yet emerged until the 4th century. Yes, Epiphany is older than Christmas.) At the same time Christians in northern Italy were under persecution and were longing for the Lord’s return. That Second Coming theme became associated with the season. Now, to our passage for today.

Micah is prophesying about a future day for Israel and a future day for us. Mountains in the Bible played a significant role. God often spoke from mountains and made his identity known. Abraham attempted to sacrifice Isaac on Mt. Moriah and which later was the place of the crucifixion of Christ. Moses met God on Mt. Sinai to receive his call to lead the Exodus. God later wrote and spoke the Law from that same mountain. It was at the top of Mt. Nebo that the Lord showed him the Promised Land. Elijah met the Lord on Mt. Sinai. The Transfiguration occurred on a mountain top and Jesus delivered his “Sermon on the Mount.” Is it any wonder that Micah refers to the mountain of the Lord as the “highest of all―the most important place on earth?” While Micah’s words were spoken 700 B.C., they are more certain than anything you will read today. The day is coming when people from all over the world will stream to Jerusalem to worship the Lord. It sounds almost fanciful to us . . . a dream out of fiction, not something that will ever literally happen. We are talking about Christ’s coming Kingdom when he is present. He will mediate between peoples and settle disputes. You’ve noticed how poorly a job we human beings are doing mediating our own disputes! In the coming days wars will not exist. Everyone will live in peace and prosperity. There will be no fear. How can that be? Notice the power of the Lord as stated here: “The Lord of Heaven’s Armies has made this promise.” The authority of Christ is absolute which brings the peace. How does all this connect to November 30th? Micah’s world was not unlike our own. The people and the nations were in rebellion against the Lord. They loved evil and hated good. Right and wrong were opposites and God bought judgment. It is always important to see each of our days in relation to the biggest picture of what God is doing and what he has in store, otherwise we can become totally embraced by the trappings of the day being consumed with only the present and miss the truth that we are on a longer journey of which life on this earth is but a prelude, a wisp. Advent calls us to “watch and wait” for the coming Kingdom. This Advent hymn describes beautifully the coming King establishing his glorious Kingdom.

Music:

“Lo He Comes with Clouds Descending” Litchfield Cathedral Choir

1. Lo, he comes with clouds descending,

once for favored sinners slain;

thousand thousand saints attending

swell the triumph of his train:

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

God appears on earth to reign.

2. Every eye shall now behold him

robed in dreadful majesty;

those who set at naught and sold him,

pierced and nailed him to the tree,

deeply wailing, deeply wailing, deeply wailing,

shall the true Messiah see.

3. Those dear tokens of his passion

still his dazzling body bears,

cause of endless exultation

to his ransomed worshippers:

with what rapture, with

what rapture, with what rapture,

gaze we on those glorious scars!

4. Yea, Amen, let all adore thee,

high on thine eternal throne;

Savior, take the power and glory,

claim the kingdom for thine own:

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

Thou shalt reign and thou alone.

Prayer:

Glorious God, give me grace to amend my life, and to have an eye to my end without begrudging death, which to those who die in you, good Lord, is the gate of a wealthy life. And give me, good Lord, a humble lowly, quiet, peaceable, patient, charitable, kind, tender and pitiful mind, in all my works and all my words and all my thoughts, to have a taste of your holy blessed Spirit. Give me, good Lord, a full faith, a firm hope, and a fervent charity, a love of you incomparably above the love of myself. Give me, good Lord, a longing to be with you, not to avoid the calamities of this world, nor so much attain the joys of heaven, as simply for love of you. And give me, good Lord, your love and favor, which my love of you, however great it might be, could not deserve were it not for your great goodness. These things, good Lord, that I pray for, give me your grace to labor for. ―Thomas More (Written a week before his execution.)

Sunday, November 29, FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT

PREFACE

As we come to the 2020 season of Advent, the world is very different from last year for all of us. Some of our loved ones have passed. Maybe there were additions to the family via a birth, an adoption, or a marriage. Perhaps there was a tough diagnosis or news of a wonderful remission. There may have been a joyous promotion or a difficult termination of a job. Then there are the relentless tensions in our nation and around the world as people struggle to get along. In the midst of these “normal” things, we’ve all dealt with the pandemic of Covid 19 and the various lockdowns and masks. All of these kinds of uncertainties put the Advent season in a different light again this year. In his unchanging Word, God speaks to us each passing year bringing us deeper and greater insight into its timeless significance thereby drawing us closer to himself. The truth is, time on earth is moving ever closer to the Return of the Lord, the final Advent.

As this is the thirteenth year of writing these devotionals, running this year from November 29th through Epiphany, January 6th, the purpose remains the same. Put simply, it is that you and I 1) encounter the Lord each day in the Scriptures, 2) grow in our theological understanding and biblical knowledge of the God we worship and finally, 3) develop (or maintain) a daily pattern of reading the Bible. There is a reason the Lord provided manna one day at a time for the Israelites. We need spiritual food daily. Paul writes, “that I may know him and the power of his resurrection.” That is exactly what we’re after. The passages, which focus on Advent, are chosen from the Revised Common Lectionary Year B. I’ve included a variety of kinds of music to inspire and underscore the points we are making in the short commentaries. The prayers come from the last 3,000 years of conversations with God by various people, including some from the present day. I would encourage you to make an Advent wreath and have someone light the appropriate candle as you do each devotional. (For those of you who wonder, the pink candle (joy) is lit on the third Sunday in Advent and the white Christ candle is lit on Christmas Eve.) If you read these as a family, have different members read different parts. One of the good things that has come out of the times of lockdowns and cancellations of so many events is that it has given families time to be together, including eating together! You may want to read the devotionals as a family after dinner (or what used to be called supper!)

One final word: would you think of three or four people you could pass the link to (family, friends, and co-workers) around the country and the world who may benefit from the devotionals. The link to the free subscription is simply: sharpdevotional.com They click on the site, enter their email and that’s it! Then they will receive the emails in their boxes each morning. One of the largest international groups receiving these emails is in Hong Kong! Thank you for subscribing and passing the link along! It’s our only way to spread the word.

Watch for the Lenten Devotional beginning February 17th, 2021. Also, a HUGE thank you to my son, Jonathan Sharp, who is making all of this possible on the internet side of things and to my wife, Nancy, for proofreading all these words! The Lord be with you all.
Dan’s email at: dansharp9@gmail.com

Sunday, November 29, FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT

*Read the Preface if you haven’t. It will give some context for the devotionals.

Candle Lighter: “The Light of the world is coming!” (As you light the first Advent candle.)

Reader: “Keep watch!”

Response: “The Lord is coming back!”

Scripture: Isaiah 64:1-9

Sometimes it seems as though we never belonged to you, as though we had never

been known as your people. (Is.63:19)

Oh, that you would burst from the heavens and come down!

How the mountains would quake in your presence!

As fire causes wood to burn

and water to boil,

your coming would make the nations tremble.

Then your enemies would learn the reason for your fame!

When you came down long ago,

you did awesome deeds beyond our highest expectations.

And oh, how the mountains quaked!

For since the world began,

no ear has heard

and no eye has seen a God like you,

who works for those who wait for him!

You welcome those who gladly do good,

who follow godly ways.

But you have been very angry with us,

for we are not godly.

We are constant sinners;

how can people like us be saved?

We are all infected and impure with sin.

When we display our righteous deeds,

they are nothing but filthy rags.

Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall,

and our sins sweep us away like the wind.

Yet no one calls on your name

or pleads with you for mercy.

Therefore, you have turned away from us

and turned us over to our sins.

And yet, O Lord, you are our Father.

We are the clay, and you are the potter.

We all are formed by your hand.

Don’t be so angry with us, Lord.

Please don’t remember our sins forever.

Look at us, we pray,

and see that we are all your people.

Reader: “The word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

Israel is in turmoil. And they wonder why God seems far away when the people have been engaged in sin and rebellion? Hello!! The people were in difficult times, not unlike our day. Their relationship to God is estranged, not unlike our day. Israel has been at war with a frequent enemy, a distant relative, the Edomites, descendents from Esau, Jacob’s twin brother. Notice the overall structure of this pericope: 1) God is acknowledged as Creator; 2) the people have fallen away from God; 3) the people repent of their sin; and 4) the people desire restoration with the Lord. Isaiah’s concern is that the people would reflect a reverence for the Lord which was not happening, not unlike our day. The prophet, in talking with the Lord, begins this passage by declaring “when you [God] came down long ago.” To what is he referring? Creation. “Since the world began, no ear has heard and no eye has seen a God like you.” (Paul much later quotes this same verse in I Cor. 1:9.) The world of Isaiah had dismissed God as irrelevant, not unlike our day. The transparency of Isaiah’s confession before the Lord is powerful . . . “we are not godly, we are constant sinners, we are all infected and impure with sin, our sins sweep us away, no one calls on your name . . .” again, not unlike our day. “Infected” seems like the perfect word to describe the days of Isaiah and of our own world. We live in a culture with a rampant, pandemic sin infection which has but One cure. Along with the people of Israel, our society is in need of the Savior. The passage concludes with this strong word of hope . . . in spite of our gross, continued failures, you are our Father, God. You made us. As your children, Lord, forgive our sins. . . As you read this devotional, some of you are undoubtedly wondering what in the world does this have to do with Advent? If you reread the passage, you’ll notice at the beginning a longing for God to again “come down.” Advent begins with a longing for the Second Coming, a “coming down” and the establishing of God’s Kingdom on earth. Advent points to the end of the world and the ushering in of a new heaven on earth. This past year of 2020 has been one of the most tumultuous of times in most of our lives with the worldwide outbreak of COVID 19, racial tension, in addition to orchestrated anarchy in the United States. We are a people deeply infected by sin. In these unsettling times, a great deal of repentance and healing needs to take place in every person as we await the Savior’s return. This passage of Scripture concludes with “Look at us, we pray, and see that we are all your people.” Yes, we are all made in the image of God. Today, let us live like it.

Music: “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” arr. Alice Parker

Bonus: “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” Anna Hawkins (In Hebrew and English)

Prayer:

O Son of God and Son of man, Thou wast incarnate, didst suffer, rise, ascend for my sake; Thy departure was not a token of separation but a pledge of return; Thy Word, promises, and sacraments show thy death until thou come again. Grant that I may, with all diligence, walk in a manner worthy of my status as a child of Thine. May I live with a repentant heart, humble soul, Spirit-quickened mind, and a quiet spirit until that great day when all will see Thee face to face. In the Savior’s name. Amen.

―adapted Daniel Sharp

Complete Eastertide Music List

Below is the complete list of music links for Eastertide.

Eastertide Music 2020

April 13 “O Gladsome Light” from Vespers by Rachmaninoff Robert Shaw Festival Singers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PmHP-56Npc

April 14 “Guide Me O, Thou Great Jehovah” Tabernacle Baptist Welsh Church

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wT4n1hGjDDg

April 15 “Thine Is the Victory” First Plymouth-Church arr. Horby

www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Q2OuTUvChw

April 16 “Be Still My Soul” Libera

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwkPsKe-39Y

April 17 “The Trumpet Shall Sound” from Messiah Philippe Sly

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13DpmWPV9IU

April 18 “In the Garden” Alan Jackson An old gospel song inspired by this account.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhIGIfsLxVk

April 19 “Worthy Is the Lamb” from Messiah Robert Shaw (The conclusion of Messiah)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYqa4_3Lc48 Glorious AMEN!!

Bonus:

“I Have Seen the Lord” Vigil

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7G3IFp3Ckiw

April 20 ““I Can Only Imagine” Mercy Me

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_lrrq_opng

April 21 ““Hallelujah Chorus from Mount of Olives by Beethoven Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-mNxQ6Kslk

April 22 “The Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ” Simon Khorolskiy & Brothers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0T-M9iPZfMk

April 23 ““At the Name of Jesus” Cardiff Festival Choir

https://join.skype.com/M8O4IU8Cbzdh

April 24 ““I Love the Lord” Whitney Houston Text based on this psalm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPLP1ui4YNc From the “Preacher’s Wife” movie

A live performance by Whitney Houston

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lU9iJ0YU0PQ

April 25 “Let Us Break Bread Together” Jessye Norman

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFQqOWh2aOY

April 26 “Hail Gladdening Light” Rachmaninoff Vespers Robert Shaw Festival Singers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PmHP-56Npc sung in Russian, English translation

April 27 “Behold All Flesh” Movement II from Brahms Requiem Herbert Von Karajan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2jc13Q1wX4

April 28 “Jesus Is the Cornerstone” Larnelle Harris An oldie from the past!

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

April 29 ““There is Power in the Blood” Fernando Ortega

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVKF7gt3Cak&list=PL9492611BFCFAB267&index=3

April 30 “Sanctus” from Requiem by Duruflé

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hESnJ0HHlxI

Translation:

Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts.

Heaven and earth are full of thy glory.

Hosanna in the highest.

May 1 “The Lord is My Shepherd” by John Rutter Atlanta Master Chorale

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOtsuzM6h7M

May 2 “Surely Goodness, Surely Mercy” Shane & Shane

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mo3HgtT_OiE

May 3 “The Lord’s My Shepherd I’ll not Want” Citrail

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-qLa_2GPcM

May 4 “Hear Am I Lord” Nation Youth Choir of Scotland Don’t miss this!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcL9S5a3weU&list=RDgcL9S5a3weU&index=2

Mar 5 “The Lord Bless You and Keep You” John Rutter Massed Choir

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCpxgEHqjFA

May 6 “O Master Let Me Walk with Thee” Hour of Power Choir

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4FhFozCX-w

May 7 “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnGMNvRBJ4w

May 8 “I Want Jesus to Walk with Me” Moses Hogan Chorale Gorgeous!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwCBdLy8ork

May 9 “Give Me Jesus” Fernando Ortega at Ruth Graham Funeral

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vu2E2FUcIiE

May 10 “A City Called Heaven” Salt Lake Vocal Artists

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-P-DwTDzRZs

May11 “Agnus Dei” Voces8 There are only 8 people singing, no overdubs, one on a part! (Samuel Barber)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuBQZFOnk7s

May 12 “Once to Every Man and Nation” Fountainview Academy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSMqesZz3tU

May 13 “Whom Shall I Fear” David Wesley

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=belPmfNDuko

May 14 “A Broken and Contrite Spirit” Sons of Korah Beautiful, unique

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RnDuwbz5UI Make this your prayer today.

May 15 “Baptized in Water” The Orchard Enterprises

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6arW9XKmRHk

May 16 “Credo” from Gospel Mass of Robert Ray St. Olaf Choir

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glT-EiSsMOg

May 17 “Blessings” Laura Story God does reveal himself, not always as we think.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQan9L3yXjc

May 18 “Our God, Our Help in Ages Past” Grace Community Church

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKP_XxCBDZY

May 19 “Sanctus and Agnus Dei” Vinnie Zarleltti Institute for Worship Studies

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VObanClX-_Y

May 20 “Deep River” Mormon Tabernacle Choir (We like the music, the theology has some major problems.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiIURFm63Yk

May 21 “Alleluia, Sing to Jesus” First Plymouth Church, Lincoln, NE arr. Robert Hobby

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rI-nTy0iHmU&list=RDrI-nTy0iHmU&start_radio=1&t=0

May 22 “Then Did Elijah Break Forth” from “Elijah” Mendelssohn, New York Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus (This is part of a glorious oratorio on the life of Elijah.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXkaxTfUY40

May 23 “We Come, O Christ, to You” Grace Community Church

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ScQfSjzbsY&t=119s

May 24 “Jesus, Lover of My Soul” Fernando Ortega

https://ww.youtube.com/watch?v=MdcqhSAXMgE

May 25 “It is Well with My Soul” Wartburg College Choir

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyPEohF6qq8

May 26 “Down to the River to Pray”

Bethel College Choir from a grain

bin! Don’t miss it! The point is to pray until Jesus

returns!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rjix44QzFQ

May 27 “From Heaven to Earth I Come” Bach

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpy-GcICccE

May 28 “May the Mind of Christ My Savior” Jake Armerding

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXUOuzJo1bE

May 29 “In Christ Alone” Virtual Choir You CANNOT miss this!! WOW!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RY4CW5pte98

May 30 “The Beatitudes” Arvo Pärt This is a little different, but beautiful!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weo-mBK6U2o

May 31 “Cum Sancto Spiritu” Vivaldi National Chamber Choir of Armenia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdTQPpsP5W8

Text:

With the Holy Spirit in the

glory of God the Father. Amen.

“Holy Spirit You are Welcome Here” Amplified Praise

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2q7hMfmVL3I

“Veni Sancte Spiritus” from Lux Aeterna Lauridsen Schönhausen-Chor Krefeld, Germany

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpBwkgd_380

Sunday, May 31 Pentecost

Reader: “On the day of Pentecost”

Response: “all the believers were meeting together in one place.”

Scripture: Acts 2:1-13

On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.

At that time there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem. When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers.

They were completely amazed. “How can this be?” they exclaimed. “These people are all from Galilee, and yet we hear them speaking in our own native languages! Here we are—Parthians, Medes, Elamites, people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, the province of Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, and the areas of Libya around Cyrene, visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism), Cretans, and Arabs. And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!”

They stood there amazed and perplexed. “What can this mean?” they asked each other.

But others in the crowd ridiculed them, saying, “They’re just drunk, that’s all!”

Reader: “The word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

You’ll recall that the Feast of Pentecost was one of three pilgrimage festivals which required every Jewish male to journey to the Temple in Jerusalem to celebrate the feast. That explains why there were Jews present from all over the known world. (In the absence of today’s media, what better way to spread the gospel. In fact, people to people communication is still the most effective way on earth!) For the past ten days the disciples and a group of believers had remained in Jerusalem praying together daily in accordance with Jesus’ directive at his ascension. They were to wait for the gift of the Holy Spirit that would come to dwell with them in Jesus’ absence. The believers were gathered when a violent supernatural wind from heaven came blowing through the room. Wind in Scripture often depicts the presence of the Spirit of God. The wind hovered over the waters at creation. Breath was breathed in man at creation and in the dry bones of Ezekiel’s day. The wind split the Red Sea. Elijah went to heaven in a whirlwind of fire. In talking with Nicodemus, Jesus referred to the Spirit as wind blowing where it will. Fire and wind appear together again in this passage. This coming of the Holy Spirit is the fulfillment of John the Baptist’s words that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire, again, fire representing the presence of God. Whereas the presence of the Holy Spirit was given in measured degrees in the First Testament among various prophets, as we have mentioned previously, this was the first time it was given in full measure to all believers. With the gift of the Holy Spirit, came the power for the Galilean fishermen to speak in languages they had never learned. As has often been pointed out, this event is a kind of reversal of the events of the Tower of Babel, where the language was the unifying factor and the people’s great pride in themselves was the central focus. There God confused the languages so they could not understand each other and the people scattered over the face of the earth, destroying their prideful, man-centered unity. Now, people from those scattered countries thousands of years later hear the good news in their many languages that God has delivered people from their pride and sin, the very thing that caused them to be scattered in the first place! Though there were multiple very diverse languages being spoken, now the unifying factor of the people was the gospel! The unity of the whole of Scripture is undeniable. (This is one of the reasons it is so important to study the First Testament as well as the New Testament.) The areas mentioned would be the modern day regions of the Kurds, Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Arab regions south and east of Israel, Egypt, Libya, islands in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, and Rome. One of the central themes of the feast of Pentecost historically has been repentance. So it is no surprise that Peter’s sermon which follows this passage is on repentance, with the result being thousands of people became believers! And that same Holy Spirit continues to convert thousands of people in our day.

What a fitting way to conclude these past fifty days of time in God’s word. The ability to lead a Christian life in our own strength, determination, and self-reliance is not possible. Perfection is God’s standard, hence, we are doomed. God provided his Son to take our place on the perfection side of things as he accepted Jesus’ death in our condemned place as evidenced by the torn curtain. At Jesus’ departure he gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit to indwell all believers to enable them to have the power to live the life to which we’ve been called. Our job? Obedience to his voice to become more and more like our Savior.

Music: “Cum Sancto Spiritu” Vivaldi National Chamber Choir of Armenia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdTQPpsP5W8

Text:

With the Holy Spirit in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

“Holy Spirit You are Welcome Here” Amplified Praise

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2q7hMfmVL3I

“Veni Sancte Spiritus” from Lux Aeterna Lauridsen Schönhausen-Chor Krefeld, Germany

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpBwkgd_380

Text:

Veni, Sancte Spiritus,

Et emitte coelitus

Lucis tuae radium.

Veni, pater pauperum,

Veni, dator munerum,

Veni, lumen cordium.

Come, Holy Spirit,

Send forth from heaven

The ray of Thy light.

Come, father of the poor,

Come, giver of gifts,

Come, light of hearts.

Consolator optime,

Dulcis hospes animae,

Dulce refrigerium.

In labore requies,

In aestu temperies,

In fletu solatium.

Thou best of Consolers,

Sweet guest of the soul,

Sweet refreshment.

In labor, Thou art rest,

In heat, the tempering,

In grief, the consolation.

O lux beatissima,

Reple cordis intima

Tuorum fidelium.

Sine tuo numine,

Nihil est in homine,

Nihil est innoxium.

O Light most blessed,

Fill the inmost heart

Of all Thy faithful.

Without Thy grace,

There is nothing in us,

Nothing that is not harmful.

Lava quod est sordidum,

Riga quod est aridum,

Sana quod est saucium.

Flecte quod est rigidum,

Fove quod est frigidum,

Rege quod est devium.

Cleanse what is sordid,

Moisten what is arid,

Heal what is hurt.

Flex what is rigid,

Fire what is frigid,

Correct what goes astray.

Da tuis fidelibus

In te confitentibus,

Sacrum septenarium.

Da virtutis meritum,

Da salutis exitum,

Da perenne gaudium.

Grant to Thy faithful,

Those trusting in Thee,

Thy sacred seven-fold gifts.

Grant the reward of virtue,

Grant the deliverance of salvation,

Grant everlasting joy.

Prayer:

Almighty and most merciful Father, we have not used to your glory the gifts you bestowed in sending down the Holy Spirit upon your Church. We have not remained in the grace of the gospel. We have despised your holy word spoken to us by your prophets; we have disobeyed your commandments delivered to us by your apostles. We have not fulfilled the trust you committed to us, that we should call the ends of the earth to serve you, and gather for Christ your children scattered abroad. Hide your face, O Lord, from our sins, and blot out all our iniquities. Make our hearts clean, O God and renew a right spirit within us. Do not cast us away from your presence; take not your Holy Spirit from us. Make thy servants, O God, to be set on fire with thy Spirit, strengthened by thy power, illuminated by thy splendor, filed with thy grace, and to go forward by thine aid, and manfully having finished our course, may we be enabled happily to enter into thy kingdom. In the name of Jesus. Amen. ―Prayers for Sunday Services, p.104

Friends,

Thank you so much for subscribing and sharing these moments with the Lord these past days. It has truly been a joy in preparing these devotionals. My hope is that you have gained in your love for the Lord and have been drawn closer to him and at the same time grown in your knowledge of the Scriptures. I also hope you’ve been introduced to some new music or known music in new settings. In a few months I’ll most likely be working on next year’s Advent series. You may also receive some emails with some things to think about between now and then, but at any rate begin looking for Advent devotionals the first Sunday in Advent, November 29, 2020.

The Lord be with you,

Dan

One more pieceof music. This is as beautiful music as you will hear.!

“Benedictus” Karl Jenkins (7:33 choir comes in at about 4 minutes in)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibwxzxER_pY

Text: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest!

Saturday, May 30

Reader: “One day as he saw the crowds gathering,”

Response: “Jesus began to teach them.”

Scripture: Matthew 5:1-12

One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, and he began to teach them.

[The Beatitudes]

“God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him,

for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

God blesses those who mourn,

for they will be comforted.

God blesses those who are humble,

for they will inherit the whole earth.

God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice,

for they will be satisfied

God blesses those who are merciful,

for they will be shown mercy.

God blesses those whose hearts are pure,

for they will see God.

God blesses those who work for peace,

for they will be called the children of God.

God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right,

for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

“God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.”

Reader: “The word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

Throughout the Bible, the word “righteous” or “righteousness” often appears. Some people view the word in a pejorative sense; he is such a righteous Joe! A few years back in the 1990’s, it also had another connotation in the phrase, “You are a righteous dude!” which meant you were really cool, with it, groovey, hip . . . oh what beautiful and thoughtful expressions of our language. We have such a profound way with words! In the passage you just read, Jesus has described righteousness in terms of a way to live, an attitude to embrace in terms of moral behavior, a mindset to adopt in terms of how we live and think in relation to others. Jesus’ half brother, James, works with this same idea in the New Testament book bearing his name. Paul works with righteousness in terms of God’s saving acts that put us in a right relationship to God. The righteousness here described by Jesus is the living out of the righteousness described by Paul. In summary, as described by Jesus: 1) The poor refers to the physically poor. They have recognized their wealth comes not from anything material, but in their trust in God making them very blessed. 2) The mourning can come from any number of sources. The comfort that results from God is not commanded by the mourner, but is the result of God’s promise to comfort. Again, this is a person living in relationship with God. 3) This quote of Jesus comes from the Old Testament. Israel was called upon to humble themselves and trust God in their desert journey and they would inherit the Promised Land. In our case, we are not to fight for ourselves but are to trust God and we will inherit the fulfillment of his promises to us. 4) The one hungering and thirsting for righteousness is that person is striving in their own life to obey God at every point. It can also refer to that individual whose desire it is to see justice for everyone and works toward that end wanting God’s will to be done. 5) When I show mercy toward another who owes me, it demonstrates that God is working in me. Showing mercy is a mark of godliness. 6) A transparent heart before God is essential if we are to see God and have open communication. A pure heart is one that has been “purified” by the blood of Christ. God doesn’t work well with insincere, natural hearts since they are in a state of sin. 7) Those working for peace are to work for peace with God for justice, reconciliation, and righteousness in the will of God, and not as they themselves determine what is peace, justice, and righteousness. Ultimately, the one in the dispute is the one who must come to peace. 8) The “doing right” in the case of persecution, is being identified with Christ in spite of any circumstance that might arise. Persecution happened to Jesus, to his disciples, to his followers through the centuries, and most certainly does happen to you and me. It’s part of living counter-culturally as believers in Jesus Christ.

Music: “The Beatitudes” Arvo Pärt This is a little different, but beautiful!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weo-mBK6U2o

Prayer:

O Thou who dwellest in our poor and shabby human life, lifting it now and then above the dominance of animal passion and greed, allowing it to shine with the borrowed lights of love and joy and peace, and making it a mirror of the beauties of a world unseen, grant that my part in the world’s life today may not be to obscure the splendour of Thy presence but rather to make it more plainly visible to the eyes of my fellow men. Let me stand today―for whatever is pure and true and just and good: for the advancement of science and education and true learning: for the redemption of daily business from the blight of self-seeking: for the rights of the weak and the oppressed: for industrial cooperation and mutual help: for the conservation of the rich traditions of the past: for the recognition of new workings of Thy Spirit in the minds of the men of my own time: for the hope of yet more glorious days to come. Today, O Lord―let me put right before interest: let me put others before self: let me put the things of the spirit before the things of the body: let me put the attainment of nobel ends above the enjoyment of present pleasures: let me put principle above reputation: let me put Thee before all else. O Thou the reflection of whose transcendent glory did once appear unbroken in the face of Jesus Christ, give me today a heart like His―a brave heart, a true heart, a tender heart, a heart with great room in it, a heart fixed on Thyself: for his name’s sake. Amen.

―from a Diary of Private Prayer, John Baillie, p.61

Friday, May 29

Reader: “Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord,”

Response: “for our hope is in you alone.”

Scripture: Psalm 33:12-22

What joy for the nation whose God is the Lord,

whose people he has chosen as his inheritance.

The Lord looks down from heaven

and sees the whole human race.

From his throne he observes

all who live on the earth.

He made their hearts,

so he understands everything they do.

The best-equipped army cannot save a king,

nor is great strength enough to save a warrior.

Don’t count on your warhorse to give you victory—

for all its strength, it cannot save you.

But the Lord watches over those who fear him,

those who rely on his unfailing love.

He rescues them from death

and keeps them alive in times of famine.

We put our hope in the Lord.

He is our help and our shield.

In him our hearts rejoice,

for we trust in his holy name.

Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord,

for our hope is in you alone.

Reader: “The word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

Here is an example of the importance of understanding the context of a passage of Scripture. The above portion is the last half of Psalm 33. The whole psalm is one of creation and might actually be a continuation of Psalm 32. At any rate, when we pick up the text for today’s reading, it is based on previous verses. We are talking about those people and nations who fear the Lord and are in awe of him. Fearing the Lord puts one or a nation in a place of being chosen and blessed by God. Think about this great truth, God made your heart and so he understands you completely, even better than you do!

Your heart is not like anyone else’s. How often have you said, “Now, why did I do that? What was I thinking?” If you ask God, he could answer both those questions! The heart in the Hebrew understanding, can mean the organ, the soul, the seat of emotion, the mind of knowledge, the inner part of something, the inner being of man, the seat of desire, the seat of conscience, or the seat of rebellion. Because man controls his heart, a heart born in sin, and because he does not fully understand it, and God does, man is in need of a new heart. God’s promise is “A new heart also will I give you, . . . and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh” (Ezek.36:26). David prays “Create in me a clean heart, O God” (Psalm 51:10). Rest in God’s care of your heart. Lest we forget, neither great strength nor great power is sufficient to save when compared to God’s care. For the person who fears God, the loving eye of the Lord is continually on them to guard and to guide, then and now in these troubled days. By the time you read this, I’m hoping things have calmed down a bit in regards to the virus and all the second-guessing. Please, only God is sovereign! The psalm concludes with the ABSOLUTE truth! “Our hope is in you alone.” Amen.

Music: “In Christ Alone” Virtual Choir You CANNOT miss this!! WOW!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RY4CW5pte98

Prayer:

Thank goodness, Lord, you know my heart! Please continue to mold and fashion it after your own loving heart. Thank you for making me and loving me and drawing me to yourself. I take great comfort in knowing you are caring after all your children. May our hearts be always tuned to you and bring us back when we stray. Thank you for coming after us when we get off course. At times drawing us back again is not pleasant from our standpoint, but oh, so necessary. We have certainly shown the world and ourselves how impotent and deceptive our hearts are and that, in fact, man cannot solve or control all things. Thank you for the reminder! Lord have mercy. We love you and thank you. May we stay in your path on our journey to your home. In the glorious name of Jesus, Amen. ―Daniel Sharp

Thursday, May 28

Reader: “You will be my kingdom of priests,”

Response: “my holy nation.”

Scripture: Exodus 9:1-9

Exactly two months after the Israelites left Egypt, they arrived in the wilderness of Sinai. After breaking camp at Rephidim, they came to the wilderness of Sinai and set up camp there at the base of Mount Sinai.

Then Moses climbed the mountain to appear before God. The Lord called to him from the mountain and said, “Give these instructions to the family of Jacob; announce it to the descendants of Israel: ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians. You know how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me. And you will be my kingdom of priests, my holy nation.’ This is the message you must give to the people of Israel.”

So Moses returned from the mountain and called together the elders of the people and told them everything the Lord had commanded him. And all the people responded together, “We will do everything the Lord has commanded.” So Moses brought the people’s answer back to the Lord.

Then the Lord said to Moses, “I will come to you in a thick cloud, Moses, so the people themselves can hear me when I speak with you. Then they will always trust you.”

Reader: “The word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

When God met Moses at the burning bush, he told him the day would come when he, Moses, would lead the Children of Israel to this mountain to worship. (Ex.3:12) This promise was fulfilled. At this point in our reading, the people had not yet received the Law, the Ten Commandments, nor entered into their covenant with God. In calling Moses to climb Sinai for their meeting, God affirmed the people’s history by referring to them as the family of Jacob and as the descendents of Israel, (Remember, God changed Jacob’s name to Israel when they wrestled Gen. 32:28). God was reminding Moses that you all are my people. I began with a man, Abraham, developed a family, Jacob (Israel), and have built that family into the nation of Israel which you are to lead. God laid out his plan for Israel to Moses. God has chosen these people to be a kingdom of priests, a holy nation to bring blessing to the entire earth. Moses followed through and shared with the elders regarding the covenant with God and told them everything God had said. The people’s response was, “We will do everything the Lord has commanded,” and Moses fainted! After he was revived, Moses returned to the Lord with the people’s answer . . .and God fainted! (It didn’t happen quite that way!) God did come though, to Moses in a thick cloud. This is another of the many times in Scripture where God appears in a cloud indicating his presence. There is always purpose in everything God does both then and now. In this case, God wanted the people to hear him speaking out of the cloud with Moses in order to help the people always trust Moses. God was affirming Moses’ leadership from the start of the building of the nation of Israel. There would be numerous times upcoming that the people would rebel against Moses’ authority. Have you noticed how often the word “obedience” enters into the text of the Scriptures when interaction with God is involved? Since the Fall, obedience and submission to the Lord have been a human problem, and a problem for you and for me. Time in the Scriptures is where we hear the voice of God, ironically to get us out of the fog of self.

Music: “May the Mind of Christ My Savior” Jake Armerding

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXUOuzJo1bE

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, how many times have I said to you, “I will do everything you have said” only to fail with the words barely off my lips. My will is fickle, my intentions too often mixed, my heart too changeable. I confess I find it too easy to rationalize in doing what I want. Sometimes, like the Israelites, I get it right and follow you. But grant Lord, that my time with you each day, as you speak from the Scriptures, would increasingly shine through the cloud and burn off the fog of self that is all too familiar in order that I might see your glory and learn to fear you in awe and wonder and obedience. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. ―Daniel Sharp

Wednesday, May 27

Reader: “Anyone who believes in God’s Son”

Response: “has eternal life.”

Scripture: John 3:31-36

“He has come from above and is greater than anyone else. We are of the earth, and we speak of earthly things, but he has come from heaven and is greater than anyone else. He testifies about what he has seen and heard, but how few believe what he tells them! Anyone who accepts his testimony can affirm that God is true. For he is sent by God. He speaks God’s words, for God gives him the Spirit without limit. The Father loves his Son and has put everything into his hands. And anyone who believes in God’s Son has eternal life. Anyone who doesn’t obey the Son will never experience eternal life but remains under God’s angry judgment.”

Reader: “The word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

Imagine a man coming from another world, totally unlike earth. He looks completely human and acts totally normal except for some unusual powers that pop up every now and then. He talks about things and places he has been that are utterly fantastic, almost unbelievable. He tells us that God sent him and that he is on a mission to fulfill God’s plan. He even had an advance man! We have institutions for people like that. Yet, such was the situation for the Jews and those living in the time of Christ. The people in our world, the ones we interact with at work and in our neighborhoods, face the same question as did the Jews when Jesus lived among them. We are asking the world to believe that a couple thousand years ago, a man, Jesus, who claimed to be God in the flesh, came from another world, heaven, as a superhuman being on a mission from God. We are definite earthlings! We talk about things on earth, work, family, money, concerts, sports, politics, health, etc. Jesus talked about those things too, but from a heavenly, eternal perspective. From his perspective: Who is it that we ultimately work for? How do we love our family? How should we value money? How do we use the time we’ve been given? What should be our attitude about those who govern us? What is good health? What is spiritual health? What is our purpose in life? The problem then and now is that most people reject his message.

There is another uniqueness here for the Jews. In the First Testament, rabbis believed that the prophets received the Spirit in differing measures. (e.g.Elisha asked for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit.) Here, John writes that Jesus was given the Spirit without measure, no limits. John makes clear in chapter one in the first verse that Jesus is fully God, which means he has the Spirit in full as he dwells in the Godhead. At Pentecost Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to indwell all believers, who likewise receive the Spirit. The question is not how much of the Holy Spirit one has, but rather whether or not one is obedient to the prompting of the Spirit. Believing in Jesus brings eternal life. And with believing comes obedience to the Son. Failure to believe in Jesus means that person continues to live in a state of separation from God, and remains in a position of condemnation. The God-man from another world, Jesus, has brought life, hope, forgiveness, reconciliation to God, and everlasting life to all who will repent and believe. Who could reject such love?

Music: “From Heaven to Earth I Come” Bach

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpy-GcICccE

Prayer:

Bring us, O Lord God, at the last awakening into the house and gate of heaven, to enter into that gate and dwell in that house, where there shall be no darkness nor dazzling, but one equal light; no noise or silence, but one equal music; no fears nor hopes, but an equal possession; no ends nor beginnings, but one equal eternity, in the habitations of thy majesty and thy glory, world without end. Amen.

―John Donne, 1571-1631, from Eerdmans’ Book of Famous Prayers, p.512

Tuesday, May 26

Reader: “Continue to show deep love for each other,”

Response: “for love covers a multitude of sins.”

Scripture: I Peter 4:7-11

The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay.

God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.

Reader: “The word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

“The end of the world is coming soon.” Yikes! Those are ominous words. In reading the letters of Peter and Paul in particular, there was a strong feeling that Jesus would be returning shortly, certainly within their lifetimes. Through the centuries there have been numerous times when it seemed the end seemed imminent. There is no shortage of people in our day and age who likewise think the end of the world and the return of Christ is very near, perhaps within our lifetime. In the Olivet Discourse, Jesus warned people what to watch for in terms of signs, but made very clear only the Father knew when the Second Coming would be. There have been any number of books written about how we are to live in the last days. God gives us some very practical direction through Peter’s epistle. We are to be earnest, serious, clear-minded, watchful, and disciplined in our prayers. We are to be a praying people. Are you disciplined in your prayer life? A second instruction until the return of Christ, is the demonstration of loving each other.

Loving someone earnestly from the heart surely makes forgiving the offender much easier. The more mature we are in loving people, the less easily we are offended. Hospitality is the mark of the Holy Spirit and all of us are to live that way. God is reminding, as you read this (!), that he has given you a gift to be used in serving other people. Whether it is in speaking or helping others, do it with energy and joy! What happens when you use what God has given you is that God gets glory through Jesus.

Peter adds a final doxology: All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen. We have simple instructions: pray, be hospitable, love, use what God has given you. Did you notice, Peter did not say, dwell on the last days or the end times, but be busy doing God’s work?

Music: “Down to the River to Pray” Bethel College Choir from a grain bin! Don’t miss it! The point is to pray until Jesus returns!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rjix44QzFQ

Prayer:

Almighty God, you have given us the sure promise that our Lord Jesus will return to judge the earth: make us ready, we pray for his royal coming, that we may consider daily the quality of our service and so be found faithful servants waiting and watching for our Master’s return. Make us bold in our witness and grant in our mercy that many may be turned to righteousness before he comes; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

―from Prayers for Sunday Services, p.67

Monday, May 25

Reader: “Since Christ suffered physical pain,”

Response: “you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had.”

Scripture: I Peter 4:1-6

So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too. For if you have suffered physically for Christ, you have finished with sin. You won’t spend the rest of your lives chasing your own desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God. You have had enough in the past of the evil things that godless people enjoy—their immorality and lust, their feasting and drunkenness and wild parties, and their terrible worship of idols.

Of course, your former friends are surprised when you no longer plunge into the flood of wild and destructive things they do. So they slander you. But remember that they will have to face God, who stands ready to judge everyone, both the living and the dead. That is why the Good News was preached to those who are now dead—so although they were destined to die like all people, they now live forever with God in the Spirit.

Reader: “The word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

Peter wrote this letter around 60 AD, most likely from Rome. Hostile persecution against Christians was rising. Peter’s letter is also true about the world in which we live. Though in the United States the level is not yet to the intensity of Nero’s persecutions, there are very hostile attacks on Christians in other parts of the world to be sure. There are places where it is life-threatening to declare one’s Christian faith. Peter assured his readers that suffering was normal for the life of a believer and that we should expect such, since Christ also suffered physically. While suffering can embitter and harden the heart, it is one of the primary ways of purifying the soul. How so? The life of a Christian is counter-cultural; we are swimming against the current. That kind of life is irritating and convicting to those going with the flow. For one thing, it proves to them that one doesn’t have to embrace the popular trend or practice. A Christian way of living removes a convenient excuse, “Well, everybody is doing it.” In a culture of people with darkened minds, the Christian life makes little sense to them. Another “benefit” to the suffering soul, is that when you suffer for or from something, my guess is that you talk with the Lord much more frequently than you do when things are going smoothly. I’m always amazed that in times of great stress, like this COVID-19 problem, people who normally are down on Christians, talk about keeping “those who are suffering in our thoughts and prayers,” especially when such words come from the media! When things get bad, we must talk to God! On the nobler side of things, suffering can bring us into closer fellowship with Christ, since he also suffered. Our response to our own suffering can be a powerful reflection of Christ living in us and bring glory to God. Observing a person of faith enduring suffering with grace, humility, and love is a powerful, disarming and inspiring witness to the grace of God. Peter writes that the day is coming when God will judge everyone with reward and punishment. Pain and suffering do not last forever. Jesus made sure of that. While we can do nothing in regard to our suffering to make it go away immediately, Christ chose to suffer on our behalf and he could have avoided his suffering yet did not out of love for his brothers and sisters and to identify with humanity to the uttermost. Hebrews reminds us that “Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested.” Heb.2:18. One of the powerful truths of the Incarnation is that Jesus was fully human. Our Savior is not distant from anything you or I go through. Earlier in this letter Peter wrote, “Be ye holy, for I am holy.” (1:16) It would appear that suffering is one of the primary paths to holiness. The end of it all is glorious!

Music: “It is Well with My Soul” Wartburg College Choir

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyPEohF6qq8

Prayer:

You are love, and you see all the suffering, injustice, and misery, which reign in this world. Have pity, we implore you, on the work of your hands. Look mercifully on the poor, the oppressed, and all who are heavy laden with error, labour and sorrow. Fill our hearts with deep compassion for those who suffer, and hasten the coming of your kingdom of justice and truth. ―Eugene Bersier, 1831-1889, from Eerdmans’ Book of Famous Prayers, p.80

Seventh Sunday of Easter, May 24

Reader: “And this is the way to have eternal life—”

Response: “to know you, the only true God.”

Scripture: John 17:1-11

After saying all these things, Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “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 brought glory to you here on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. Now, Father, bring me into the glory we shared before the world began.

“I have revealed you to the ones you gave me from this world. They were always yours. You gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything I have is a gift from you, for I have passed on to them the message you gave me. They accepted it and know that I came from you, and they believe you sent me.

“My prayer is not for the world, but for those you have given me, because they belong to you. All who are mine belong to you, and you have given them to me, so they bring me glory. Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, you have given me your name; now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are.

Reader: “The word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

We often read of Jesus going away alone to pray to his Father. Like me, I’m guessing you might wonder what he prayed for and how he prayed. John seventeen gives us some insight. This is the longest of Jesus’ recorded prayers, also known as his “high priestly prayer.” This chapter is the conclusion of his farewell address as chapter eighteen moves the Easter story ahead. There are several different things to note. As we look at the text, it begins with Jesus looking up to heaven, a traditional Jewish posture for prayer. It is likely his hands were lifted to heaven as well. In the majority of his prayer, Jesus is addressing his own concerns with the Father. A prayer like this was normally said aloud so his followers could hear what he was praying. While Jesus’ addressing God as Father was usual for him, such an address of God would be unusual in Judaism, so you see new insight created for the disciples in their request of Jesus to teach them how to pray when Jesus prayed “Our Father, . . .” On a different note, when Jesus said, “The hour has come. . .”, it reflected his understanding that the betrayal, arrest, torture, death, and resurrection was underway. For Jesus, his realization of the imminent coming sacrifice must have been a powerful moment, never before done, something that had been unfolding in God’s plan since the Fall of man in the Garden, and now was coming to completion, never ever to be repeated in time. These next hours were monumental for all of creation. Jesus had come from heaven, sharing the glory of God with the Father from before the creation of the world, and was now returning to heaven with his earthly mission accomplished! I’ve often wondered how Jesus processed his mission over his thirty-three years, knowing the end was going to be awful. What immediately hits me as I typed that last sentence was his love for his people. He looked through the anguish to the other side of the cross, the joy of “bringing many sons and daughters to glory.” A few minutes later they all left for the Garden of Gethsemane. Now a word concerning the Trinity, “Jesus’ oneness with the Father means that if the Son is glorified, the Father will also be glorified.” (NLT notes, p.1806) The fact that the Father gave the Son authority further affirms the unity of the Godhead as only God can give eternal life. Jesus uses the phrase “to know you” in reference to God. Again, “to know” means not only experiencing one another, but intimacy of the relationship. Loving and obedience are unbreakably connected to each other. Jesus prayed specifically for his children, not for the world, which might surprise us. Do not doubt that his prayers for you are specific. Because he is God, he knows everything, remembers everything―except sins repented of, and knows the depths of your heart. He prays, “Make them holy by your truth, teach them your word, which is truth.” Friends, we have a Savior who is very much alive and intercedes for you every moment of your life. What a glorious God we have and thank you to John for recording this prayer of Jesus and for the insights gained in our own prayer life as a result.

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdcqhSAXMgE

Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, Thou Word and Revelation of the Eternal Father, come, we pray Thee, take possession of our hearts, and reign where Thou hast right to reign. So fill our minds with the thought and our imaginations with the picture of Thy love, that there may be in us no room for any desire that is discordant with Thy holy will. Cleanse us, we pray Thee from all that may make us deaf to Thy call or slow to obey it, Who, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, art one God, blessed for ever. Amen.

―WIlliam Temple, 1881-1944, from The Oxford Book of Prayer, p.55

Saturday, May 23

Reader: “Who are you?” they demanded.”

Response: “Jesus replied, “The one I have always claimed to be.”

Scripture: John 8:21-30

Later Jesus said to them again, “I am going away. You will search for me but will die in your sin. You cannot come where I am going.”

The people asked, “Is he planning to commit suicide? What does he mean, ‘You cannot come where I am going’?”

Jesus continued, “You are from below; I am from above. You belong to this world; I do not. That is why I said that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am who I claim to be, you will die in your sins.”

“Who are you?” they demanded.

Jesus replied, “The one I have always claimed to be. I have much to say about you and much to condemn, but I won’t. For I say only what I have heard from the one who sent me, and he is completely truthful.” But they still didn’t understand that he was talking about his Father.

So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man on the cross, then you will understand that I am he. I do nothing on my own but say only what the Father taught me. And the one who sent me is with me—he has not deserted me. For I always do what pleases him.” Then many who heard him say these things believed in him.”

Reader: “The word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

The context of this passage has to do with one of the major Jewish pilgrimage feasts, Sukkot, of the Feast of Tabernacles. Because of the nature of the feast, Jerusalem was packed with Jews from near and far. As we mentioned several days ago, one of the questions each of the first chapters of John seeks to answer is “Who is Jesus?” Previously at this festival, he had told the gathered Jews that he was the light of the world. In this passage he is warning of the danger of unbelief and permanent separation from God. There are two levels of thinking unfolding before us. Jesus is talking about heaven. The people have not come close to realizing he is from heaven. They believe he is just another man, albeit one who is a little “off.” Jesus has said some pretty amazing things in their hearing so my guess some of them think he is a mental case, so their suicide question makes sense. His words that follow would be all the more troublesome if you believed he was just a man, especially when he says, “You are from below, I am from above. You belong to this world, I do not.”

When I was in grad school, I auditioned singers for a choir I was directing. A young man came in to audition and on the form filled in his name as Jesus Christ. We talked and he proceeded to tell me he would be in the choir because he was Jesus. We talked some more and I eventually assured him he was not Jesus Christ. With a quizzical look he asked me, “Then who am I?” We unsuccessfully tried to get him some help. The Jews listening to Jesus were viewing Jesus in the same way I viewed this young auditioner. But Jesus gives them some concrete hints. On another occasion, he had said, “I AM the light of the world.” Here he says,”I AM who I claim to be.” Every Jew knew the I AM who spoke to Moses on Mt. Sinai was God. Here, the phrase sailed right over their heads. And we get the question again, “Who are you Jesus?” In this passage we see Jesus’ exercise of restraint. “I have much to say about you and much to condemn, but I won’t.” I have to admire his determination to say only what the Father told him. Do you and I live that way or do we “unload” on people? We also have another instance of Jesus referring to himself as the Son of Man, a messianic phrase the people would have picked up, and tying it to the I AM. In another identification clarifier, Jesus refers to his relationship to his Father. Some of the crowd were able to see the light and believed in who he was. In regard to Jesus, the question from the people, “Who are you?” is as relevant today as it was then. The challenge to any unbeliever is, “Can you change your mind as to who you think Jesus is?” In talking with people who have yet to believe, it seems to me that is the most important question. Keep praying for those who have yet to discover the Son of Man, the Son of God, the Savior of the world.

Music: “We Come, O Christ, to You” Grace Community Church

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ScQfSjzbsY&t=119s

Prayer:

Lord Jesus my Savior, in some ways I’m like the Jewish people I just read about and in other ways I’m not. Unlike them, I know you are the Son of God, God come to earth in human flesh. I believe in you completely. But in another way I can ask the same question “Who are you?” Lord, I am susceptible to presuming I know you to the depths. I can be too familiar and simply treat you as another human being, not as the Son of God, a member of the Trinity, the one through whom the universe was created. Lord forgive me for the time I trampled around on holy ground and did not hear your voice to take off my shoes. It is a wondrous thing to know you love and care for your children. May I learn more and more in the days that lie ahead what it is and means to know you and to have the mind of Christ. I bow before you in embarrassment and humility as my Lord and Redeemer. I love you Lord. Forgive my foolish ways and dullness of spirit. Help me to find more and more each day who you are, my glorious Savior of the world. In your wonderful name, the great I AM. Amen. ―Daniel Sharp

Friday, May 22

Reader: “My father! My father! I see the chariots”

Response: “and charioteers of Israel!”

Scripture: II Kings 2:1-12

When the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were traveling from Gilgal. And Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here, for the Lord has told me to go to Bethel.”

But Elisha replied, “As surely as the Lord lives and you yourself live, I will never leave you!” So they went down together to Bethel.

The group of prophets from Bethel came to Elisha and asked him, “Did you know that the Lord is going to take your master away from you today?”

“Of course I know,” Elisha answered. “But be quiet about it.”

Then Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here, for the Lord has told me to go to Jericho.”

But Elisha replied again, “As surely as the Lord lives and you yourself live, I will never leave you.” So they went on together to Jericho.

Then the group of prophets from Jericho came to Elisha and asked him, “Did you know that the Lord is going to take your master away from you today?”

“Of course I know,” Elisha answered. “But be quiet about it.”

Then Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here, for the Lord has told me to go to the Jordan River.”

But again Elisha replied, “As surely as the Lord lives and you yourself live, I will never leave you.” So they went on together.

Fifty men from the group of prophets also went and watched from a distance as Elijah and Elisha stopped beside the Jordan River. Then Elijah folded his cloak together and struck the water with it. The river divided, and the two of them went across on dry ground!

When they came to the other side, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me what I can do for you before I am taken away.”

And Elisha replied, “Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit and become your successor.”

“You have asked a difficult thing,” Elijah replied. “If you see me when I am taken from you, then you will get your request. But if not, then you won’t.”

As they were walking along and talking, suddenly a chariot of fire appeared, drawn by horses of fire. It drove between the two men, separating them, and Elijah was carried by a whirlwind into heaven. Elisha saw it and cried out, “My father! My father! I see the chariots and charioteers of Israel!” And as they disappeared from sight, Elisha tore his clothes in distress.”

Reader: “The word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

Yesterday we commented on the ascension of Jesus. As you recall, there were a couple of ascensions in the First Testament, that of Enoch, about whom we know very little (Gen. 5:24) other than it says he “walked in close fellowship with God. Then one day he disappeared, because God took him.” The second ascension you just read about, the departure of Elijah from this earth. His name comes from El “God” and Yah “YHWH” meaning “my God is YHWH.” Think of all the names in the Bible that have “el” in the name: Eli, Gabriel, Daniel, Joel, Ezekiel, Samuel, Elisha, even Eliphelet (!) to name a few. Why these two men did not experience death, I do not know. What we do know is that both were very tuned to God’s voice and walked closely with him. Elijah apparently knew that he was about to depart this world. In preparation for his “ascension,” God told him to go from Gilgal to Bethel (meaning “house of God”). Gilgal speaks of faith and trust in God rather than in this fallen world. It was at Gilgal that Joshua and all his men were circumcised upon entering Canaan, cutting themselves off from this world as it were in renewing and obeying their covenant with God. Gilgal means “rolling.” God rolled away Israel’s reproach in Egypt. Elijah leaves the place of rolling to enter Bethel, the heavenly realm. From there they traveled to Jericho, the first city conquered when the Israelites entered the Promised Land, then on to the Jordan River, crossing it by the same means as the Israelites entered Canaan. Crossing the Jordan has always been symbolic of death, that of leaving this world for heaven. It is also symbolic of baptism. It is somewhat ironic that Elijah is going the opposite way. Like the Israelites crossing the river, he parts it and crosses on dry land, he’s just going the other way! He’s heading east which is symbolic of the resurrection. (This same Elijah appears some 800 years later at the Transfiguration of Jesus to talk with him and Moses about Jesus’ own “crossing the Jordan,” his departure from this world. That would have been a fascinating conversation to listen in on, Moses, who died with no one near to be buried by God in an unmarked grave, and Elijah, who skipped the death thing all together and went to heaven in a chariot of fire [God’s presence]). As the time drew near for Elijah’s departure, Elisha asked his mentor for a double portion of his spirit and to also become his successor. It was granted as the Bible records exactly twice as many miracles performed by Elisha as related to Elijah, including some of the same ones. So, once again where does all of this fit into your life this 22nd day of May in the year 2020? What do we glean? First, there is most certainly a very conscious life that continues after we depart this world. Second, walking closely with the Lord is vital. Third, when we leave this earthly life, we have nothing to fear. Fourth, God alone has the keys to your life and death. Fifth, in walking closely with the Lord, you couldn’t be in a better place.

Music: “Then Did Elijah Break Forth” from “Elijah” Mendelssohn New York Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXkaxTfUY40

In the oratorio, this is the point where Elijah dramatically ascends to heaven in a fiery chariot! Note the “horse gallop” in the rhythm of the orchestra.

Text:

Then did Elijah the prophet break forth like a fire; his words appeared like burning torches. Mighty kings by him were overthrown. He stood on the mount of Sinai and heard the judgments of the future, and in Horeb its vengeance. And when the Lord would take him away to heaven, lo! There came a fiery chariot with fiery horses, and he went by a whirlwind to heaven.

Prayer:

Who can tell what a day may bring forth? Cause me therefore, gracious God, to live every day as if it were to be my last, for I know not but that it may be such. Cause me to live now as I shall wish I had done when I come to die. O grant that I may not die with any guilt on my conscience, or any known sin unrepented of, but that I may be found in Christ, who is my only Savior and Redeemer.

―Thomas à Kempis, 1380-1471, from Eerdmans’ Book of Famous Prayers, p. 37

Ascension Day, Thursday, May 21

Reader: “But you will receive power”

Response: “when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.”

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.

Reader: “The word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

The significance of Ascension Day is largely lost in the practice of the Christian faith. Though recognized in most liturgical churches, is seldom acknowledged in most non-liturgical churches, yet it is an important part of the whole gospel story. Practically speaking, if there had been no ascension, Jesus would still be walking around on earth somewhere with his mission not yet complete. 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 Ascension of Christ, forty days after the resurrection, is a further step in God’s overall detailed plan to bring redemption to the whole created order. The number forty, occurring often in Scripture, is a number indicating fullment 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. 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 among 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 began Jesus’ public ministry. Now, the baptism of the Holy Spirit began the disciples’ public ministry.You would think God had this all planned out!

It is also interesting that, even after the resurrection, the disciples were still expecting Jesus to set up the earthly kingdom of God (Israel) in which he would rule as King. That was their perception of the Kingdom of God. Rather, God’s plan was that Israel and the whole world would be restored and engrafted into God’s Kingdom of heaven. The ascension and Christ’s return to earth at some point in the future was the last thing they were expecting! As far as we’re concerned, in the meantime we are to be telling people everywhere about Jesus and the great news of the gospel. Once again we see two angelic witnesses affirming the truth of what Jesus said and encouraging the disciples to get moving about the Father’s work. (Notice also 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. He entered into heaven, into another dimension from the world in which we live.)

Music: “Alleluia, Sing to Jesus” First Plymouth Church, Lincoln, NE arr. Robert Hobby

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rI-nTy0iHmU&list=RDrI-nTy0iHmU&start_radio=1&t=0

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 over all, 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. ―from Prayers for Sunday Services, p.100

Wednesday, May 20

Reader: “The Lord your God will personally go ahead of you.”

Response: “He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

Scripture: Deuteronomy 31:1-13

When Moses had finished giving these instructions to all the people of Israel, he said, “I am now 120 years old, and I am no longer able to lead you. The Lord has told me, ‘You will not cross the Jordan River.’But the Lord your God himself will cross over ahead of you. He will destroy the nations living there, and you will take possession of their land. Joshua will lead you across the river, just as the Lord promised. “The Lord will destroy the nations living in the land, just as he destroyed Sihon and Og, the kings of the Amorites. The Lord will hand over to you the people who live there, and you must deal with them as I have commanded you. So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

Then Moses called for Joshua, and as all Israel watched, he said to him, “Be strong and courageous! For you will lead these people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors he would give them. You are the one who will divide it among them as their grants of land. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

So Moses wrote this entire body of instruction in a book and gave it to the priests, who carried the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant, and to the elders of Israel. Then Moses gave them this command: “At the end of every seventh year, the Year of Release, during the Festival of Shelters, you must read this Book of Instruction to all the people of Israel when they assemble before the Lord your God at the place he chooses. Call them all together—men, women, children, and the foreigners living in your towns—so they may hear this Book of Instruction and learn to fear the Lord your God and carefully obey all the terms of these instructions. Do this so that your children who have not known these instructions will hear them and will learn to fear the Lord your God. Do this as long as you live in the land you are crossing the Jordan to occupy.”

Reader: “The word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

Speeches by those who are about to die can be very interesting and significant. Such is the case in today’s reading. Moses is in that place. The phrase “When Moses had finished giving these instructions . . .” refers to the entire book of Deuteronomy. There is much symbolism and type in this section. Moses represents the Law. The Law will not bring salvation. It points out that we cannot keep it. Though known as the Lawgiver, he could not keep it, and symbolically and in reality was prevented from entering the Promised Land (heaven). The one who did lead the people across the Jordan River (crossing over from this life to eternal life in heaven) was Joshua. (“Jesus” in Greek.) Moses’ words are meant to encourage and fortify the people when he is no longer present. Obedience to what God has commanded is central. A main point is that God will go before you and clear the way as Joshua leads you. There is an important principle here. Moses commanded them to read the law to every man, woman, and child every seven years, important because there were few copies available. We take the Scriptures for granted, there are copies everywhere. Such was not the case in the desert! There is a tremendous principle here that I fear we have largely lost and which also helps to explain the current world situation. In a covenant, both parties have a copy of the document. In the Ark of the Covenant were two copies of the Ten Commandments, one for the people and one for God to always remind the parties of the agreement. The covenant was to be read aloud publically. Moses states quite clearly why he is giving this commandment regarding the periodic reading of the law. “―so they may hear this Book of Instruction and learn to fear the Lord your God and carefully obey all the terms of these instructions.” Daniel Block points out in his book, For the Glory of God (p.180), “As Moses had emphasized repeatedly, the key to life is obedience, key to obedience is reverence and awe before YHWH, key to reverent awe is hearing the Torah.” All too often in worship these days, the only Scripture read, is the passage on which the minister is preaching. If you play Block’s sequence backwards, you can see why today there is little reverent awe of God, very selective obedience, and lives that are tangled, fashioned after their own “Torah,” their own law. It seems to be expressed in a very casual, light-hearted approach to worship, in language, in dress, in depth and quality of musical texts and tunes (or lack of!). In worship, seldom do we have a sense to take off our shoes, we are on holy ground. As he prepares to depart this world, Moses is giving his people and us strong instructions reminding them of God’s care and his going before them. If you have some more time, read Jesus’ farewell message to his disciples (John 13-16). There is a remarkable similarity to Moses’ farewell message!

Music: “Deep River” Mormon Tabernacle Choir (We like the music, but the Mormon theology has some major problems―no belief in the Trinity to start with.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiIURFm63Yk

Prayer:

O great and lofty God, Thou Father in the highest, who hast promised to dwell with them that are of a lowly spirit and fear Thy word; create now in us such lowly hearts, and give us a reverential awe of Thy commandments. O come, Thou Holy Spirit, and kindle our hearts with holy love; come, Thou Spirit of Strength, and arouse our souls to hunger and thirst after Thee, their true Guide, that they may be sustained by Thy all-powerful influence. Arise, O Spirit of Life, that through Thee we may begin to live; descend upon us and transform us into such human beings as the heart of God longs to see us, renewed into the image of Christ, and going on from glory to glory. O God, Thou Supreme Good, make Thyself known to us, and glorify Thyself in our inner being. Amen. ―Gerhard Tersteegen, 1731, Prayers Ancient and Modern, p.148

Tuesday, May 19

Reader: “Oh, that they would always have hearts like this,”

Response: “that they might fear me and obey all my commands!”

Scripture: Deuteronomy 5:22-33

“The Lord spoke these words to all of you assembled there at the foot of the mountain. He spoke with a loud voice from the heart of the fire, surrounded by clouds and deep darkness. This was all he said at that time, and he wrote his words on two stone tablets and gave them to me.

“But when you heard the voice from the heart of the darkness, while the mountain was blazing with fire, all your tribal leaders and elders came to me. They said, ‘Look, the Lord our God has shown us his glory and greatness, and we have heard his voice from the heart of the fire. Today we have seen that God can speak to us humans, and yet we live! But now, why should we risk death again? If the Lord our God speaks to us again, we will certainly die and be consumed by this awesome fire. Can any living thing hear the voice of the living God from the heart of the fire as we did and yet survive? Go yourself and listen to what the Lord our God says. Then come and tell us everything he tells you, and we will listen and obey.’

“The Lord heard the request you made to me. And he said, ‘I have heard what the people said to you, and they are right. Oh, that they would always have hearts like this, that they might fear me and obey all my commands! If they did, they and their descendants would prosper forever. Go and tell them, “Return to your tents.” But you stand here with me so I can give you all my commands, decrees, and regulations. You must teach them to the people so they can obey them in the land I am giving them as their possession.’”

So Moses told the people, “You must be careful to obey all the commands of the Lord your God, following his instructions in every detail. Stay on the path that the Lord your God has commanded you to follow. Then you will live long and prosperous lives in the land you are about to enter and occupy.

Reader: “The word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

As I write this Monday morning, yesterday was a different kind of Palm Sunday. We stuck some palm branches in the yard, worshiped with our church online, and watched “The Ten Commandments” from beginning to end last night. (They don’t make movies like that anymore!) What you just read was portrayed on the screen. Just before the Scripture for today, Moses had called the people together to tell them what he had experienced on the mountain and read for them the ten commandments given to him by God. Now, the passage for today. The “ten words,” as they are known in Hebrew, are the only words ever written directly by God’s own hand. If that doesn’t elevate their significance, I don’t know what would! God appeared in a cloud, the closest thing to a physical presence. It was something the people could see. (There are several other instances of God appearing in a cloud throughout the Scriptures―E.g.Wilderness Wanderings, Temple Dedication, Transfiguration, Ascension). We see here also a reference to God as fire―the burning bush, God viewed as a consuming fire, Heb.12:29. One of the most powerful truths in Scripture occurs here. . . “God can speak to humans, and yet they live!” Buddah is silent. Mohammed is silent. Allah is silent. The pantheon of all the Eastern gods are silent. It is only the God of the Bible who speaks to people at all times and in all places. God’s speaking on the mountain was terrifying to the Israelites. Having experienced the voice of God, they were glad to be alive. What happened in hearing the voice of God that brought them to the conclusion that once was enough? They saw and heard God in a way that enabled them to get a glimpse of the God they were worshiping. The experience was so overwhelming that it brought an element of fear, awe, and reverence. They saw a trickle of God’s glory. Even the trickle was almost more than they could manage. God was showing himself that they might develop a holy fear and reverence leading to obedience and greater love. Then these beautiful words, “Oh, that they would always have hearts like this, that they might fear me and obey all my commands! If they did, they and their descendants would prosper forever.” Why can’t we do that? We are the Israelites! It would almost seem like God is getting the world’s attention. “People, think what you are doing. You are ignoring my ways, my Son, the life you have in me. Repent.” That is the story of the Scriptures and that is the story of our world. As happened with the Israelites so often, we too have lost our awe and fear of God as a people. Let us repent of all our ways that lead us away from our Lord and learn again to walk in his path, led by his Spirit.

Music: “Sanctus and Agnus Dei” Vinnie Zarletti Institute for Worship Studies

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VObanClX-_Y

Some of you know that I teach at the Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies. This clip is from one of our worship services. The musicians are students. (iws.edu)

Prayer:

Our gracious Father in heaven, many of us have become so familiar with the faith, that we have lost our awe and fear of you. It never occurs to us to take off our shoes, frankly because we are not even aware we are on holy ground in our interaction with you. Thank you for your graciousness in not striking us down as you did Nadab and Abihu. Please forgive our arrogance and presumption in coming to you so casually and flippantly. Your words to us the “Ten Commandments” are life and health. Holy Spirit, help us, sharpen us, convict us, guide us, tenderize us, tune our ears to your voice, give to us the mind of Christ. We can’t function without you. Be the cloud that hovers over us in our walk through the desert of this world until we reach the Promised Land. This we pray through Jesus our Lord who reigns with you and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen. ―Daniel Sharp2020-

Monday, May 18

Reader: “The Lord is king!”

Response: “He is robed in majesty.”

Scripture: Psalm 93

The Lord is king! He is robed in majesty.

Indeed, the Lord is robed in majesty

and armed with strength.

The world stands firm

and cannot be shaken.

Your throne, O Lord, has stood from time immemorial.

You yourself are from the everlasting past.

The floods have risen up, O Lord.

The floods have roared like thunder;

the floods have lifted their pounding waves.

But mightier than the violent raging of the seas,

mightier than the breakers on the shore—

the Lord above is mightier than these!

Your royal laws cannot be changed.

Your reign, O Lord, is holy forever and ever.

Reader: “The word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

Where do you put a psalm like this in the present day world? How do we connect with it? You begin by looking at the psalms surrounding it. We discover psalms 93, 97, & 99 all begin with the same phrase. Psalm 96 & 98 begin identically and 95 is very similar. This tells me that this group of psalms function somewhat as a whole, each shedding a slightly different light on the establishing of God’s kingdom. In Psalm 93 the psalmist is describing a coming kingdom firmly under the guiding hand of the eternal God. As we listen to the daily news, the psalm can seem all the more remote from reality. Yet, what it is describing is eternal versus the 24/7 news cycle. Do you remember any news stories from last week? There is a strength and stability in God’s kingdom that is unlike anything we have ever experienced. There are no updates with changes in leadership, changes in laws, changes in “mission, vision, and values,” terms so popular in our world! The middle part of the psalm refers to disasters caused by water. Think of Noah’s flood, the parting of the Red Sea, Jonah’s excursion to sea, Jesus stilling the storm on the Sea of Galilee, and Paul’s shipwreck off the island of Malta. Then we have the raging of modern day “seas.” Various epidemics and natural disasters come to mind rather quickly. Perspective check: “The Lord is mightier than these!” The psalmist is helping us stay focused on what is true and brought our present day into the psalm. He closes with another great word of affirmation and calming certainty; God’s basics don’t change. The rule and reign of the Lord is holy, perfect, and eternal. In the midst of great uncertainty in our world, be it employment, the stock market, world unrest, relational stress, political unrest, or personal discouragement, the Lord’s rule is unflinching, eternal, perfect, and holy. Friends, we have nothing to worry about. God is in charge. He is surprised by nothing and has power over everything. 24/7 is irrelevant to God. He is not on a clock. He is not in time, he’s in eternity and master of all that is.

Music: “Our God, Our Help in Ages Past” Grace Community Church

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKP_XxCBDZY

Prayer:

Thou knowest, O Lord, the obstacles; Thou knowest I have not much strength in myself. Waves of strange waters roll over me, and the clouds hide the light. Take my hand, O Christ, but do Thou more than that. Give me power to triumph over these distresses and make them serve Thy high purpose. Let me face them honestly and fearlessly and change them, for Thine own sake. Amen.

―Floyd Tomkins, The Quiet Corner, p.69

Sixth Sunday of Easter, May 17

Reader: “If you love me,”

Response: “obey my commandments.”

Scripture: John 14:15-21

“If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you. Soon the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Since I live, you also will live. When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.”

Reader: “The word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

On the night before Jesus was crucified, he had the above conversation with his disciples. The pronoun “you” is plural in Greek, meaning this message of love and obedience is not addressed to individuals but to the whole community, to all of us. The act of obedience is the demonstration of love. Like the Jewish understanding of “hearing” which meant you followed with action (demonstrating that you “heard”), so in the same manner, our love for Jesus is measured by our obedience to what he said. Loving Christ and our obedience, personal and corporate, to what he has said, are inseparably intertwined. Obedience here is not simply keeping a set of rules, but rather a whole way of living, living as God has designed. Moving on. From the disciples’ perspective, they had travelled with Jesus for three years. He had taught them, loved them, taken care of them, and performed miracles in their presence. He had just told them he was about to leave this earth. While he had been Emmanuel, “God with us,” he would send another to be with them in his absence. Their new companion would be a replacement for Jesus, functioning in all the same ways Jesus did. This Paraclete is the Holy Spirit, who, like Jesus, always speaks the truth. Not surprisingly, the world rejects, both passively and with hostility, the word of truth. Some things never change. John’s description holds true to today. This same Holy Spirit indwells believers, as he is with us teaching, guiding, empowering, correcting, and convicting. Jesus’ use of the word “orphans” is touching to me. That word truly describes our situation as humans. Left to ourselves we have no spiritual father or mother and must fend for ourselves in a hostile world. I can sort of imagine how the disciples were feeling as it began to sink in that Jesus would be leaving this world shortly as he said this. John rounds out this brief discourse by looping back to the beginning thoughts about obedience as a reflection of loving God. And loving God results in God revealing himself to those who love. I’m wondering how strongly we feel a need for the Comforter? Have we developed such a self-reliance that we can fend for ourselves? Does God reveal himself very often to you? Look at the last sentence above again. Do we have a longing for the Comforter? Does the above discussion seem more like a theoretical discussion or reality where you are living? Some things to think about . . .

Music: “Blessings” Laura Story God does reveal himself, not always as we think.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQan9L3yXjc

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 Martin, 1781-1812, Eerdmans’ Book of Famous Prayers, p.65

Saturday, May 16

Reader: “I am leaving you with a gift—”

Response: “peace of mind and heart.”

Scripture: John 14:27-29

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again. If you really loved me, you would be happy that I am going to the Father, who is greater than I am. I have told you these things before they happen so that when they do happen, you will believe.

Reader: “The word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

What beautiful words! Jesus’ leaving us with a gift, not something that can be worked for or purchased. We are reminded of Aaron’s benediction from the First Testament, “. . . the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” (Num.6:26) and Isaiah’s Messianic prophecy regarding the “Prince of Peace.” (Is.9:6) Paul refers to this same peace in his letter to the Philippians (4:7) with a peace that is beyond human’s ability to comprehend. In light of the stress, violence, and uncertainty which was about to come the disciples’ way, Jesus gives these words of assurance, and indeed, words of encouragement to anyone. This gift of “peace of mind and heart” has far greater ramifications than the immediate situation of the disciples, but one that extends to today’s troubled world. In moving to the middle part of this passage, there are a couple of observations I’d like to make. The first has to do with the disciples ability to grasp God’s bigger plan of redemption. Jesus’ whole purpose in coming to earth was to die for the sins of the world. That had to happen to make redemption possible. As awful as the immediate was, it was necessary for the greater plan of God to become a reality. The same can be said of us as of the disciples. It is often hard for us to get off our immediate concerns to look at or accept that God’s greater glory may lie ahead. The second observation has to do with the phrase “I am going to the Father who is greater than I am.” It is a phrase, taken out of context that has resulted in various heretical doctrines including Arians, Gnostics, and more recently, the Jehovah Witnesses. These doctrines have supposed that Jesus is less than the Father, minimizing and limiting his position in the Godhead. John makes abundantly clear multiple times Jesus was associated fully with God from before the beginning, “In the beginning the Word already existed.” (John 1:1). He was not a created god as the Witnesses would espouse. (They have their own “Greek” translators.) Moreover, Jesus was involved in creation itself. He has never not existed. There is something that is sometimes called the economy of God in which each member of the Trinity has a different function in the unity of the Godhead. Jesus was subservient to the Father in accomplishing his role while on earth. He did his Father’s will. There is no doubt about Jesus’ deity nor his understanding that he was God in the flesh. “Who else but God can forgive sins” was a charge from the Pharisees. The deity of Christ was the reason for killing Jesus. Finally, Jesus’ closing words in this passage are meant to reassure his disciples and us that God has things under control and that when the things God has said come to pass, we’ll not panic, but believe.

Music: “Credo” from Gospel Mass of Robert Ray St. Olaf Choir

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glT-EiSsMOg

Prayer:

O God of peace, who hast taught us that in returning and rest we shall be saved, in quietness and in confidence shall be our strength: by the might of Thy Spirit lift us, we pray Thee, to Thy presence, where we may be peaceful and still and know that Thou art God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. ―from BCP

Friday, May 15

Reader: “Noah did everything . . .”

Response: “as the Lord commanded him.”

Scripture: Genesis 7:1-24

When everything was ready, the Lord said to Noah, “Go into the boat with all your family, for among all the people of the earth, I can see that you alone are righteous. Take with you seven pairs—male and female—of each animal I have approved for eating and for sacrifice, and take one pair of each of the others. Also take seven pairs of every kind of bird. There must be a male and a female in each pair to ensure that all life will survive on the earth after the flood. Seven days from now I will make the rains pour down on the earth. And it will rain for forty days and forty nights, until I have wiped from the earth all the living things I have created.”

So Noah did everything as the Lord commanded him.

Noah was 600 years old when the flood covered the earth. He went on board the boat to escape the flood—he and his wife and his sons and their wives. With them were all the various kinds of animals—those approved for eating and for sacrifice and those that were not—along with all the birds and the small animals that scurry along the ground. They entered the boat in pairs, male and female, just as God had commanded Noah. After seven days, the waters of the flood came and covered the earth.

When Noah was 600 years old, on the seventeenth day of the second month, all the underground waters erupted from the earth, and the rain fell in mighty torrents from the sky. The rain continued to fall for forty days and forty nights.

That very day Noah had gone into the boat with his wife and his sons—Shem, Ham, and Japheth—and their wives. With them in the boat were pairs of every kind of animal—domestic and wild, large and small—along with birds of every kind. Two by two they came into the boat, representing every living thing that breathes. A male and female of each kind entered, just as God had commanded Noah. Then the Lord closed the door behind them.

For forty days the floodwaters grew deeper, covering the ground and lifting the boat high above the earth. As the waters rose higher and higher above the ground, the boat floated safely on the surface. Finally, the water covered even the highest mountains on the earth, rising more than twenty-two feet above the highest peaks. All the living things on earth died—birds, domestic animals, wild animals, small animals that scurry along the ground, and all the people. Everything that breathed and lived on dry land died. God wiped out every living thing on the earth—people, livestock, small animals that scurry along the ground, and the birds of the sky. All were destroyed. The only people who survived were Noah and those with him in the boat. And the floodwaters covered the earth for 150 days.”

Reader: “The word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

As a child, we heard this exciting story in Sunday School. Once in a great while we might hear a sermon on it. But what is there to say of this account in regard to today’s world? Let’s look. The sentence before this passage says, “Noah did everything exactly as God had commanded him.” That’s a start. Obedience to God. Relevant to today? Yes. In the previous chapter, the Scriptures tell us that the Lord was sorry he ever made humans due to their determined wickedness. “It broke his heart.” (Gen.6:6) With the great Flood, God decided to wipe the earth clean of all living things he created. It would be sort of like painting your most perfect masterpiece then having mold set in and having to burn the canvas and start over. Every living thing above water in existence on the earth would be destroyed except for the living things on the inside of the ark. In effect, God undid his creation. All the coastlines were gone. The land/sea boundaries of the second and third day of creation were undone. In God’s words to Noah, he used the same language he used previously in creation regarding the animals. Noah, his family, and all the creatures were in the ark seven days and then the re-creation process started with wiping out the first creation. With the specific references to months and days, we authenticate the historical reality of the event for those who might doubt it really happened. The reason for the judgment of the Flood was the moral decadence of the human beings created in the image of God and their determined departure from that image. (Other “flood stories” have no moral component.) It is God who determined who was in and who was out. Noah, his family, and all the birds and animals were saved by God, due to Noah’s being viewed by God as righteous, a righteous based on Noah’s obedience. The living creations of God in the ark, are a picture of salvation. The Flood is their baptism. Peter brings this idea up regarding Noah and the Flood in his epistle (I Peter 3:19-21). While Peter is not specific in his meaning, water was instrumental in bringing salvation to those in the boat. The event is not unlike the Israelites passing through the waters of the Red Sea to safety while the unbelieving Egyptians found that same water bringing death. This small part of his creation was brought to safety as the boat floated on the water while those in rebellion against God were destroyed by the same water. Romans six uses somewhat of the same imagery in relation to water and baptism with the idea that we die and are buried with Christ in the waters of baptism and are raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father to a new life. With no rudder for Noah to steer the ark, it is clear that God is taking care of the inhabitants of the ark. The do over of creation had begun. When the Scriptures mention the creatures that died, they are interestingly listed in the same order as their sequence of creation: the birds, the animals, the creature that scurry along the ground, and all the people. There was even order as God undid his initial work. Now, how does all of this account fit into this morning, afternoon, evening, or whenever you read this? God cares greatly about his creation, all of it, even to the animals that scurry along the ground! Being made in his image, so should we. Second, I don’t want to be someone who breaks God’s heart and my obedience, or lack of it, has a lot to do with breaking God’s heart. Third, like Noah, can we hold fast to the truth in a world that mocks God? Can you imagine the ridicule heaped on Noah as he and his sons built the ark over the hundred years of construction? It was a different story as the mockers pounded on the door to get in. However, when God shuts the door, it’s shut. Fourth, While the door is open, let us be busy about his work. Ultimate death is a certainty for those who reject God’s offer in Jesus Christ. Can we point more people to the Ark that saves?

Music: “Baptized in Water” The Orchard Enterprises

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6arW9XKmRHk

Prayer:

Make thyself manifest, O Lord, in this water and grant to the one who is baptized in it so to be transformed, that they may put off the old man, which is corrupted by deceitful lusts, and may put on the new man, which is formed fresh according to the image of the Creator. Grafted through baptism into the likeness of thy death, may they become a partaker also in thy resurrection. May they guard the gift of thy Holy Spirit, may they increase the measure of grace which has been entrusted to them, and so may they receive the prize which is God’s calling to life above, being numbered among the first born whose names are written in heaven. We pray this through Jesus Christ who reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God world without end. Amen.

―Baptismal prayer from Eastern Orthodox, Oxford Book of Prayer, p.215

Thursday, May 14

Reader: “If I had not confessed the sin in my heart,”

Response: “the Lord would not have listened.”

Scripture: Psalm 66:8-20 (Genesis 6:5-22 additional reading)

Let the whole world bless our God and loudly sing his praises.

Our lives are in his hands,

and he keeps our feet from stumbling.

You have tested us, O God;

you have purified us like silver.

You captured us in your net

and laid the burden of slavery on our backs.

Then you put a leader over us.

We went through fire and flood,

but you brought us to a place of great abundance.

Now I come to your Temple with burnt offerings

to fulfill the vows I made to you—

yes, the sacred vows that I made

when I was in deep trouble.

That is why I am sacrificing burnt offerings to you—

the best of my rams as a pleasing aroma,

and a sacrifice of bulls and male goats. Interlude

Come and listen, all you who fear God,

and I will tell you what he did for me.

For I cried out to him for help,

praising him as I spoke.

If I had not confessed the sin in my heart,

the Lord would not have listened.

But God did listen!

He paid attention to my prayer.

Praise God, who did not ignore my prayer

or withdraw his unfailing love from me.

Reader: “The word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

You may or may not realize that in choosing the Scripture passages for each day, I am following, for the most part, the lectionary Year A. I have a choice of a Psalm, and Old Testament, or a New Testament passage. I pick one and write about it. The choices for today were pretty interesting in light of the news we hear every day. I’m writing this on April 2nd. COVID-19 is about the only news. As you have and are experiencing (most likely), this virus has affected everything, especially our reaction to it. In light of the way our society has been living in the United States and in the world in general, I have to wonder about God’s hand in all of this? As a society we are in love with: children’s sports schedules, watching sports of every kind―our weekend religion, music concerts, attending the theater, accumulating money, workaholics, divisive family schedules―how many families eat a meal together (?), worship taken for granted, isolation from neighbors―we don’t know the people we live next to, love travel and cruises, and we avoid, at all costs, thinking about our own death. In Daniel 12:4 he talks about people rushing here and there and rapidly gaining knowledge. It almost seems as if God said to the world, it’s time to repent of your ways. Time to stop and reflect. Unfortunately, I’m afraid at this point there has been little reflection or repentance. As the psalmist wrote concerning God, “Our lives are in his hands.” “You have tested us.” Is that what is occurring? “You caught us in your net.” It does seem like you, God, put the brakes on everything we hold dear. I wonder how many people have made promises to God regarding this trouble. The end of the psalm is addressed to those who fear God. There is the God element in all of this. If we miss that, we have missed the entire point! At the heart is repentance. “If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. But God did listen!” Confessing our sin and the Lord listening to our prayers seem to be directly related, further evidence of what we said yesterday in regards to being honest in our relationship with God. I’m wondering if our society will ever get to this repentance part of the psalm. I’m afraid not, but we can pray. These are some things to think about. Maybe sometimes it seems God doesn’t hear our prayers. It would appear confession might have something to do with it. Read the psalm again and pray as you read asking God to show you his thoughts.

Music & Prayer combined today: “A Broken and Contrite Spirit” Sons of Korah

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RnDuwbz5UI Make this your prayer today.

Wednesday, May 13

Reader: “He will listen to the prayers of the destitute.”

Response: “He will not reject their pleas.”

Scripture: Psalm 102:1-17

Lord, hear my prayer!

Listen to my plea!

Don’t turn away from me

in my time of distress.

Bend down to listen,

and answer me quickly when I call to you.

For my days disappear like smoke,

and my bones burn like red-hot coals.

My heart is sick, withered like grass,

and I have lost my appetite.

Because of my groaning,

I am reduced to skin and bones.

I am like an owl in the desert,

like a little owl in a far-off wilderness.

I lie awake,

lonely as a solitary bird on the roof.

My enemies taunt me day after day.

They mock and curse me.

I eat ashes for food.

My tears run down into my drink

Because of your anger and wrath.

For you have picked me up and thrown me out.

My life passes as swiftly as the evening shadows.

I am withering away like grass.

But you, O Lord, will sit on your throne forever.

Your fame will endure to every generation.

You will arise and have mercy on Jerusalem—

and now is the time to pity her,

now is the time you promised to help.

For your people love every stone in her walls

and cherish even the dust in her streets.

Then the nations will tremble before the Lord.

The kings of the earth will tremble before his glory.

For the Lord will rebuild Jerusalem.

He will appear in his glory.

He will listen to the prayers of the destitute.

He will not reject their pleas.

Reader: “The word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

Throughout history there have been very difficult moments. The hymn in yesterday’s music was written at such a time. Though I’m writing this on April 1st, my guess is that the world may still be in a difficult time. I hope not. One of the beauties of the Scriptures is their full-throated embracing of reality, no sugar-coating faith. Today’s passage is known as one of the psalms of lament. Nothing is pretend in the psalmist’s confrontation with God. Unlike other religions, the God of the Bible welcomes genuine conversation with his children, even when they are angry at him or feel slighted. We never have to pretend all is well when praying to our Father. We need never fear being honest with God. Can you imagine? The psalmist tells God to “hurry up and answer when I call on you!” Any genuine, healthy relationship is always transparent. God expects such from his children. Part of the fear in a time of distress is not knowing when it will end. In this lament, God’s anger and wrath is blamed for the present predicament. “God is mad at me and has abandoned me.” This time of uncertainty and sense of lostness is the very moment when faith receives a call. Then we have the powerful three letter word, “But.” The psalm turns the corner when faith answers the call. God will remember; he will act to restore. Where the psalm began with “Listen to my plea . . .”, this portion ends with “He will listen to the prayers of the destitute. He will not reject their pleas.” Let this psalm be an encouragement to transparency in your prayer life with God. Relationships at arms length don’t work in earthly life, nor do they work in your prayer life with God. Be honest with God. It’s a quality of godliness. God’s not big on pretending.

Music: “Whom Shall I Fear” (The God of Angel Armies) David Wesley

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=belPmfNDuko

Prayer:

My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going.

I do not see the road ahead of me.

I cannot know for certain where it will end.

Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think that I am following

your will does not mean that I am actually doing so.

But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you.

And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing.

I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire.

And I know that if I do this, you will lead me by the right road

though I may know nothing about it.

Therefore will I trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death.

I will not fear, for you are ever with me,

and you will never leave me to face my perils alone. Amen

―The Road Ahead – Thomas Merton

Tuesday, May 12

Reader: “You stubborn people!”

Response: “You are heathen at heart and deaf to the truth.”

Scripture: Acts 7:44-56

“Our ancestors carried the Tabernacle with them through the wilderness. It was constructed according to the plan God had shown to Moses. Years later, when Joshua led our ancestors in battle against the nations that God drove out of this land, the Tabernacle was taken with them into their new territory. And it stayed there until the time of King David.

“David found favor with God and asked for the privilege of building a permanent Temple for the God of Jacob. But it was Solomon who actually built it. However, the Most High doesn’t live in temples made by human hands. As the prophet says,

‘Heaven is my throne,

and the earth is my footstool.

Could you build me a temple as good as that?’

asks the Lord.

‘Could you build me such a resting place?

Didn’t my hands make both heaven and earth?’

Reader: “The word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

Today we come to the climax of Stephen’s defense. He continued the history review from Moses and the Law on through the account of the Tabernacle in the wilderness to the building of the Temple under Solomon. (Remember the false charges against Stephen had to do with the Law of Moses and worship at the Temple.) At this point, Stephen delivered the truth that exploded the situation! He simply applied the truth of the case he had been building to the current situation. He equated their repudiation of Christ with the Israelites rejection of Moses and the prophets. The Israelites’ killing of prophets and their killing of Jesus were equal acts of unbelief and rejection of the Holy Spirit. After all, Moses had prophesied of the coming of the Messiah. Like the Israelites 1400 years before them, they were not only rejecting Christ, they were also rejecting Moses’ prophecy! At this point, The Jewish leaders went catatonic. Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, gazed heavenward and saw the glory of God. In his expression, he used the phrase, “Son of Man,” standing at the right hand of God. Other than Jesus, this is the only time this apocalyptic title was used. The significance here lies in the truth that for the first time since the dawn of creation, the Messiah, the Son of God, was on the throne of the universe interceding on behalf of all people. The earthly mission of redemption was completed and functioning. Stephen saw that glorious sight as he was martyred. What do we see in this man? Graciousness, wisdom, unwavering conviction, courage, boldness, serenity, self-control, no, Holy Spirit control, knowledge, humility, compassion, and great faith. Let’s aim for those things today.

Music: “Once to Every Man and Nation” Fountainview Academy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSMqesZz3tU

Once to ev’ry man and nation

Comes the moment to decide,

In the strife of truth and falsehood,

For the good or evil side;

Some great cause, some great decision,

Off’ring each the bloom or blight,

And the choice goes by forever

‘Twixt that darkness and that light.

By the light of burning martyrs,

Christ, Thy bleeding feet we track,

Toiling up new Calv’ries ever

With the cross that turns not back;

New occasions teach new duties,

Ancient values test our youth;

They must upward still and onward,

Who would keep abreast of truth.

Then to side with truth is noble,

When we share her wretched crust,

Ere her cause bring fame and profit,

And ’tis prosperous to be just;

Then it is the brave man chooses

While the coward stands aside,

Till the multitude make virtue

Of the faith they had denied.

Tho’ the cause of evil prosper,

Yet the truth alone is strong;

Tho’ her portion be the scaffold,

And upon the throne be wrong;

Yet that scaffold sways the future,

And, behind the dim unknown,

Standeth God within the shadow,

Keeping watch above his own. ―James Russell Lowell 1845, leading up to the Civil War

Prayer:

O Lord, Thy hands have formed us, and Thou hast sent us into this world, that we may walk in the way that leads to heaven and Thyself, and may find a lasting rest in Thee who art the Source and Center of our souls. Look in pity on us poor pilgrims in the narrow way; let us not go astray, but reach at last our true home where our Father dwells. Guide and govern us from day to day, and bestow on us food and strength for body and soul, that we may journey on in peace. Forgive us for having hitherto so often wavered or looked back and let us henceforward march straight on in the way of Thy laws, and may our last step be a safe and peaceful passage to the arms of Thy love, and the blessed fellowship of the saints in light. Hear us, O Lord, and glorify Thy name in us that we may glorify Thee for ever and ever. Amen.

―Gerhard Tersteegen 1697-1769, from Prayers Ancient and Modern, p.100

Monday, May 11

Reader: “Moses said, ‘God will raise up for you a Prophet like me”

Response: “from among your own people.’ ”

Scripture: Acts 7:17-40

“As the time drew near when God would fulfill his promise to Abraham, the number of our people in Egypt greatly increased. But then a new king came to the throne of Egypt who knew nothing about Joseph. This king exploited our people and oppressed them, forcing parents to abandon their newborn babies so they would die.

“At that time Moses was born—a beautiful child in God’s eyes. His parents cared for him at home for three months. When they had to abandon him, Pharaoh’s daughter adopted him and raised him as her own son. Moses was taught all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and he was powerful in both speech and action.

“One day when Moses was forty years old, he decided to visit his relatives, the people of Israel. He saw an Egyptian mistreating an Israelite. So Moses came to the man’s defense and avenged him, killing the Egyptian. Moses assumed his fellow Israelites would realize that God had sent him to rescue them, but they didn’t.

“The next day he visited them again and saw two men of Israel fighting. He tried to be a peacemaker. ‘Men,’ he said, ‘you are brothers. Why are you fighting each other?’

“But the man in the wrong pushed Moses aside. ‘Who made you a ruler and judge over us?’ he asked. ‘Are you going to kill me as you killed that Egyptian yesterday?’ When Moses heard that, he fled the country and lived as a foreigner in the land of Midian. There his two sons were born.

“Forty years later, in the desert near Mount Sinai, an angel appeared to Moses in the flame of a burning bush. When Moses saw it, he was amazed at the sight. As he went to take a closer look, the voice of the Lord called out to him, ‘I am the God of your ancestors—the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.’ Moses shook with terror and did not dare to look.

“Then the Lord said to him, ‘Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground. I have certainly seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their groans and have come down to rescue them. Now go, for I am sending you back to Egypt.’

“So God sent back the same man his people had previously rejected when they demanded, ‘Who made you a ruler and judge over us?’ Through the angel who appeared to him in the burning bush, God sent Moses to be their ruler and savior. And by means of many wonders and miraculous signs, he led them out of Egypt, through the Red Sea, and through the wilderness for forty years.

“Moses himself told the people of Israel, ‘God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from among your own people.’ Moses was with our ancestors, the assembly of God’s people in the wilderness, when the angel spoke to him at Mount Sinai. And there Moses received life-giving words to pass on to us.

“But our ancestors refused to listen to Moses. They rejected him and wanted to return to Egypt. They told Aaron, ‘Make us some gods who can lead us, for we don’t know what has become of this Moses, who brought us out of Egypt.’”

Reader: “The word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

We pick up Stephen’s defense from last Friday’s passage (May 8th). His recitation of the history of the people of Israel continues. He began with Abraham and the God-given covenant of circumcision. He carried the story through the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and concluded this portion with the family of Jacob and his twelve sons in Egypt under the leadership of Joseph. Stephen then moved on to the next great pillar of Judaism, Moses. The giving of the Law to Moses was central to the nation of Israel. From the book of Deuteronomy, Stephen quoted Moses’ prophetic words regarding a coming Messiah. The Israelites had a history of rejecting the prophets, a history which did not end with the Old Testament, as Stephen pointed out. That Moses was a great prophet was accepted by all, yet the Pharisees knew full well how the congregation in the desert had rejected his leadership, wanting to return to Egypt. Stephen pointed out that God had disclosed himself outside of the Temple, revealing himself to a man, Abraham, to a family, to the patriarchs, to a nation, to the Israelites in the Exodus, in worship liturgy, and supremely in Jesus Christ. In using these examples, Stephen was also showing how God’s people were consistently slow to accept the words of the prophets and, in fact, often rejected their message, even killing some. The punchline in Stephen’s presentation before the Pharisees is coming tomorrow! Not only did the Israelites and their leadership, the Pharisees and the Sadducees, have a pattern of rejecting God, this is the same pattern of our world, our societies, and our cultures. We want to control. We want power. We want to be our own gods. It is possible God is humbling people and nations through the world-wide crisis we are facing. The question is, will people and nations humble themselves before God and seek forgiveness? That remains to be seen.

Music: “Agnus Dei” Voces8 There are only 8 people singing, no overdubs, one on a part! (Samuel Barber)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuBQZFOnk7s

Translation:

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

Have mercy on us.

Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world

Grant us peace.

Prayer:

Lord God, we are an arrogant and a proud people. Though made in your image, we have sought to reshape our image after our own fashion. There is an unrepentant part of us that always seeks rebellion against you and your word. We have rejected you with pride and bear the consequences of our foolishness. We tell ourselves nothing bad will happen when we act selfishly. The difficult stories in the Bible are what happened to those disobedient people, not to us. The truth is, you love and care for your people and at times bring judgment upon those you love. Forgive us as a people, Lord. Forgive me, Lord, for the many times I have rejected you when I knew perfectly well what was right. Grant that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit who indwell me may so shape me through discipline and love, that I may conform more and more to one who is being made in your image, and as a result bring glory and honor to you, my Creator and Redeemer. This I pray through Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen. ―Daniel Sharp

Fifth Sunday of Easter, May 10

Reader: “Don’t let your hearts be troubled.”

Response: “Trust in God, and trust also in me.”

Scripture: John 14:1-12 (In the words of Jesus . . .)

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going.”

“No, we don’t know, Lord,” Thomas said. “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?”

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!”

Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.”

Jesus replied, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So why are you asking me to show him to you? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I speak are not my own, but my Father who lives in me does his work through me. Just believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Or at least believe because of the work you have seen me do.

“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.”

Reader: “The word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

When we back up and put this into context, we find this conversation between Jesus and his disciples was in the Upper Room on Maundy Thursday before his crucifixion the next day. There is so much in this dialogue, books have been written on a single verse! We’ll make only a few observations. The tensions are high in the current environment the disciples find themselves. Judas has just left the room to betray Jesus. The religious leaders are plotting to arrest Jesus that night and the plan to kill him is underway. Jesus told the eleven that he was going to be murdered shortly. Yet, his words were, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.” How was he so calm? He was focused not on the immediate, but on entering into his glory bringing glory to God in the process. He was not overwhelmed with the present situation, but looked to the bigger picture. On a different note, this translation leaves out the word “mansions” for the phrase “prepare a place for you.” The former gives the idea of an abundance of living accomodations around a central courtyard of sorts. Jesus is preparing a place, not only for the disciples, but for you and me. It’s almost like, when your room is ready, I’ll come get you. On a personal note, I remember an older couple in their 80’s in one of my choirs over the years. For years and years they slept together in their bed. She had become ill and one morning when he woke up, he discovered she had passed away in the night in her sleep right beside him. As I was preaching her funeral, I referred to this passage. I reminded Harold that at some point during the night Jesus came and got Anna and took her to the place he had prepared for her to be with him. He found that truth comforting, literally played out beside him in the night. Finally, I want to make one theological observation. In response to Philip’s request, Jesus answered, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. . . I am in the Father and the Father is in me.” How am I to work through this? Jesus’ relationship with his Father is such that his words are the Father’s words. The works that emanate from Jesus are actually the Father’s works playing out via his Son. Human beings are made in God’s image but the Son is an exact image (icon) of the Father. Notice that Jesus never said, “I am the Father.” They are not the same. He does say that he and the Father are one in essence and undivided in nature while being distinct persons in the Godhead. They each have different functions as one Being. In the midst of great stress and turmoil, Jesus walked with his Father who indwelt him keeping his eyes on the final destination, being in the presence of God eternally. He is our only path to the Father. Rest in him today and bring glory to God! Keep your eyes on the final resting place being prepared by the Savior, a place in the very presence of God.

Music: “A City Called Heaven” Salt Lake Vocal Artists

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-P-DwTDzRZs

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, sometimes we get so lost in the stressed immediacy of circumstances, we let the current moments bring fear, even panic. God, we forget about you, maybe because we haven’t actually spent time with you and view you more as a “come and go” helper to make our life better. Forgive us for such a shallow faith. You are more than a moral teacher or a “911” to life. You are my God. You, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the Father were always intertwined as One so that you never lose perspective. Grant that we would live so enveloped by you that you would truly be our life. And in our life may we do works that bring glory to God. This we pray through you, Jesus our Lord, who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. ―Daniel Sharp

Saturday, May 9

Reader: “I tell you the truth,”

Response: “before Abraham was even born, I AM!”

Scripture: John 8:48-59

The people retorted, “You Samaritan devil! Didn’t we say all along that you were possessed by a demon?”

“No,” Jesus said, “I have no demon in me. For I honor my Father—and you dishonor me. And though I have no wish to glorify myself, God is going to glorify me. He is the true judge. I tell you the truth, anyone who obeys my teaching will never die!”

The people said, “Now we know you are possessed by a demon. Even Abraham and the prophets died, but you say, ‘Anyone who obeys my teaching will never die!’ Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died, and so did the prophets. Who do you think you are?”

Jesus answered, “If I want glory for myself, it doesn’t count. But it is my Father who will glorify me. You say, ‘He is our God,’but you don’t even know him. I know him. If I said otherwise, I would be as great a liar as you! But I do know him and obey him. Your father Abraham rejoiced as he looked forward to my coming. He saw it and was glad.”

The people said, “You aren’t even fifty years old. How can you say you have seen Abraham?”

Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, before Abraham was even born, I am!” At that point they picked up stones to throw at him. But Jesus was hidden from them and left the Temple.

Reader: “The word of the Lord.”

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:

In each of the previous seven chapters of John, the main point was the identity of Jesus as God’s own Son. Then we come to chapter eight and this interaction between Jesus and the Pharisees. As you read, did you notice how similar Jesus’ discussion with the Pharisees and Jewish leaders was to Stephen’s defense which we looked at yesterday? We’re back to talking about Abraham, the founding father of the nation of Israel. The crux of the matter is, the Jewish leadership believed that since they were in the lineage of Abraham and had been circumcised, they automatically knew God as their Father. What they were hearing from Jesus was that being born a Jew did not automatically mean you knew God. In his words, if they were truly children of Abraham, they would recognize Jesus for who he truly was, the Son of God. Since they were not willing to recognize Jesus as the Messiah, that meant they were children of Abraham in lineage only, not in faith. Those words were more than they could handle. Jesus does not let up.

It escalates! When Jesus says that he existed before Abraham was born, and that Abraham rejoiced as he looked forward to Jesus’ coming to earth, the people had great difficulty. Their next comment meant that they had really understood what Jesus said. “You’re not yet fifty years old Jesus, and you’ve seen Abraham who lived 2,000 years ago? That’s not possible!” Jesus’ response sent them all over the edge. Jesus began with the “I tell you the truth . . .” remember that from a couple of days ago? When Jesus says that phrase, something extremely significant and important is to follow. His words . . . “Before Abraham was born, I AM!” The Pharisees and all the people knew the story of Moses and the burning bush. “I AM” was the name God gave Moses when Moses asked, “Whom shall I say sent me?” It was none other than the name of God, i.e. Jesus was God in the flesh. Anyone claiming to be God was to be stoned according to the law. The Pharisees questioned Jesus in an effort to disprove his claims to be the Son of Man. In their questioning, the opposite happened. They were confronted with the truth that indeed he was the Son of Man and they really did not know the God of Abraham after all. That revelation proved to be too much for them, so they killed him thinking that would end it. It didn’t! HE IS RISEN!

Music: “Give Me Jesus” Fernando Ortega at Ruth Graham Funeral

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vu2E2FUcIiE

Prayer:

Almighty God, who hast shown us in the life and teaching of Thy Son the true way of blessedness. Thou hast also shown us in his suffering and death that the path of love may lead to a cross, and the reward of faithfulness may be a crown of thorns. Give us grace to learn these hard lessons. May we take up our cross and follow Christ in the strength of patience and the constancy of faith; and may we have such fellowship with him in his sorrow that we shall know the secret of his strength and peace, and see even in our darkest hour the shining of the eternal light; for his sake who died and rose again for us, the same Jesus Christ our Lord. ―John Hunter, The Quiet Corner, p.20