Reader: “No one has ever gone to heaven and returned.” 

Response: “But the Son of Man has come down from heaven.”

Scripture: John 3:1-13

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

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

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

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

“How are these things possible?” Nicodemus asked.

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

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

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

Some thoughts:
This is one of the better known accounts in the gospels, the interaction between Nicodemus, a leader of the Pharisees and one of the esteemed seventy rulers (like a Jewish Supreme Court) and Jesus. One of the things that is evident in this pericope is Nicodemus’ inability to think beyond a physical birth. Jesus’ description of the spiritual birth escapes him as it does for many people today. Birth from above is the result of the action of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The wind blows where it will. The Spirit of God is free and moves where it will. God’s Spirit comes from heaven and cannot be contained or controlled. Jesus’ challenge to Nicodemus and to us is if you won’t believe what I tell you about earthly things (Do you believe what Jesus said while on earth?), how can you possibly believe what I tell you about heavenly things? Jesus’ explanation is a magnificent account showing us how earth-bound humans can be connected to heaven, how our earthly and heavenly existence to God are connected! In giving added authority to his comment, Jesus then makes a “once in eternity” statement, “No one has ever gone to heaven and returned, but the Son of Man has come down from heaven!” History and theology are melded into one. The Son of Man has taken on human flesh. There is no religion in the world where the god became human and dwelt on earth. Christianity is unique. Thank God today for your spiritual birth and continue to pray for those who have not yet been born of the Spirit. Nancy and I got news today that a person for whom we have been praying for years has come to faith in Christ! Be encouraged. Keep praying for the Nicodemuses in your world.

While this music is often thought of as Christmas music, it is music of the Incarnation and after all, Advent, Christmastide, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost are all part of the same story!

Music: “Of the Father’s Love Begotten”      Outofdarknessmusic a unique setting

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jICEbS4acQ

Prayer:
Gracious God, you brought Christ into the world to bear our afflictions, and by his stripes we are healed; we come with thanksgiving for his cleansing redemption. Purge the stain of sin within us and give us clean hearts, that we may serve you more faithfully. Renew right minds that we may enjoy the fruits of your Spirit and abound in the love, joy, peace, goodness, and faithfulness we find in the reconciling love of Christ Jesus, our Savior and Lord.  ―Prayers for Easter, James G. Kirk, p.15

Reader: “It is the food . . .”

Response: “the Lord has given you to eat.”

Scripture: Exodus 16:9-21

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reader: The Word of the Lord.

Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:
This passage from Exodus is the iconic picture of humanity! I’m going to back up a bit to bring this portion into context. The Israelites were freed from 430 years of slavery to the Egyptians a month ago. They had just left an oasis and were continuing on towards the Promised Land, the land God had given them. These people, a million plus strong, were complaining about Moses’ and Aaron’s leadership. In the people’s words “we sat around in Egypt with pots filled with meat and ate all the bread we wanted!” They were slaves! They didn’t sit around at a barbecue! Complaining often blinds us to reality and tends to feed more complaining, which was true for these people. Moses was quick to remind them their gripe was against God, not against him and his brother. Moses wanted no part of the crabbing! The Lord then told Moses his plan which was to give the Israelites food one day at a time, just the amount they needed for that day. Then the day before the Sabbath, they should take a double portion because God would provide no manna on the Sabbath. God was resting that day and they should too. So far so good. Then we come to the passage you just read. Aaron passed God’s words and plan along to the people. They had been complaining about meat and bread and God provided both, even with the same words of their complaint! (All the bread you want . . .) And the point? “Then you will know that I am the Lord your God.” And that phrase is the point. The awesome glory of God in the cloud was a visual, physical reminder to the people of God’s continued presence with them. Notice God provided exactly what they needed and the amount they needed. They had to trust him for each day’s need. If they got greedy, the food spoiled. If they got lazy, they went hungry. And of course some tried both ways as the passage continues on after the portion you read. This account of the desert wanderings has a very clear point. We are to learn to turn to the Lord each day for sustenance. The purpose is to learn to rely on him for the immediate present. Don’t worry about next week. Go to him daily for relationship and for nourishment. He will always provide. And quit complaining imagining things are better in another situation. Have you ever noticed that complaining is always self-focused? P.S. That entire generation to a person, 500-600,000 people died in the desert, never arriving in what God had promised them. In our pastor’s words from last Sunday’s sermon, “the Israelites turned what should have been an eleven day journey into the Promised Land into a thirty-eight year death march.” And all because they could not trust the Lord one day at a time.

Music: “To God Be the Glory”   Sissel by Andrae Crouch

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiB4SEgOkow

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

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

Reader: “At the right time he will bring everything together”

Response: “. . . under the authority of Christ.”

Scripture: Ephesians 1:7-14

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

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

Response: “Thank you Lord.”

Some thoughts:
You may have often heard that “God has a wonderful plan for your life.” If you are like me, I find it easy to think of God’s plan in terms of specific things or events in my life. I’m not so sure this concept is always what God has in mind. Sometimes, yes, it appears to be the case. Maybe there was some event or action that you recognized had God’s hand all over it. But there are plenty of other times when it seems “God’s plan” is a complete mystery. As you read in the passage above, God’s plan is to fulfill his own good pleasure. If our desire is to bring glory to God in our life, then we do want to be in accord with his plan. The bold print clarifies the timing of such. My problem is I don’t know the timing and God isn’t telling me! Matthew Henry has two very pertinent quotes: “God has wisely kept us in the dark concerning future events and reserved for himself the knowledge of them, [why?] that he may train us up in a dependence upon himself and a continued readiness for every event.” And “Cast not away your confidence because God defers his performances. That which does not come in your time, will be hastened in his time, which is always the more convenient season. God will work when he pleases, how he pleases, and by what means he pleases. He is not bound to keep our time, but he will perform his work, honor our faith, and reward them that diligently seek him.” Well said, Matthew! Hang in there . . .

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkXI-8no9ZE&list=TLPQMjIwMTIwMjCZKDSORdFFFg&index=2 

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

• Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
  The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide;
  When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
  Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me.
• Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day;
  Earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away;
  Change and decay in all around I see—
  O Thou who changest not, abide with me.
• I need Thy presence every passing hour;
  What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s pow’r?
  Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be?
  Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.
• I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless;
  Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness;
  Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory?
  I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.
• Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes;
  Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies;
  Heav’n’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee;
  In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.

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

― John Baillie, 1886-1960 

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 Mark’s record of what happened . . .”

Response: “in the days leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion.” 

Some thoughts:
If you knew you were to die for certain in three weeks, what would you do? My guess is you could care less about “March Madness” or finishing up the quarterly report or who will win the next election, after all, no one comes into power unless God has allowed it. My guess is we’d call together the people we are close to and love dearly and tell them what is really important to us. It most likely wouldn’t have to do with mundane things. I’ve always been curious as to those things that were significant to Jesus as he neared the end of his earthly life. Unlike us, he knew he was going to die and knew when he would die. This pericope gives us one of the early insights into Jesus’ perspective as to what was important to God. His house, the Temple, was to be a place of prayer for everyone, not just the Jews. (That was a surprise to everyone!) It was to be a place of communing with God the Father, of intimate conversation with the Creator. It had become something else, a place of crass religious business. As you might guess, the merchants were not pleased that he called them out and destroyed their racket. So the religious leaders and teachers, encouraged by the merchants no doubt, began to hatch a plot to kill Jesus, even though he was very popular. Jesus’ bottom line was communion with his Father. I wonder if that is what happens when the body of Christ gathers for worship these days? Is worship in your church a place of communing with the Father as a congregation or do we have a “high five, yeah Jesus time”? When was the last time the body of Christ was on its knees in repentance in awe of our life-giving Savior? Just asking. So, what would you say to your children, grandchildren, or nieces or nephews, or some other close friends as you came to the end of your life on earth? My father finished lunch, went out in the barnyard to move a grain elevator, and a split second later was in heaven when a cable snapped. What are the most important things you want to communicate to your loved ones? What’s keeping you? You know, you are not guaranteed next week or even tomorrow.

Music: “Salvation Is Created”   Tschesnokoff, National Lutheran Choir

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

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

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

Reader: “Anyone who trusts in him” 

Response: “. . . will never be disgraced.”

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:4-10

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

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

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

and anyone who trusts in him

will never be disgraced.”

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

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

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

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

Reader: “This is God’s word as given to Peter.” 

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Some thoughts:
In today’s passage, Peter reminds us that we are “living stones”, an actual part of the Temple in which Jesus is the cornerstone. This is not pretend faith. You are part of the real thing, a world that is bigger and extends beyond what you can see.  It doesn’t feel like it, does it? You are just sitting somewhere reading this. It surely doesn’t feel very spiritual. You as a “living stone” seems more like a “theological theory” than reality is my guess.The truth is, you are part of another world. We’re so often caught up in this world, that we forget about the biggest picture. Do you notice how obedience enters in here again? (v.8) How often have you heard, “But I don’t feel like it.” Obedience doesn’t rely on feelings at its core. In the Hebrew mind, “doing” is the evidence that one has heard. If there is no action, one has not heard. Look at all the examples in the Scriptures.  Action is the evidence that you have heard. (In their growing up years, we sought to impress this concept upon our children―”Time to go to bed. . . I heard you . . . Are you in bed . . . I’m going . . .” with varied results!) The mercy here is that we are God’s chosen children. He called us out of our bondage to sin and now we are marked with his identity. The season of Lent is concerned with God’s recovering and restoring a people for himself. We are a part of a great exodus, an exodus from slavery to sin to freedom from sin, from darkness to light. We are a royal priesthood, a holy nation. The Tabernacle in the wilderness is us. Can you doubt we are in a wilderness? You and I are parts of God’s physical kingdom on earth. We didn’t used to be, but, having come to faith in Jesus, now we are “living stones” in his earthly Temple. So, do the work of a priest today. Bind the broken-hearted, support the weak, honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the HolySpirit. It doesn’t really matter how you feel! Do it.

Music: “Miserere Mei”  Allegri Tenebrae Choir   Spectacular!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3v9unphfi0

This is a setting of the confessional Psalm 51

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

Reader: “Take your son, your only son.”

Response: “. . . your only son.”

Scripture:  Genesis 22:1-19

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

“Yes,” he replied. “Here I am.”

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

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

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

“Yes, my son?” Abraham replied.

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

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

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

“Yes,” Abraham replied. “Here I am!”

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

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

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

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

Reader: “This is God’s foretelling story.”

Response: “Our God is beyond words.”

Some thoughts:
As the Lenten season begins to point toward the cross, we come across this familiar story of Abraham and Isaac. There are so many familiarities and Christological types in the First Testament. Another way to look at these accounts is what the Scriptures call shadows. Abraham was a type of the Father in that he did not withhold his son, his only son whom he loved. We are reminded of Jesus on the mount of Transfiguration when the Father spoke from heaven “this is my beloved son, my Chosen one, listen to him.” Isaac was a type of Christ figure. He was the chosen one rather than Ishmael. As Jesus carried the wooden cross on his back for his sacrifice, so also Isaac carried the wood on his back for his sacrifice. A lamb was eventually sacrificed in place of Isaac, but Jesus, as the Lamb of God, laid down his life as our sacrifice. There were two servant witnesses who accompanied Abraham and Isaac. There were two thieves who bore witness to the crucifixion of Jesus. (Jewish law required the testimony of at least two witnesses to verify the truth in any situation. Deut.17:6) The sacrifice of the ram took place on Mt. Moriah, the eventual site of Solomon’s Temple as well as Golgotha. A donkey went with them reminding us of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem (located on Mt. Moriah) on Palm Sunday. The sacrifice was offered on the third day. As it turned out, Isaac, was “raised from the dead” on the third day. As God the Father raised Jesus on the third day, so Abraham believed God would raise his slain son. (Heb.11:19)―I’m not making this up! The one performing the burnt offering was also the one who slayed the sacrifice. The burnt sacrifice was consumed completely by the fire, unlike other types which often had some portion go to the priest. This sacrifice was to atone for a sinful state, rather than for forgiveness of a specific sin. The sacrificial offering was to be in perfect health at the beginning of the prime of its life. Finally, the sacrifice of the ram was “in place” of Isaac. Jesus sacrifice on the cross was in our place. Indeed, as the Scripture says, “On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided.”  Abraham returned home with his son. And we await the return of our Father in heaven with his Son. The sacrifice has been completed! We are called by our Father to lay down our life every day and die to ourselves in the same way that our Savior humbled himself before his Father.

Music: “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”  Massed Choirs Weston Noble, Conductor     Glorious!! Lake Avenue Church, Pasadena, CA.

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

                                 -Isaac Watts

When I survey the wondrous cross

On with the Prince of glory died,

My richest gain I count but loss

And pour contempt on all my pride.

See from his head, his hands, his feet

Sorrow and love flow mingled down,

Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,

Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Were the whole realm of nature mine

That were a present far too small

Love so amazing, so divine,

Demands my soul, my life, my all.

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

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

                                 -Te Deum, 4th century

Reader: “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.”

Response: “Listen to him.”

Scripture: Matthew 17:1-9

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

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

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

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

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

Reader: The word of the Lord

Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:
What would have it been like for you to travel with the famous Jesus? He was a rock star. Great crowds of people showed up wherever you all went. You were a part of his inner circle. You saw the miracles with your own eyes. You got to spend lots of time with him. You even got to do a few miracles yourself! A pretty heady time for the disciples.

Jesus often referred to himself in the third person as the Son of Man. In fact, just before the passage of Scripture you just read, he had asked his disciples this pointed question, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” Peter (of course) answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” He then told the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah! Strange. A short time later comes what is called the Transfiguration. Jesus took his inner circle, Peter, James, and John with him to a mountain top. While there, the three got a brief glimpse of the divine nature and brilliant glory of Jesus.  They got a faint peek through the veil. Elsewhere, we read that the conversation among Moses (the Law Giver) and Elijah (the Prophet of the Messiah’s coming) and Jesus was concerning his soon departure (the actual word is “his exodus”) from this world. In essence, Jesus was about to fulfill the Law and the Prophets once for all. Do you see how this event tied the Old Testament and the New Testament together? We read in Deuteronomy that there must be two witnesses to verify the truth of a matter. Here we have perhaps the two greatest men of the First Testament bearing witness to the identity of Jesus as the Son of God and affirming his mission. Moses led the first Exodus from slavery to freedom in a shadow of what was to come. Moses died looking into the Promised Land and was buried in an unknown grave by God himself. You’ll recall Elijah did not die, but was taken by a chariot of fire straight to heaven. Here the disciples saw Moses and Elijah coming from that Promised Land, heaven itself, to comfort and give solace to Jesus as he prepares to give his life as the ultimate Lamb of God in freeing all peoples from the bondage of sin. Then we read again that Jesus told these three to say nothing of what they had seen and heard. Why? It was not yet God the Father’s timing. Why did these three get to see this event and not the other disciples? After the resurrection and ascension, Peter, James, and John assumed significant leadership in the early days of the church. They referred to seeing Jesus’ glory (2 Peter 1:16-21) and cited the experience as giving them greater confidence in the truth of Jesus as the Son of God as they led the early church. What does this have to do with Lent? We see here again the great and detailed care God gave in bringing redemption to all tribes, tongues and nations. A plan begun before the dawn of creation was coming to the pivotal point. God is in the details, then and now. The End will surely come. Glory!  

Music: “Sanctus” from Requiem Durufle   

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hESnJ0HHlxI 

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

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

                                                                                             ―Daniel Sharp

Reader: “The moment you began praying,”

Response: “a command was given.”

Scripture: Daniel 9:15-25a

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reader: “This is the conclusion of Daniel’s prayer.”

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

Some thoughts:

The reading today is the concluding portion of Daniel’s prayer to the Lord. Daniel had been given a vision concerning the time of the ending of the world. Interestingly, the message was given by the angel, Gabriel, the same angel who would hundreds of years later speak to Zachariah, Mary, and Joseph! Here again is news concerning the Messiah, this time about his Return. This task seems to be Gabriel’s job. This prayer gives us much insight into prayer itself, one of the key themes of the Lenten season along with fasting, and giving to the poor. Notice several things in Daniel’s words: 1) We are reminded of God’s covenant promise to his people. In prayer it is always good to begin with reiterating the great truths about God. It puts our heart and mind into the right context for the rest of our prayer. 2) Daniel confesses his own sin as well as the sin of his people. He does not say “we’ve made mistakes; we’ve used bad judgment; we should have been wiser, we misread the situation, etc.” His words were, “we were wicked; we rebelled; we turned away; we did not listen.” There is complete admission that we have been in the wrong. In looking at today’s pericope we read the expression of a truly repentant heart and one of the most touching passages in Scripture. “We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, hear and act! For your sake, O my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name.” Note the thrice appeal. There are few “three’s” in the Bible, this is one of them. It is worth reflecting on these appeals in light of the Trinity. We also see that “the fervent prayer of a righteous person avails much.” (James 5:16) Daniel’s prayer moved heaven itself. What does all this tell us? Prayer is effective in the courts of heaven and on earth. There are times when God is moved to action by our prayers.  “The moment you began praying, a command was given.” Keep praying God’s time table. In his prayer, Daniel was given God’s perspective on the situation. As you pray today for those things on your heart, listen for God’s perspective, what has he put on your heart. Pray for that.

Hymn: “Sweet Hour of Prayer”     Radiance (back from last year! DO NOT MISS)

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

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

Reader: “This is my fate:”

Response: “the Most High has turned his hand against me.”

Scripture: Psalm 77:10-15

And I said, “This is my fate;

    the Most High has turned his hand against me.”

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

    I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago.

They are constantly in my thoughts.

    I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works.

O God, your ways are holy.

    Is there any god as mighty as you?

You are the God of great wonders!

    You demonstrate your awesome power among the nations.

By your strong arm, you redeemed your people,

    the descendants of Jacob and Joseph. 

Reader: The word of the Lord

Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:
Asaph, the guy who wrote this psalm, had nearly given up on God. His words? “This is my fate; the Most High has turned his hand against me.” There is no worse feeling than coming to the conclusion that someone has given up on you…especially when it’s you! It’s even worse when that someone is God. What’s the use? It’s over. We’ve made too big a mess. It can’t be fixed. Even in that state, if we’re honest, we’re hoping for a deep down miracle of someone changing their mind about us or that the situation will miraculously turn around or melt away. “The Most High has turned his hand against me . . .”  Is there a way to be convinced that God hasn’t slammed the door on us? There is the famous little three letter word “but” followed by “recall”. Yes, in those moments of greatest doubt and discouragement, let history come to the rescue. Why do you think that throughout the entire Old Testament God continually reminded the people to recite their history? I’m indebted to Dennis Prager for this thought. “Memory permeates faith. No memory, no faith. Memory permeates gratitude. No memory, no gratitude.” God commanded that they remember certain feasts for that very purpose (Passover, Pentecost, Tabernacles). On top of that, God has selective memory and so should we. He cannot remember sin, but he does remember his covenant. In moments of greatest doubt go to what you know is true from the past. The psalmist writes “I recall all you have done O Lord.” Truth adjusts and corrects perspective. The psalmist lets God’s past action permeate his mind. “I cannot stop thinking about…they are constantly in my thoughts…” The next time you are low and are convinced God has forgotten you, stick a big “but” in the middle of your thoughts and then rehearse God’s actions of the past. Let his historical work in your life permeate your mind. He’s talking to you!

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGvCm9I4H0A 

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

                   ―Thomas à Kempis, 1380-1471

Reader: “The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go,”  

Response: “. . . both now and forever.”

Scripture: Psalm 121 

I look up to the mountains—

    does my help come from there?

My help comes from the Lord,

    who made heaven and earth!

He will not let you stumble;

    the one who watches over you will not slumber.

Indeed, he who watches over Israel

    never slumbers or sleeps.

The Lord himself watches over you!

    The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade.

The sun will not harm you by day,

    nor the moon at night.

The Lord keeps you from all harm

    and watches over your life.

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

    both now and forever.

Reader: The word of the Lord

Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:
You have read at different times in the First Testament how the pagans worshiped in “high places” and on hilltops under spreading trees in order to be closer to the gods. This idolatrous cultic practice on mountains had an attraction for God’s people. The opening of this psalm could be read as a rhetorical question expecting a negative answer. Your help does not come from worship on mountain tops. Your help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth and the mountains! This psalm is an underscoring of Genesis 1:1. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Though this great Creator God created all that exists, he is still concerned and cares about you. He is always tuned to his creation for he never “slumbers or sleeps!” Think about it! Our God is always awake dialed into everything going on in his creation in all parts of everywhere since before time began. It’s exhausting even thinking about it! And God does this without expending himself in any way. He watches over nations and over you and me right now. The sun and the moon were also objects of cultic worship in those days and so the psalmist makes clear the Lord is master of both sun and moon. They have no power over you in any way. You need not fear them. The Lord’s eye is on you at all times and in all places. On a little different note, this psalm is similar to many Hebrew psalms in that it is antiphonally conceived. The poetry of the psalms is not of words rhyming, but of parallel thoughts. The speaker in verse one asks a question. Another speaker (verse two) answers the question. Sometimes the response adds to or restates the first idea in different words (v.3 & 4) or adds information or explanation (v.5 & 6 and 7 & 8). If someone is with you as you read this, you may want to go back and reread the psalm antiphonally. For several thousand years these particular verses have been heard as people ascended to Jerusalem to worship on Mt. Moriah. Whatever it is going on in your life today notice God and the verbs in this psalm. “Help comes from the Lord; He will not let you; he watches over you; he watches over Israel; Lord himself watches over you; Lord stands beside you; Lord keeps you from all harm; watches over your life; Lord keeps watch over you. Do you get the idea that God is looking out for you? Rest well.

Music: “He Watching Over Israel”  Robert Shaw Ps.121:4; 138:7

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37zaRHrNlj4

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

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

Reader: “Yahweh! The Lord!”    

Response:  “The God of compassion and mercy!”

Scripture: Exodus 34:1-9; 27-28
Then the Lord told Moses, “Chisel out two stone tablets like the first ones. I will write on them the same words that were on the tablets you smashed. Be ready in the morning to climb up Mount Sinai and present yourself to me on the top of the mountain. No one else may come with you. In fact, no one is to appear anywhere on the mountain. Do not even let the flocks or herds graze near the mountain.”

So Moses chiseled out two tablets of stone like the first ones. Early in the morning, he climbed Mount Sinai as the Lord had commanded him, and he carried the two stone tablets in his hands.

Then the Lord came down in a cloud and stood there with him; and he called out his own name, Yahweh. The Lord passed in front of Moses, calling out,

“Yahweh! The Lord!

    The God of compassion and mercy!

I am slow to anger

    and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.

I lavish unfailing love to a thousand generations.

    I forgive iniquity, rebellion, and sin.

But I do not excuse the guilty.

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

the entire family is affected—

    even children in the third and fourth generations.”

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

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

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

Reader: The word of the Lord

Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:
In Hebrew, these are simply called “The Ten Words.” I find myself wondering if these tablets exist buried somewhere underground in the world? My guess is they were destroyed in the sacking of the Temple in 70 AD. These are the only things we’ve ever had in God’s own handwriting. They were designed to be memorized―ten words, ten fingers! There are some significant things to note here. There are two sets of tablets that went into the Ark of the Covenant, one to remind the people of what God said and one to remind God of his covenant with his people. These words were given specifically to God’s Covenant people as indicated in the preface. I am YHWH, your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt. Like Moses’ previous trip up Mt. Sinai to meet God, we are reminded of God’s holiness with the prohibition of anyone or any animal entering the holy ground. God descended in a cloud, the cloud being a biblical indication of God’s presence (E.g. a pillar of fire and cloud to lead Israel, a cloud at the Transfiguration, a cloud at the Ascension, etc.). In the Scripture preceding this pericope, Moses had a rather pointed conversation with God regarding God’s presence among his people. Moses actually asked God to show him his presence (Ex.33:18). This is the place where God hid Moses in a crack in the rock and he saw the backside of God as God passed by. Moses desperately sought God’s presence with his people. To better understand “The Ten Words,” it would be better to view them as God’s description of what a community in covenant with himself would look like. This covenant relationship with God dealt in reality. Daniel Block writes, “We should interpret this document not as a law code but as a foundational covenant document, intended to create a picture of life within the community of faith governed by covenant principles.” (For the Glory of God, p.85) Our response to the Ten Commandments should grow out of our relationship with God rather than attempting to look at them as simply a set of legalistic rules to follow. This perspective does not lessen their force or impact, but it does put them into a context of relationship with God, their original context. What does all this have to do with Lent? In this season, “The Ten Words” admonish us to treat others with great care. Contrary to our world with its great concern with marches for “my rights,” have you observed the concern of “The Ten Words” here is for others to be treated fairly, treated well, and with selfless compassion. Again, as we journey to the cross with Jesus, our Savior out of his great love, put aside his rights and privilege in laying down his life that we all might have life. Where can you lay down your life for others today?

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isLQ36PnTyo

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 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 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. Help me to live our covenant as you summarized in the two greatest commandments. May the doing of our relationship express our being of one mind, your mind living in and through me. In my Savior’s glorious name. Amen.  

                                                                                                           ―Daniel Sharp

Reader: “Let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God.” 

Response:  “There we will receive his mercy.”

Scripture: Hebrews 4:14-5:10

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

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

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

“You are my Son.

    Today I have become your Father.”

And in another passage God said to him,

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

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

Reader: The word of the Lord

Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:
Yesterday we spent some time underscoring why Jesus had to take on human flesh in order to accomplish his ultimate purpose. Today we read further of his unique position as a human being to bridge sinful humans and a holy God. As you read this, Jesus is our flesh and blood in heaven right now. The perfect, sinless human Son of God is in heaven interceding on our behalf. What is more is that he is our High Priest. There are some things we need to be reminded of in regard to this position. The High Priest must be appointed by God. There was no election and no lobbying for the position. He had to be one of the people . . . another reason for the humanity of Jesus. It was for life. The high priest must be a Levite and from the family of Aaron. As you know, the high priest entered the Holy of Holies one day a year after having offered sacrifices for his own sin, the sins of his family and then for the sins of the people. On the Day of Atonement, only the high priest could offer sacrifices on behalf of the people. They could not make sacrifices on behalf of themselves. In Jesus we have a High Priest who was named to this position by God even though he was not of the lineage of Aaron, but in the order of Melchizedek. In Jesus’ case, the position is for all eternity. Because of his humanity, Jesus is the perfect High Priest because he understands the challenges we humans face regarding the temptation to sin since he himself faced everything we face. We are invited to come to him again and again with our struggles and intercessions knowing he understands perfectly. Have you noticed how Jesus never presumes anything in relation to his Father? Because he is the Son of God, he never says, “Because I’m who I AM, I get a pass on that. God’s rules don’t apply to me.” As the Son of God, he always submits to his Father. Our big brother doesn’t pull executive privilege. Ask the living Christ in you this day to shape your heart and mind even as he prays for you.

Music: “I Need Thee Every Hour”      Sam Robson Beautiful and remarkable!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3wSbLa2uGg

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

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

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

Reader: “For only as a human being could he die,”

Response:  “and only by dying could he break the power of the devil.”

Scripture: Hebrews 2:10-18

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

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

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

    I will praise you among your assembled people.”

He also said,

“I will put my trust in him,”

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

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

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

Reader: The word of the Lord

Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:
We’ve seen pleas on commercials for people to adopt homeless pets. Adoption is a unique process and an old wonderful concept. One may adopt a dog, but by adopting you don’t become part of the dog’s family lineage. You can love a dog, but you can’t become a dog. When you get sick, you don’t go to the vet!  And the dog, in spite of what some people think, can’t become human! I don’t know if you’ve ever given it thought as to why Jesus became a human being? In all other religions, the god remained a distant god separated from this world. There was no relational or human element to any of these gods. They were beyond face to face encounters.One of the greatest challenges to the Jewish faith is the difficulty of reconciling God who is Spirit and Jesus who claims to be God, but God with human flesh, and not just human flesh, but completely human in every way. The above Scripture is profound. If God were not completely human in every way, then the sacrificial death would be a faux sacrifice. A spiritual god dying a spiritual death would not solve the human problem. If humans were to become “brothers and sisters” of our Lord, then our Lord would truly have to become one of us in order that we might be able to be adopted. Dogs and people are not of the same family. Heaven and earth are not of the same family unless . . .heaven condescends to earth . . . unless the Spiritual takes on flesh and blood, born of a virgin woman. The impregnation had to come from God the Spirit in order to unite the two worlds. The glorious truth is that now, death is forever defeated as, by the power of God, the God-Man, Jesus was raised from the grave destroying the devil’s power over death. Notice also in this passage has no bearing on angels, which are not human beings. This comment reflects a clarifying factor to the Jewish readers who held angels in highest esteem. The portion you read is part of a larger discussion the author is writing in regard to the superiority of Jesus over angelic beings. In this season we are reminded anew of the humanity of Jesus and his dealing with all the temptations and struggles of this life of ours. He knows. He’s experienced it. He is able to help us, even this day. He’s adopted us into his family.

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

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

Prayer:
Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior, who has taken our humanity in human flesh to be seated at the right hand of God the Father, we bow before you again this day with hearts filled with gratitude. What you have willingly laid aside to become one of us that the whole world might be restored, is truly more than we can ever comprehend. It is beyond our imagination or conception as to what the heavenly realm is like as we have only veiled and shadowy thoughts at this point. In your presence we may have greater understanding of your great love, demonstrated in your humbling to become one of us as our Brother who adopted us into his immortal family. All praise and glory to you, one God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, world without end. Amen.          ―Daniel Sharp

Reader: “Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness” 

Response: “to be tempted there by the devil.”

Scripture: Matthew 4:1-11

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

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

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

‘People do not live by bread alone,

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

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

‘He will order his angels to protect you.

And they will hold you up with their hands

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

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

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

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

‘You must worship the Lord your God

    and serve only him.’”

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

Reader: The word of the Lord

Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:
Yesterday we heard Jesus’ words regarding one who would cause another to sin and how it would be better for that person to be drowned in the depths of the sea. In the passage you just read, we see the devil occupying that position as one tempting Jesus to sin. This was not Satan’s first attempt to thwart God’s plan of redemption, though his goal and his tactics are always the same . . . bring death. In the Garden of Eden the test concerned food (the fruit of the tree); testing God’s word (Did God really say?); and worshiped (“you will be like God”). His desire to be God and to be worshiped, “I will be like the Most High,” got him kicked out of heaven (Is.14:13-14; Ezek. 28:14-17).  The Second Adam’s food was nourishment from the word of God. Secondly, rather than test God, Jesus trusted God’s word of protection. And finally, rather than worship the devil, Jesus humbled himself and worshiped and served his Father in obedience. The First Adam in the Garden fell and did something to us. The Second Adam triumphed over the devil and did something for us. But the devil is relentless both then and now. He tried to kill Jesus at his birth. He tempted Jesus in this passage. Through Peter’s words, he sought to convince Jesus not to give his life as a ransom for sin eliciting Jesus’ strongest rebuke to Peter, “Get behind me Satan!” Perhaps the final time was in the Garden of Gethsemane as Jesus sweat great drops of blood coming to his conclusion, “Not my will, but thine be done.”  Make no mistake, the devil continues to create as much havoc as possible in our world and seems to be doing a good job. In our world of competing values and viewpoints, remember Jesus’ own words, “It is written . . .” Stay in the Scriptures each day as you converse with the Lord. It behooves us to know “what is written.”

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1g26dbNJYJI

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

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

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

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

Reader: “So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child, 

Response: “is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.”

Scripture: Matthew 18:1-7

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

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

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

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

Reader: The word of the Lord

Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:
It’s important to know something of the context of this passage from Matthew. Just prior to this time Peter, James, and John had been with Jesus on the mountain when he was transfigured in their presence and the four of them were joined by Moses and Elijah in a most remarkable encounter. On the way down the mountain, Jesus told them to say nothing about what they had experienced. I have to wonder if they kept their mouths shut. Peter, as well as the brothers James and John, apparently spent more time with Jesus than the other nine disciples. When you recall that James’ and John’s mother asked Jesus if her boys could sit on his right and left sides in the kingdom and the negative reaction that followed from the rest of the disciples, we may get the idea that there was some jealousy and rivalry among the men from time to time! We then come to the passage you just read and their question to Jesus as to who was the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. Notice how Jesus defines greatness. The disciples are ambitious thinking position and power, responsibility and authority. Dismissing those attributes, Jesus defines greatness along the character side of things: transparency, humility, repentance, dependance, and trust as to keys of greatness. And these mind sets simply mark entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus points out that the disciples clearly need to repent of their heart attitudes. He is teaching that it is childlike faith which establishes greatness. Have you noticed how Jesus is always more interested in character and actions of the heart than he is in position or power? This is a season for us to examine our own hearts. What do we give the greatest value in our own lives? Is it our position, our knowledge, our resources, our prestige, our goals, or our family? Jesus is most interested in your heart attitude toward him. He confronts the disciples more than once on this issue. He also makes it very clear that to cause this childlike, humble, trusting heart to fall in someone else is very grave to the point of your being better off dead than to be the cause of sin in someone else’s life. Temptation comes to all, but it better not be via you! This day give yourself to transparency, humility, repentance, and trust to the Lord as you interact with all those with whom you come in contact.

Music: “Jesus Loves Me”  Whitney Houston  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHm9Ggdanyo

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, we have to admit that sometimes, like the disciples, we chase work, ambition, success, pleasure and a host of other things and neglect a childlike faith. But we do love you and just get off track from time to time. We know you love us in our unfaithfulness because your word tells us you are faithful even when we are faithless toward you. We confess our tendency to drift from a dependant, tender trust in you. Forgive our foolish ways as we seek once again to draw near to you this day. In the name of Jesus who is strong when we are weak.  Amen. ―Daniel Sharp

Reader: “God saw what they had done.”

Response: “He changed his mind.”

Scripture: Jonah 3:10-4:11

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reader: The word of the Lord

Response: Thanks be to God.

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

The answer to this first question is clearly “yes.” You just read it. One of the principles of Scripture in dealing with a question like this is, are there any other similar situations in other parts of the Bible. Think of Moses coming down from Mt. Sinai with the Ten Commandments and the Israelites worshiping the golden calf. God told Moses he would wipe out Israel and start over with Moses himself and rebuild the nation. Moses prayed on behalf of the people and God changed his mind. The Hebrew expression, nihem ‘al, is “to regret, to change one’s mind.” In these passages in both Exodus and Jonah, it is a case of changing the mind from negative to positive. Though more complex than we have space for here, we need to avoid extremes. The expression does not mean God is out of control nor that he is surprised by what happens. We must likewise not assume the two instances we cited are merely hypothetical. While God is sovereign above all and immutable in his character, omniscient, and unchanging, he is likewise dynamic and relational and loves his people with great passion. According to Scripture as evidenced in these situations, when people repent and turn from their wicked ways, God changes his response. What does that say to us? Earnest, fervent prayer moves the heart of God when people pray for those threatened with judgment. Pray for repentance throughout the land.

(Indebted to Daniel Block’s book “For the Glory of God” p.200-203 for some of the observations for today.)

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

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

Reader:  “I am writing to all of you in Rome who are loved by God,” 

Response:  “and are called to be his own holy people.”

Scripture: Romans 1:1-7

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

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

and he was shown to be the Son of God 

when he was raised from the dead 

by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

He is Jesus Christ our Lord.  

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

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

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

Reader: The word of the Lord

Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:
What is your purpose in life? Why are you on earth? To enjoy life? Live comfortably? Stay healthy? Make enough money to retire? Advance in your occupation? Find someone to love? Get married? Have children? Have a great career? It’s Lent, a time to reflect on how life is going in relation to our journey with Jesus on his way to the cross, namely living and dying to self day by day. In the words of Irenaeus (130-202 AD) “The Son of God became what we are, that we might become what He is.”  In his opening statement, Paul makes clear to the Romans his calling by God and purpose in life, namely that of preaching the gospel as a servant of Christ. He then quotes what some scholars believe may have been a hymn or creed of the early church. The parallel structure of the Greek writing is decidedly different from the rest of this letter as noted above. Paul had not started a church in Rome at this point and actually did not know the people he was writing to so he laid out the gospel in his salutation. I want to focus a bit on the very last part of this passage: “you who are loved by God and are called to be his own holy people.” As followers of Christ, we are called to be a holy people. P.T. Forsyth commented, “The miracle of the Incarnation is not [merely] the Word made flesh, but the Holy made sin for us.” Part of the journey of Lent is that we might grow in holiness, not only individually but corporately as the body of Christ. Christianity is not “Jesus and me.” We are his Body, the Church universal through the ages. Just as we do not become more humble by our human efforts to become humble, we cannot become more holy by trying to be holy. On a scale of 1-10, where would you rank yourself on humility? Made my point! It is only when we are filled with the mind of Christ living in us that true humility and holiness flourish. We are all called to be his holy people. Absorb him in his word each day and we will increasingly “become what he is.”

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

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

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

The Preface

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 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 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, Lent is not a Catholic thing as many people believe. Though it was at times subject to abuse in the Roman Catholic church, the use of sackcloth and ashes is much, much older in expressing repentance. 

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

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 devotionals. The link to subscribe is: sharpdevotional.com. It’s that simple and thank you for subscribing and passing the link along! 

Then they will receive the emails in their boxes each morning at 5:02 EST.  Of course subscribing is free.

February 26, Ash Wednesday  

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

Reader: “Turn now . . .”

Response:  “While there is still time.”

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

Blow the trumpet in Zion; 

sound the alarm on my holy hill.

Let all who live in the land tremble,

    for the day of the Lord is coming.

It is close at hand—

a day of darkness and gloom,

    a day of clouds and blackness.

Like dawn spreading across the mountains

    a large and mighty army comes,

such as never was in ancient times

    nor ever will be in ages to come.

“Even now,” declares the Lord,

    “return to me with all your heart,

    with fasting and weeping and mourning.”

Rend your heart

    and not your garments.

Return to the Lord your God,

    for he is gracious and compassionate,

slow to anger and abounding in love,

    and he relents from sending calamity.

Who knows? He may turn and relent

    and leave behind a blessing—

grain offerings and drink offerings

    for the Lord your God.

Blow the trumpet in Zion,

    declare a holy fast,

    call a sacred assembly.

Gather the people,

    consecrate the assembly;

bring together the elders,

    gather the children,

    those nursing at the breast.

Let the bridegroom leave his room

    and the bride her chamber.

Let the priests, who minister before the Lord,

    weep between the portico and the altar.

Let them say, “Spare your people, Lord.

    Do not make your inheritance an object of scorn,

    a byword among the nations.

Why should they say among the peoples,

    ‘Where is their God?’”

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

Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:
Have you noticed how many things are bad for your health?  We’re told that sugar is not good for you. You need to drink a gallon of water a day. Certain kinds of calories are good for you, other kinds are bad. Some kinds of fat are good and other kinds of fat are bad. Red wine used to be good for your heart until a while ago. It was discovered that the man who reported such in his studies on red wine and its positive effect on health, fudged his numbers! Those of you drinking red wine for heart health no longer have that excuse! You’ll have to come up with another one. How many times have you heard or read, “If you want to live longer, then….”?  According to yearly studies, the five leading causes of death in 2019 were: heart disease, cancer, accidents, respiratory diseases and strokes. In 2019 there were 8.84 deaths per 1,000 people in the United States of people that have been born. While I’m all for health and living as long as possible, I have my own unofficial study as to the leading causes of death. Disease is number three; old age is number two, and the leading cause of death, (tada!!) . . . is life! On Ash Wednesday we are reminded at least once a year of the ultimate statistics and truth. You will die. The actual number of deaths per 1,000 is 1,000.  The passage we read in Joel gives warning that the final day on earth does come, but also that life continues after death. Life in this world is not all there is. Joel urges his people to repent and turn to the Lord while there is still time. “Tear your hearts, not your garments.” One of the demonstrable signs of mourning was the tearing of garments. (E.g. Esther 4:1) The prophet gives an impassioned plea for his people to turn their hearts to the Lord. That is also our plea as we begin this season of Lent. Let us come to our Savior with pliable, humble hearts, tuned to the fragile nature of life and to the reality of our own mortality. Let go of anything that would hold us back. In the words of C.S. Lewis, “Do not live these days for things in our life that will end when you do.” Praise be to Christ who assures us of life everlasting when we do in fact return to dust on this earth. Unlike the Garden of Eden,this time our dust will be formed into a person who lives forever having been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb.

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

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

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

Easter Sunday   “He is not here, he is risen!”

Scripture: John 20:1-18

20 Early on Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. 2 She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. She said, “They have taken the Lord’s body out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!”

3 Peter and the other disciple started out for the tomb. 4 They were both running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 He stooped and looked in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he didn’t go in. 6 Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there, 7 while the cloth that had covered Jesus’ head was folded up and lying apart from the other wrappings. 8 Then the disciple who had reached the tomb first also went in, and he saw and believed— 9 for until then they still hadn’t understood the Scriptures that said Jesus must rise from the dead. 10 Then they went home.

11 Mary was standing outside the tomb crying, and as she wept, she stooped and looked in. 12 She saw two white-robed angels, one sitting at the head and the other at the foot of the place where the body of Jesus had been lying. 13 “Dear woman, why are you crying?” the angels asked her.

“Because they have taken away my Lord,” she replied, “and I don’t know where they have put him.”

14 She turned to leave and saw someone standing there. It was Jesus, but she didn’t recognize him. 15 “Dear woman, why are you crying?” Jesus asked her. “Who are you looking for?”

She thought he was the gardener. “Sir,” she said, “if you have taken him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will go and get him.”

16 “Mary!” Jesus said.

She turned to him and cried out, “Rabboni!” (which is Hebrew for “Teacher”).

17 “Don’t cling to me,” Jesus said, “for I haven’t yet ascended to the Father. But go find my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”

18 Mary Magdalene found the disciples and told them, “I have seen the Lord!” Then she gave them his message.

Reader: This is the word of the Lord.   Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:
Let’s play out this scene a little bit. Early on the first day of the week, the first day of the New Creation, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb. Do you remember what happened on the first day of creation in Genesis? Darkness covered the deep waters and God said, “Let there be light.” Here the Light of the world is ushering in a new creation on the first day! Death has been defeated! Mary saw that the stone was rolled away and the body of Jesus gone. So she went and got Peter and John, two of the disciple leaders and told them someone took Jesus’ body out of the tomb. So the men ran to the tomb. John was faster than Peter (Why did John put that information in the Scriptures? A playful dig at Peter?) John looked into the tomb; Peter walked right in. The clothes were there but no body. It says John believed right then. Then both men went home! Apparently Mary stayed or came back to look into the tomb. When she did, she saw two angels (remember there are always two witnesses to verify?) who asked her why she was crying. (At this point Mary still thought the body had been moved or stolen. As for John and Peter, we don’t know what they were doing at home.) She told the angels that someone had taken Jesus’ body and she wondered where it was. Can you imagine the next few moments? She turned and a man asked her the same question as to why she was crying and who she was looking for. Her answer was the same as her answer to the angels. Then Jesus simply said her name, “Mary.” She instantly recognized her risen Lord! Notice what Jesus said. Go find my brothers and tell them I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God. Jesus immediately identifies the brothers with himself and with his God. Our Brother has opened the way to God the Father. The Temple curtain is torn and the way to the Father has been opened to all by our High Priest, Jesus. Mary went to the disciples and told them, “I have seen the Lord!” Mary’s mission is our mission. “He is risen! He is risen, indeed!”

Music: “Messiah Part III”

www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGlAN_FE69o

“I Know that My Redeemer Liveth”   Sylvia McNair St. Martin in the Field Orchestra

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kg7aXEvCeXY             Sylvia McNair is  a Wheaton College grad and follower of Jesus Christ. It shows in her singing! The story goes that Robert Shaw chose her for his recording of the Messiah because he wanted someone “who believed what they sang.”

Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, the moment we have longed for has come; the night of our desires is here. What greater occupation could there be than for us to proclaim the power of your Resurrection! This was the night when you shattered the gates of hell, and you took up the victory banner of heaven This was the night when you set us among the stars. When your mother Mary gave birth to you she was overwhelmed with joy at your power. The blood which flowed from your side has washed away our sins. Your body rising from the tomb has promised us eternal life. Eternal are the blessings which in your love you have poured upon us.   ―from the  Gelasian Sacramentary.

Postscript:
Friends, thank you for journeying with us through the season of Lent 2019. This marks the tenth Lenten Devotional I’ve written and I am more in awe of our Lord each year. He truly speaks through his word in transforming our lives. Watch for the next Advent Devotional beginning December 1, 2019. A huge thank you to my oldest son, Jonathan, for putting all of this together. He has made all of this possible and I’m deeply grateful to him for his time and effort in helping make this resource available. I am grateful it has gone to some thirty states and countries all over the world: Hong Kong, China, Singapore, Nigeria, UK, France, Jamaica, Australia, Canada, Mexico, Ukraine, Japan, South Korea, and even Texas (!) to name a few. Feel free to pass the link along! If you have any questions use this email: dansharp9@gmail.com. Blessings on you all.

Sources:

The Valley of Vision, The Banner of Truth Trust

The Worshiping Church,  Hope Publishing, 1990

The Worship Sourcebook,  CRC Publications, Faith Alive, & Baker Books, 2004

Eerdmans’ Book of Famous Prayers, William B. Eerdman’s Publishing Company, 1983

The Oxford Book of Prayer, ed. George Appleton, Oxford University Press, 1985

The Book of Common Prayer, Seabury Press, 1928

Prayers for Easter, Ideals Publications, Nashville

The Book of Uncommon Prayer, Word Publishing

Holy Saturday in Holy Week   “so he rested from all his work”

Scripture:  Genesis 2:1-3

2 So the creation of the heavens and the earth and everything in them was completed. 2 On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work. 3 And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when he rested from all his work of creation.

Reader: This is the word of the Lord.   Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:
Put yourself in the mind of the disciples today. The one you have traveled with the past three years was dead. You had seen him raise people from the dead; you had seen him walk on water, feed thousands of people miraculously, cast out demons, make crippled and blind people well. He talked about proclaiming the Kingdom of God has come yet avoided following through on setting up his Kingdom and in fact had gotten killed in the process. You had the added guilt in running away instead of standing up for him. Things were in a mess! You really don’t know what to think about anything. You thought he was the Messiah, but that idea is over. You are sad and depressed and guilt-ridden. This is an awful day!

Now look at this day from another perspective. In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Through each of the seven days, God added to the work he had done the previous day. On day six he made male and female in his own image and gave them free will and finished up his work. On the seventh day God rested from all his work and declared it a holy day because it was his day of rest, it separated the ordinary works from the holy. It was laying the foundation of Israel’s worship. It was also the day without end. Each of the other six days all end with the phrase “it was evening and it was morning.” That phrase is absent from the seventh day. Why? It anticipates the unending fellowship between God and his people. Sin entered and the perfect communion between God and his people was broken. What does this all have to do with Holy Saturday? What were Jesus’ last words on the cross? “It is finished!” and “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” After he finished his work of creation, God rested. After Jesus finished his work of re-creation, he rested in the tomb. He commended his spirit back to his Father, his work of redemption completed. No one but the Father and the Son knew what had happened. But soon, that would all change. Just a few more hours!

Music: Messiah Part II      Dream Orchestra    Daniel Suk conductor

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONCXnPbYUok

Prayer: This is the night, when Christ broke the bonds of death and hell, and rose victorious from the grave. How wonderful and beyond our knowing, O God, is your mercy and loving kindness to us, that to redeem a slave, you gave a Son. How holy is this night, when wickedness is put to flight, and sin is washed away. It restores innocence to the fallen and joy to those who mourn. It casts out pride and hatred and brings peace and concord. How blessed is this night, when earth and heaven are joined and man is reconciled to God. All glory be to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit world without end. Amen.
―Book of Common Prayer

Good Friday in Holy Week  “The Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.”

Read each of these verses noticing how thoroughly, willingly, and fully Jesus identified with humanity. Ask yourself this question each time, “Why is this phrase significant? What does it reveal?”

Scripture Isaiah 53

1 Who has believed our message
       and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?

 2 He grew up before him like a tender shoot,
       and like a root out of dry ground.
       He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him,
       nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.

 3 He was despised and rejected by men,
       a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.
       Like one from whom men hide their faces
       he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

 4 Surely he took up our infirmities
       and carried our sorrows,
       yet we considered him stricken by God,
       smitten by him, and afflicted.

 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions,
       he was crushed for our iniquities;
       the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,
       and by his wounds we are healed.

 6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
       each of us has turned to his own way;
       and the LORD has laid on him
       the iniquity of us all.

 7 He was oppressed and afflicted,
       yet he did not open his mouth;
       he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,
       and as a sheep before her shearers is silent,
       so he did not open his mouth.

 8 By oppression and judgment he was taken away.
       And who can speak of his descendants?
       For he was cut off from the land of the living;
       for the transgression of my people he was stricken.

 9 He was assigned a grave with the wicked,
       and with the rich in his death,
       though he had done no violence,
       nor was any deceit in his mouth.

 10 Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer,
       and though the LORD make his life a guilt offering,
       he will see his offspring and prolong his days,
       and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand.

 11 After the suffering of his soul,
       he will see the light of life and be satisfied;
       by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many,
       and he will bear their iniquities.

 12 Therefore I will give him a portion among the great,  
       and he will divide the spoils with the strong,
       because he poured out his life unto death,
       and was numbered with the transgressors.
       For he bore the sin of many,
       and made intercession for the transgressors.

Reader: This is the word of the Lord.   Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:
This chapter is the gospel in the First Testament. As each verse furthers the story, you see God’s plan of redemption unfolding. What aspects are key from God’s perspective? Let’s walk our way through the chapter. We begin with God speaking powerfully. We are introduced to God’s Servant who will be the path. The person is humble and very ordinary looking; nothing striking about his appearance. The Servant was rejected, even despised by those around him. The amazing thing was that this man empathized and carried the weaknesses and grief of those that hated him. The people dismissed him figuring his troubles were a result of God punishing him for his own sin not realizing it was their sins for which he was suffering. Isaiah, the speaker, goes on to describe the Servant being pierced, beaten, whipped as he bore our sins. He also reminds us that every person has rebelled and gone their own way and out of love, the Servant took the punishment for their rebellion upon himself. He did not fight back when condemned. He had done nothing wrong and yet was killed like a criminal. In an interesting twist, he was buried in a rich man’s grave. We are then told clearly that it was God’s plan to bring redemption about in this exact manner. The Servant’s perfect, holy life was made the sacrificial offering for the sin of the world. Though he died alone, his death paved the way for many descendants to be made righteous in the sight of God because he carried their sin to the cross. In his death on the cross he was counted as a rebel. We are the rebels but he stood in on our behalf bearing the brunt of what we should have received. Having defeated death for all eternity, we have been redeemed by this Suffering Servant, Jesus the Christ, and not only us, but the entire created order.

Music: “Were You There?”

www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5qUnKC9rPU Kings College

Hymn: O Sacred Head, Now Wounded    ―Bernard of Clairvaux, 12th century

O sacred Head, now wounded,

with grief and shame weighed down,

now scornfully surrounded

with thorns, thine only crown:

how pale thou art with anguish,

with sore abuse and scorn!

How does that visage languish

which once was bright as morn!

What thou, my Lord, has suffered

was all for sinners’ gain;

mine, mine was the transgression,

but thine the deadly pain.

Lo, here I fall, my Savior!

‘Tis I deserve thy place;

look on me with thy favor,

vouchsafe to me thy grace.

What language shall I borrow

to thank thee, dearest friend,

for this thy dying sorrow,

thy pity without end?

O make me thine forever;

and should I fainting be,

Lord, let me never, never

outlive my love for thee.

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

Maundy Thursday in Holy Week   “A new command I give you: Love one another.”

Scripture  John 13: 33-35

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

 34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Reader: This is the word of the Lord.   Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:
If you knew you were doing to die in the next day or so, what would you say to your family and closest friends?  What would you talk about? I seriously doubt you’d be talking about soccer games, politics, the weather, the stock market or work. My guess is you’d be telling them how much you loved them. You’d want them to remember what you had taught them and to not “get off the track.” You’d tell them that you wanted them to love and look after each other and that you’d miss them but that you’d see them again. That’s pretty much what Jesus did in John chapters 13,14,15,& 16. In chapter 17 we get to listen in first hand on Jesus’ conversation, his prayer, to his heavenly Father. Chapters 13 through 19 cover less than 24 hours and is about a third of the entire book. John was an eyewitness this whole time. He thought it extremely important to record these conversations of the final hours of Jesus on earth. Some of the are extended conversations with the disciples. They include some of the most notable and oft-quoted words of Jesus. What is likewise of utmost importance is that we get to read and hear what Jesus thought was most important to say in the few hours before his death. It would then seem to me that we should give great attention to this portion of the book. John 17 is like eavesdropping on Jesus as he prays to his Father. We hear Jesus bearing his heart to his Father as he prays concerning the fulfillment of his mission to earth, his disciples, for us (!), and finally the truth of his indwelling of his children. In this section of the John’s gospel we have a model of grace, confidence, love, concern, and faithfulness as one leaves this world for heaven.  Over the next couple of days, take your time and read these passages again putting yourself in the midst of the disciples. What would (will?) you say to your loved ones if you knew you were going to die? You are. Tell them now what you want to say.

Please plan to be with us tomorrow night for the Good Friday service with the Chancel Choir. I’ll be preaching on “What All Happened on Good Friday?” at 7:00 PM. Being a part of these Holy Week services will change your perspective on Easter Sunday morning!

Music: “Ubi Caritas”       Ola Gjeila Very beautiful setting of text “a new command” (mandatum in Latin from which we get Maundy)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvI5sNucz1w     This is just the choral piece (text below)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_7mcGqsKP8   Same piece but the composer improvises on the piano with the choir.

Hymn:  Ubi Caritas      

(This hymn text was written specifically for Maundy Thursday worship possibly as early as the 4th century.)

Where charity and love are, there God is.
The love of Christ has gathered us into one flock.
Let us exult, and in Him be joyful.
Let us fear and let us love the living God.
And from a sincere heart let us love each other (and Him).

Where charity and love are, there God is.
Therefore, whensoever we are gathered as one:
Lest we in mind be divided, let us beware.
Let cease malicious quarrels, let strife give way.
And in the midst of us be Christ our God.

Where charity and love are, there God is.
Together also with the blessed may we see,
Gloriously, Thy countenance, O Christ our God:
A joy which is immense, and also approved:
Through infinite ages of ages.
Amen.

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, you have shaped our faith by making us believe you shared our mortal nature. In Gethsemane real drops of sweat fell from your body.  Lord Jesus, you have given us hope, because you endured all the spiritual and physical hardships which mortal nature can suffer. In Gethsemane your soul was sin torment, and your heart shook at the prospect of the physical pain to come. You showed all the natural weaknesses of the flesh, that we might know that you have truly borne our sorrows.
―Saint Bonaventura

Wednesday in Holy Week    “One of you is going to betray me.”

Scripture: John 13:21-30

21 After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, “I tell you the truth, one of you is going to betray me.”

 22 His disciples stared at one another, at a loss to know which of them he meant. 23 One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him. 24 Simon Peter motioned to this disciple and said, “Ask him which one he means.”

 25 Leaning back against Jesus, he asked him, “Lord, who is it?”

 26 Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, son of Simon. 27 As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him.

   “What you are about to do, do quickly,” Jesus told him, 28 but no one at the meal understood why Jesus said this to him. 29 Since Judas had charge of the money, some thought Jesus was telling him to buy what was needed for the Feast, or to give something to the poor. 30 As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night.

Reader: This is the word of the Lord.   Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:
Betrayal is one of the most difficult, awful acts between supposed friends. To be disregarded and despised by a friend is horrible. The betrayer must put self and self-interest above the relationship and the other person. In the case of the disciples’ forsaking Jesus and all running away, that form of betrayal was pure cowardice. Judas’ situation was far worse. I was a calculated betrayal. For this kind to work, the betrayer must have the complete trust of the one who is to be betrayed. That is what makes it so despicable. Betrayal is a complete and hostile disregard of the friend and relationship. Judas was all about money and power. I believe he wanted to force Jesus’ hand against the Romans figuring he would be in a position of power should that happen. He was apparently a crook long before this incident. One who looks out for the best interest of another, will not betray. Jesus shows us how to respond when we are betrayed. Jesus washed the feet of Judas right before Judas left to collect his betrayal money and tell the Romans where to find Jesus.  Jesus knew what Judas was about to do, even as he washed the feet of Judas! Jesus let the consequences of Judas’ action deal with Judas. Jesus’ words were “I did not come to judge the world but to save it.” Remember, betrayal pays its own horrendous dividend, always. Can you imagine Jesus saying this about you? “It would be better for you if you had never been born.” On the other hand, Jesus offers forgiveness. Just ask Peter who also betrayed his Lord. When betrayed, Jesus is our model. When we betray, Peter is our model.

Please plan to be with us tomorrow noon at 12:15 PM for the Maundy Thursday service and then  for the Good Friday service with the Chancel Choir. I’ll be preaching on “What All Happened on Good Friday?” at 7:00 PM. Being a part of Holy Week services will change your perspective on Easter Sunday morning!

Music: “And He Never Said a Mumblin’ Word”

www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgiCVwOZDEY          arr. Moses Hogan       Solo

www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Qy_1QdWe80             Derric Johnson      Choir

Hymn: “Ah, Holy Jesus”            Johann Heermann ,  early 17th century

Who was the guilty? Who brought this upon thee?

Alas, my treason, Jesus, hath undone thee!

‘Twas I, Lord Jesus, I it was denied thee;

I crucified thee.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, like Judas, we have betrayed you; like Peter, we have denied you; and like the other disciples, we have forsaken you. Yet you remain faithful to us unto death, even death on a cross. We plead for your forgiveness and mercy. And we ask that you strengthen us so that we do not turn aside but follow you to the very end-for the final victory belongs to you.
-The Worship Sourcebook, p. 597

Tuesday in Holy Week   “They still would not believe in him.”

Scripture John 12:37-38; 42-50

 37 Even after Jesus had done all these miraculous signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him. 38 This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet:
   “Lord, who has believed our message
      and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?”

 42 Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved praise from men more than praise from God.

 44 Then Jesus cried out, “When a man believes in me, he does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. 45 When he looks at me, he sees the one who sent me. 46 I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.

 47 “As for the person who hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge him. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save it. 48 There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; that very word which I spoke will condemn him at the last day. 49 For I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it. 50 I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say.”

Reader: This is the word of the Lord.   Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:
“If I can just see it, I’ll believe it.” How many times have you heard that? It’s not true. We can see and still not believe, especially when it comes to faith. Remember the story Jesus told of Abraham, Lazarus and the rich man after they had died? The rich man told them to go tell his brothers he was tormented in Hades and that they should believe God so they wouldn’t have to come to his place of torment. Abraham’s response was if they didn’t believe Moses and the prophets, they wouldn’t believe someone coming back from the dead. Jesus had just raised someone from the dead and done other miraculous signs in the Pharisees’ presence and still they would not believe. Yet many others did see and believe. A major factor in the unbelieving Pharisees was, “What will my friends think?” Have you ever been embarrassed to say what you believe? Have you ever stood silently while others expressed beliefs contrary to Scripture? We live in a culture that ridicules and mocks Christian belief in regards to marriage and sexuality to name a couple of hot button issues. Have you noticed Jesus was not influenced by anyone but his heavenly Father. In his words, he came to save the world. People’s own words and decisions in regard to Jesus’ words would be their own judge. He spoke the exact words his Father gave him and in the way his Father told him to speak them. Their concern was their rejection of the words of God. Our perspective is to speak the words of God in love and grace. We are speaking of the glory and beauty of another eternal world accessed through the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ . . . and we’re concerned what others think?

Music: “Hymn of the Cherubim”    by P.I. Tchaikovsky

The USSR Ministry Of Culture Chamber Choir

www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyFkPd6fEuI&list=PL8A419B6451EB7C7D

Translation of the Russian below:

“We, who mystically represent the Cherubim,
And chant the thrice-holy hymn to the Life-giving Trinity,
Let us set aside the cares of life
That we may receive the King of all,
Who comes invisibly escorted by the Divine Hosts.”

Hymn: “Ah, Holy Jesus”            Johann Heermann,  early 17th century

Ah, holy Jesus, how hast thou offended,                                                                                                     That man to judge thee hath in hate pretended? By foes derided, by thine own rejected,                                                                                                              O most afflicted.

Prayer: O Lord Jesus Christ, you have said that you are the way, the truth, and the life. Suffer us not to stray from you, who are the way, nor to distrust you, who are the truth, nor to rest in anything other than you, who are the life.
–Erasmus, 1469-1536  

Please plan to be with us Thursday noon at 12:15 PM for the Maundy Thursday service and then  for the Good Friday service with the Chancel Choir at 7:00 PM. It will change your Easter Sunday morning!                     

Monday in Holy Week    “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor?”

Scripture John 12:1-11

 1 Six days before the Passover, Jesus arrived at Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3 Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

 4 But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5 “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” 6 He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.

 7 “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. 8 You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”

 9 Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, 11 for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and putting their faith in him.

Reader: This is the word of the Lord.   Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:

The events described above actually happened on the Saturday before Palm Sunday but the point is so significant. How is it that two people can look at one situation and see things so completely differently? From Mary came worship; from Judas condemnation. The actions reveal the heart. Days later, Mary saw the risen Christ and Judas hanged himself in remorse.  How does what Mary said relate to what Jesus said in the passage above? There is a connection. What did Jesus mean when he said you always have the poor but you won’t always have me? It seems Jesus was reminding those gathered that honoring him was primary. Mary recognized that the Lord would not always be physically in their presence; but there would always be poor people present in society. She wanted to honor the Lord while she could. Notice, Jesus did not say, do not help the poor. He did affirm Mary’s choice and expression of her devotion. We need to be aware that we don’t get lost in doing good works and neglect our first priority, actually our only priority, that of worshiping our Redeemer. It is not even a matter of highest priority, it’s not even a priority. Breathing is not a priority in daily life, we just do it in order to live. In the same way, we worship our God in order to live. What we do in helping the poor follows; it is an outgrowth of our devotion to the Savior. This week is about Jesus and what he did to make possible the restoration of the whole created order. Like Mary, lavious your attention on Jesus. Because of him, the course of humanity and the universe was altered forever.

Music: “Agnus Dei”    by Samuel Barber    The same piece two interpretations. It’s worth your time. Put on headphones to listen to the Shaw recording. There is no doctoring of dynamics with dials etc. All the dynamics are controlled by Mr. Shaw live. Note the different treatments of the text.

“Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.” is the translation.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRL447oDId4      Vlaams Radio Koor     7:36

www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6ilqJW3fV8       Robert Shaw Festival Singers.    10:55

Please plan to be with us for the Maundy Thursday at noontime (12:15 PM) this year due to the massive 5K race in the evening. The Good Friday service begins at 7:00 PM. I’ll be preaching on “What Happened at the Cross?” The Chancel Choir will sing in the service. These services will change your Easter Sunday morning!

Hymn:  When I Survey the Wondrous Cross                   Isaac Watts

When I survey the wondrous cross, on which the Prince of glory died,

My richest gain I count but loss, and pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it Lord, that I should boast, save in the death of Christ my God

All the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them to his blood.

Prayer: Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: grant your people grace to love what you have commanded and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. ―from Book of Common Prayer

Please plan to be with us Thursday noon at 12:15 PM for the Maundy Thursday service and then  for the Good Friday service at 7:00 PM. It will change your Easter Sunday morning!

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

Scripture: Luke 19:28-40

28 After telling this story, Jesus went on toward Jerusalem, walking ahead of his disciples. 29 As he came to the towns of Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives, he sent two disciples ahead. 30 “Go into that village over there,” he told them. “As you enter it, you will see a young donkey tied there that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks, ‘Why are you untying that colt?’ just say, ‘The Lord needs it.’”

32 So they went and found the colt, just as Jesus had said. 33 And sure enough, as they were untying it, the owners asked them, “Why are you untying that colt?”

34 And the disciples simply replied, “The Lord needs it.” 35 So they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their garments over it for him to ride on.

36 As he rode along, the crowds spread out their garments on the road ahead of him. 37 When he reached the place where the road started down the Mount of Olives, all of his followers began to shout and sing as they walked along, praising God for all the wonderful miracles they had seen.

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

   Peace in heaven, and glory in highest heaven!”

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

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

Reader: This is the word of the Lord.   Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:
You’ll recall that when Jesus told the disciples that they would all be going back to Jerusalem, Thomas’ comment was “We’ll go back and die with you.” We pick up the unfolding of history as Jesus does go back to Jerusalem. Here we see him entering the city on the back of a young donkey. From this account it is very clear in Jesus’ mind what is happening and what will happen. Everything unfolded exactly as he said. There is an interesting paradox here. 1,000 years earlier, King David rode on this very road on a donkey as he fled Jerusalem because his son, Absolom, who was leading a rebellion to overthrow David and gain power for himself. Donkey’s were the vehicle of choice for the king coming in peace. Mules and horses were vehicles for battle. Absolom came after David on a mule. King David left Jerusalem via the road by the Mount of Olives and 1,000 years later, his earthly descendent, King Jesus, entered Jerusalem on the back of a donkey. Absalom was killed in battle and David returned as King. In this case King Jesus was killed and we await his return to set up his eternal kingdom. The people cheered hoping that Jesus’ kingdom would begin shortly and that the Romans would be defeated.When the people’s plans for what Jesus should do didn’t materialize, they turned on him resulting in his death. I would guess that the Saturday between Good Friday and Easter morning has to be the darkest day in the history of the world. All hope was gone. But that all was later. Now there is rejoicing and celebration. There is great hope for the peace that the Messiah would bring. The Pharisees read what was happening because they realized that the people were cheering a Messiah believing at that moment that Jesus was the long prophesied Messiah of the Old Testament. They considered the cheering blasphemous and told Jesus to tell his cheering crowd to be quiet. Jesus, understanding the situation perfectly, responded that if the people quiet the very stones on the ground would cheer. This entrance into Jerusalem had been prophesied to this exact day in the book of Daniel! Though the people cheered they still did not understand and things unraveled very shortly. Within forty years Jerusalem was ransacked and the Temple totally

destroyed because in Jesus’ words, “you did not accept your opportunity for salvation.” Thus begins Jesus’ final week on earth.

Music: “Hosanna in excelsis”   from Placido Domingo Andrew Lloyd-Webber

www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuexxtDGo5c

Prayer: My Lord and Savior, like the people of Jerusalem that day, all too often I presume, predict, expect, hope you would do things in a certain way. There is far too much “me” in my thinking. They had your word but presumed too much.  Jesus, help me to just be quiet and listen and wait for you. Help me to be able to live peacefully without knowing what lies ahead. Help me to live willingly at your pace of change. I say with those in crowd on that Palm Sunday “Blessings on the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!” Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as in heaven.
―Daniel Sharp

“. . . see the glory of God.”

Scripture  John 11:36-45

 36 Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!”

 37 But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?”  

 38 Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. 39 “Take away the stone,” he said.
      “But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.”

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

 41 So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”

 43 When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.
      Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”

45 Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, put their faith in him.”

Reader: This is the word of the Lord.   Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:
Mary, Martha, and the mourners get to see the rest of the story! Jesus enabled all of them to see the glory of God in his raising Lazarus from the dead. As a result many more Jews put their trust in God. They had seen someone with power over death. Think of it. An inanimate thing such as death, the ceasing of all bodily functions, is subject to one man who actually has power over natural processes. And, the people standing around saw this actually happen. To many people who saw it happen believed in Jesus! But this victory, while bringing joy to many, also was hugely significant in moving things ahead to the completion of God’s plan for redeeming the world. Because of jealousy and hatred from the Jewish leaders, because the status quo and positions of power and influence of the Romans were all being challenged by this itinerant carpenter from Nazareth, Jesus had to be killed. On still a grander scale yet with the crucifixion and death of Jesus, it appears that God missed it again, that things did not turn out as they should have. If anything, we are shown again and again and again in the life of Jesus, that we can trust the Father regardless of how the situation looks at any given moment then or in our life today. If we continue to trust in “thy will be done,”  we will see “the glory of God.” The empty tomb still speaks!

Music: “Hark! I Hear the Harps Eternal”      Robert Shaw Chorale An American folk hymn on the journey from this world to the next! Note “crossing the river” motif.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbCGk1QrFhg

Prayer: Lord Jesus, here I am again praying with words, words, and more words. I seem stuck with the same old ones all the time. I have trouble finding the right ones to express my love and complete gratitude for what you have done and continue to do on my behalf. Words are so limiting! If you had not done what you did, there would be no hope at all. I cannot begin to imagine what that would be like. I very much connect with Paul Gerhardt’s phrase, “What language shall I borrow to thank thee dearest friend, for this thy dying sorrow, thy pity without end?” I still don’t have words, but please listen to my heart, it’s trying to tell you what’s in there. This I pray as Jesus intercedes on my behalf, my loving Lord. Amen.
―Daniel Sharp, 2009

“Jesus wept.”

Scripture   John 11:28-35

28 And after she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside. “The Teacher is here,” she said, “and is asking for you.” 29 When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to him. 30 Now Jesus had not yet entered the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. 31 When the Jews who had been with Mary in the house, comforting her, noticed how quickly she got up and went out, they followed her, supposing she was going to the tomb to mourn there.

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

 33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. 34 “Where have you laid him?” he asked.
      “Come and see, Lord,” they replied.

 35 Jesus wept.

Reader: This is the word of the Lord.   Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:
This shortest verse in the Bible underscores this whole passage. Why did Jesus weep? He was about to raise Lazarus from the dead. He knew what was coming. So why cry? The mourners visiting Mary and Martha, assumed he was weeping because of the death of his friend. Was he weeping out of pity for the sisters because of the sadness of their own sadness? His was a different kind of weeping. Normal Jewish expression of sorrow at death would be a loud wailing which was the case of the sisters and those comforting them. The passage says that “deep anger” arose in Jesus. It may have been he was angered at the whole idea of death bringing this kind of grief to people. He was experiencing the “sting of death” and was angered by its reality. The word used for Jesus’ weeping is used only one time in the New Testament and it is here. The word is for a soft, subdued weeping. It seems most likely that his sorrow was for all of them in not grasping the bigger picture of who he was and what he had come to do. Here he was, only a few days from giving his life as the ultimate, perfect, and final sacrifice as the Lamb of God, and none of his friends or the people around him understood the magnitude of what was about to take place. The impact would eventually affect the entire universe! The people were so immersed in their own world and their perception of their world that they were unable to see with the eyes of faith. As the end of his earthly ministry approached, they still did not get it. Have you ever felt frustrated that someone you deeply loved, just couldn’t understand something? You tried and tried again to help them understand and it just did not happen. There is sorrow that they don’t understand and their is greater sorrow on what they are missing out on if they did understand. If they only understood, it would be so much better for them. There is joy and fulfillment they are missing. That brings a special kind of sad sorrow. Jesus knows exactly how you feel.

Music: “Death Shall Not Destroy My Comfort”    Washington Master Chorale

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghaL4mGJmq8

Hymn:  When Jesus Wept   William Billings, 1746-1800

When Jesus wept, a falling tear
In mercy flowed beyond all bound.
When Jesus groaned, a trembling fear
Seized all the guilty world around,

Prayer: O Jesus, who wept over the death of Lazarus, be with all who grieve. O Jesus who wept alone in Gethsemane, be with all who feel alone, all who face difficult decisions. O Jesus who cried, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” be with all who are tortured, all who are victims. O Jesus who offered up prayers with loud cries and tears, hear our prayers. O living God who knows all our pain and joy, be with us in our lives. Amen.
―The Worship Sourcebook,p.573

“I am the resurrection and the life.”

Scripture  John 11:25-27

 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; 26 and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

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

Reader: This is the word of the Lord.   Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:
No more glorious words have been spoken since the beginning of language. Is there life after death? Without a doubt! Jesus’ words couldn’t be clearer. Believe in him and live on, even when your body doesn’t! The current body you have now will turn to dust. Our mortal bodies will be transformed into immortal bodies that will never die. You’ll recall when Jesus was a baby, Mary and Joseph took him to the old priest Simeon. Do you remember Simeon’s words about his own death? They were, “Lord, now let your servant depart in peace.” He didn’t say “die in peace.” On the Mount of Transfiguration the same word was used in speaking of Jesus’ “departure” from this earth. Our bodies are simply transformed. When we die, we simply depart from this earthly time-bound body. (Read I Corinthians 15 for a fuller discussion.) There is life after death. This “I am the resurrection and the life” is the same “I AM” who spoke to Moses in the burning bush, the Good Shepherd, the Light of the World, the Way, the Truth and the Life. The Jews who were at Martha and Mary’s home would have picked up on the I AM reference in associating Jesus with God. Certainly the Pharisees did as they accused Jesus of blasphemy in his claiming to be God. As you walk around today or tonight, take a couple of minutes and go outside and look at the sky and remind yourself out loud (you may want to find a solitary place for this!), “Jesus, I believe in you, and because of you, the real me, my soul will never die. I will only depart this mortal body to gain an immortal body in your presence. Thank you.”  

Music: “In Christ Alone”     Christina Grimmie Yes, this is the young girl who was shot and killed following her concert here in Orlando. She lived this song and its truth.

No power of hell, no scheme of man, can ever pluck me from His hand
‘til He returns or calls me home, here in the power of Christ I’ll stand.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0PonGNP3wA   

Hymn: In Christ Alone                                  Stuart Townend and Keith Getty

In Christ alone my hope is found, He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground, firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace, when fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All, here in the love of Christ I stand

In Christ alone, who took on flesh, fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness, scorned by the ones He came to save
‘Til on that cross as Jesus died, the wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid, here in the death of Christ I live

There in the ground His body lay, light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day, up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory, sin’s curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine, bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death, this is the power of Christ in me
From life’s first cry to final breath, Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man, can ever pluck me from His hand
‘til He returns or calls me home, here in the power of Christ I’ll stand

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

“if you had been here . . .”

Scripture: John 11:17-24

17 On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. 18 Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, 19 and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.

 21 “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”

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

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

Reader: This is the word of the Lord.   Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:
Does it ever seem like all hope is lost? Sometimes the answer is yes. Martha, the more impetuous of the two sisters, was the one who went to meet Jesus. Apparently, with Jesus’ two day delay, he wouldn’t have gotten there in time anyway since Lazarus has already in the tomb four days, but then Jesus knew he was already dead before they came to Bethany. Lazarus had apparently died during the day trip to tell Jesus that Lazarus was ill. Jewish burial was held as soon as possible after death. The Jewish belief was that the soul of the deceased hung around for three days in case life returned. On the fourth day it left. Lazarus’ being dead four days is John’s way of telling us Lazarus was really dead.  Martha’s response to Jesus’ comment is kind of a mixed faith. She had been around Jesus and seen him heal people before, maybe even raise people from the dead and wished that he had been there earlier because he could have brought healing to her brother. She believed in a final resurrection, unlike the Sadducees, but that was of little consolation now. This is one of those challenging times when we have faith in the biggest picture, but are still in pain for the present time. A certain future does not provide much relief for the present. Martha reached out to the Lord and expressed her broken heart. Jesus did not recoil nor rebuke her. Never be afraid to express your true heart to the Lord in a tough time. Talk with him and listen carefully with ears of faith. Sometimes there are surprises. Just ask Martha!

Music: “If You Will Trust in God to Guide You”   Fountainview Academy

www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFPe_G-Lqcc

Hymn: If You Will Trust in God to Guide You                      -Georg Neumark, 1641

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prayer:  And now unto him who is able to keep us from falling and lift us from the dark valley of despair to the bright mountain of hope, from the midnight of desperation to the daybreak of joy; to him be power and authority, for ever and ever. Amen.
–Martin Luther King Jr., 1928-1968

“…but his disciples thought…”

Scripture  John 11:7-16

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

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

 9 Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? A man who walks by day will not stumble, for he sees by this world’s light. 10 It is when he walks by night that he stumbles, for he has no light.”

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

 12 His disciples replied, “Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better.” 13 Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep.

 14 So then he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, 15 and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.”

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

Reader: This is the word of the Lord.   Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:
The little phrase at the top is far too often descriptive of my response to the way of the Lord. “But I thought Lord that . . .”  Here we see the single-mindedness of Jesus. A short time prior to this, Jesus had to flee Judea because the people wanted to stone him. (A geographical reminder here may be helpful. Jesus and the disciples spent a great deal of time in the region of Galilee which is roughly sixty miles north of Jerusalem and the region of Judea. The region of Samaria lay between the two areas. The people of Jerusalem viewed Galileans as unsophisticated hicks.) Jesus’ response of “there are  twelve hours in the daylight” was a way of telling the disciples God, his Father, had given him a task to do. “You do your work while it is daylight. You accomplish the Father’s will. Someone who walks in the dark stumbles and gets off course.” Here he is affirming that he is committed and in perfect accord with his heavenly Father’s plan and will. Jesus knows now what is going to happen and the effect it will have on the religious Jewish community as he heads back to the place where Jewish leadership had tried to kill him. Certainly going back to Jerusalem has serious risk. Jesus also knows that the Passover is coming, which is celebrated at the Temple in Jerusalem, and that his time on earth is coming to a close. He has repeatedly told the disciples that he will be killed and will rise from the dead on the third day. They don’t really get it yet. It’s “daylight” which means God’s plan is unfolding now according to plan! The raising of Lazarus from the dead was part of his Father’s course of action so Jesus spells it out specifically for the disciples. In Thomas’ final comment, he still doesn’t get the biggest picture. His response was perfectly natural in light of the political and religious situation. The appearance of Jesus and his disciples, in light of their last time there, meant considerable risk to all of them. What is the central point in this pericope as relates to you and me? The next time you and I are tempted to respond “Lord, but I thought…”, let’s listen to Moses’ words to the Israelites before crossing the Red Sea, “be still and watch the mighty hand of God.” What followed in the raising of Lazarus and the Israelites crossing the Red Sea brought great glory to God. Remember, his ways are not our ways.

Music: “God Moves in a Mysterious Way”    Graham Kendrick

www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5-DQmhKPY4

Hymn: God Moves in a Mysterious Way                    William Cowper, 1774

God moves in a mysterious way his wonders to perform                                                                                       He plants his footsteps in the sea, and rise upon the storm. His purposes will ripen fast, unfolding every hour,                                                                                              The bud may have a bitter taste, but sweet will be the flower. Blind unbelief is sure to err and scan his work in vain, God is his own interpreter, and he will make it plain.

Prayer: Lord God in heaven, who knows all things, who understands all things, who has power over all things, who has created all things, who sustains all things, who loves all things, who is over all things, who is everywhere present, who has been revealed in Jesus Christ, who is present in the Holy Spirit, who has given his written word, who has made provision for the restoration of the whole created order, grant us one more thing: faith to trust you when we cannot understand your ways in this world. This we pray through Jesus Christ, who reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, world without end. Amen.
―Daniel Sharp, 2009

“When he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was . . .”

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

Scripture John 11:1-6

1 Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair. 3 So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.”

 4 When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” 5 Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 Yet when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days.

Reader: This is the word of the Lord.   Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:
Does it ever seem like God doesn’t do the right thing, or at least his timing is noticeably off? He clearly could do something and just doesn’t?  In fact sometimes it seems as if he deliberately tries to annoy us. The Lord says in Isaiah 55 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts neither are your ways my ways.” Then when that plays out in real life, we’re surprised! Such was the case with Lazarus who was sick at home. His sisters sent word for Jesus, who was in another part of the country, to come and attend to their brother.  After all, Jesus had healed many, many people. Jesus was not mad at Mary, Martha, and their brother. They were good friends and had honored him on various previous occasions. In fact, he often stayed with them. Yet in this critical situation, he ignored their request because, though they did not know it nor could imagine it, something better was in store. That something better was not the resurrection of Lazarus from the dead, it was the glorification of Jesus, as the Son of God, as the One who had the power over death. Think about it. Which is greater, power to resuscitate someone who had died, or power over eternal death? Lazarus was dead dead! You may be going through the “Jesus stayed two more days” phase of your life. Pray that God might be glorified in what is coming your way. Have you noticed how often in Scripture Jesus walks people through the experience and they see afterwards what he had in mind from the beginning. E.g. Feeding of the 5,000; casting their nets over the other side of the boat; Peter walking on the water; parting of the Red Sea; and on and on. In every case, trusting in God was involved. As my father-in-law so often reminded us, “The Lord may tarry, but he is never too late.” Just ask Lazarus!

Music: “In His Time”     This is another “contemporary oldie”! A simple song with a simple text that speaks of the truth we’ve been talking about.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wo-rGzx2OZk

Prayer: O Lord, let me not henceforth desire health or life except to spend them for you, with you and in you. You alone know what is good for me; do therefore what seems best to you. Give to me or take from me; conform my will to yours; and grant that with humble and perfect submission and in holy confidence I may receive the orders of your eternal providence, and may equally adore all that comes to me from you.
―Blaise Pascal, 1623-1662

Fifth Sunday in Lent    “All these years I’ve slaved for you . . .”

Scripture: Luke 15:25-32

25 “Meanwhile, the older son was in the fields working. When he returned home, he heard music and dancing in the house, 26 and he asked one of the servants what was going on. 27 ‘Your brother is back,’ he was told, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf. We are celebrating because of his safe return.’

28 “The older brother was angry and wouldn’t go in. His father came out and begged him, 29 but he replied, ‘All these years I’ve slaved for you and never once refused to do a single thing you told me to. And in all that time you never gave me even one young goat for a feast with my friends. 30 Yet when this son of yours comes back after squandering your money on prostitutes, you celebrate by killing the fattened calf!’

31 “His father said to him, ‘Look, dear son, you have always stayed by me, and everything I have is yours. 32 We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!’”

Reader: This is the word of the Lord.   Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:
It’s most interesting the way Jesus concludes this parable. We have a crabbing older son. The older son came late to the party. He asked a servant what was going on with the party and was told simply that your brother is back and we are celebrating his return. You might think the older brother would be glad to see his younger sibling. Apparently he was not concerned about his wayward brother during the time he was gone. At any rate, he was throwing a major pity party for himself and refused to join his brother’s party and pouted outside. We again are given insight to the character of their father. Whereas the father ran to embrace the younger son, here the father comes out to the childish older son and begs him to join the celebration whereupon the whining continues. Note the choice of words, “This son of yours.” The older brother refuses to identify with his repentant brother. Can’t you just hear, “It’s not fair!”? In one sense he’s right. Thank goodness our Father in heaven isn’t fair. But thank goodness he’s just and loving. In this parable the father absorbed the younger son’s foolishness and granted forgiveness to the repentant son. Have you noticed Jesus did not tell us how the older son responded to his father’s comments in verses 31-32? In the parable, the Jewish religious leaders were the older son. These leaders still had a chance to respond positively to the father (Jesus). Earlier in this chapter (v.7) we read of the great rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents. The lost sheep, the lost coin, and the parable of the prodigal son all point to a persistent God who is diligent in pursuing his children. He does not give up. Our God is faithful even when we are faithless.

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

www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsXcCdWjsmg

Prayer: Holy Lord, how little repentance there is in the world, and how many sins I have to repent of! I am troubled for my sin of passion, for the shame and horror of it as an evil; I purpose to give way to it no more, and come to thee for strength to that end. Lord God, I know that my sudden anger arises when things cross me, and I desire to please only myself, not Christ. There is in all wrongs and crosses a double cross―that which crosses me, and that which crosses thee; in all good things there is somewhat that pleases me, and somewhat that pleases thee. My sin is that my heart is pleased or troubled as things please or trouble me, without my having regard to Christ. Thus, I am like Eli, the subject of punishment for not rebuking sin; whereas I should humbly confess my sin and fly to the blood of Christ for pardon and peace. Give me, then, repentance, true brokenness, lasting contrition, for these things thou wilt not despise in spite of my sin. For it is in the completed work of Christ that I make this prayer. Amen.
―The Valley of Vision, p.89

“This son of mine..was lost and is found.”

Scripture: Luke 15:22-24

 22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

Reader: This is the word of the Lord.   Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:
This part of the parable is about restoration and forgiveness. Notice the father (God) barely responds to the son’s words of confession. He hugs him and kisses him!  No lectures on past failures, poor decisions, personal greed, none of the “I hope you learned your lesson!”and so forth. The father calls for the “best” robe, the robe of royalty.  He puts a signet ring on his son’s finger to remind him that he is still an heir, implying he still has an inheritance in spite of what he forfeited. The father saw a truly repentant son, a son who acknowledged his sin was against God, his vertical relationship, and against his father, his horizontal relationship. He had violated Jesus’ greatest two commandments: love God with all your heart, and soul, and strength and love your neighbor as yourself. The son’s sin was that he violated both and confessed such to his father. The son remained an heir, even through foolishness, distance from home, and wonton self-will.  He is given shoes for his worn, dirty and cracked feet. The father completely restored the son’s position and identity. Both the vertical and horizontal relationships were re-established. This called for celebration! Do you ever think of God “rejoicing” over you when you turn from self-will to his will? Are there some “prodigals” you have been praying for for a long time? Keep it up. They may not have made it to the pig pen yet. Keep watching the horizon and get ready to run!

Music: “The Love of God”     Wintley Phipps

www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OzpQF97zU8

Prayer: Dearest Lord, may I see you today and every day in the person of your sick, and, whilst nursing them, minister unto you. Though you hide yourself behind the unattractive disguise of the irritable, the exacting, the unreasonable, may I still recognize you, and say: ‘Jesus, my patient, how sweet it is to serve you.’ Sweetest Lord, make me appreciative of the dignity of my high vocation, and its many responsibilities. May I give as gracious love as do you my Father. Never permit me to disgrace it by giving way to coldness, unkindness, or impatience. Lord, increase my faith, bless my efforts and work, now and for evermore, Amen.
–Sister Teresa of Calcutta, 1910-1997    adapted D.S.

“While he was still a long way off . . .”

Scripture: Luke 15:20b-21

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

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

Reader: This is the word of the Lord.   Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:
We may think of this story as a parable about the two sons, but this phrase tells us it may be more about the boys’ father and his love for them. Jesus’ parable is truly to show the depth of the father’s great heart and generous love for his sons, both of them. There is something here that is unique in all of Scripture. Something occurs in this parable that does not happen anywhere else in the Bible. Read the verses above again and see if you can figure out what it is. What is it?

Except for this parable, nowhere else does God ever “run” towards his children. Jesus walked everywhere. He never ran to a situation. Sometimes he deliberately stayed where he was and made a point of not going after someone (E.g. Lazarus). God never runs after people. He does not force his way into people’s lives. But he is always near at hand ready to receive his own. He gives people freedom and choice. But here is a beautiful picture of God’s love for the repentant person. The son had turned on his own toward home, and the father, filled with love, saw him and ran to him, put his arms around him and kissed him. The running was motivated by love and compassion. He hugged his son and kissed him. Can you imagine the son’s response. What did the son learn about his father? What do we learn about God? God is patiently waiting for us to turn around when we push down the road where the street sign says “Self.” There is not a wagging bony fingered condemnation for our stupidity but a warm embrace and “glad you have come back home.” Can you offer this kind of love to someone today?

Music: “He Ran to Me”    Craig and Dean

www.youtube.com/watch?v=FenkAVsGmEQ

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 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.
–John Donne, 1571-1631

“When he came to his senses…”

Scripture: Luke 15:17-20a 

17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father.

Reader: This is the word of the Lord.   Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:
What was I thinking!  Have you ever said that? When we first wander off the path, it’s hardly recognizable. We used to live in Seattle. We drove to the farm in Illinois every summer. There was a point in eastern Washington where the interstate highway split. We could go straight and go through Montana, North Dakota and Minnesota or choose to make a slight veer to the south and a day later be somewhere in Nebraska, hundreds of miles to the south of where we might have been. At the time of making the split, it didn’t seem like that big of a deal, but it did set the course for the next several days. When the prodigal son left home, all he could see was wealth and good times ahead!   The path became bumpier with more rocks and ruts the farther he went. Finally the ruts became more like a grave with open ends. If you are in fantasy land or on the wrong road, turn around! (Just to clarify, it is not a sin to drive through North Dakota, though it apparently is if you are near 90 mph…and there is nothing out there except one other car… (another story!) The seed of humility in the son we hinted at yesterday began to grow. There is this most powerful line, “When he finally came to his senses . . .” I have to wonder if the father was not praying for this very thing for his wayward son. The teaching that had been instilled, finally kicked in. He recognized his sin against not only his earthly father, but against heaven itself. This is key. Like King David, he realized his sin was against God. He repented, and went back to the place where he got off track. Home. Notice how much more there is here than a simple “I’m sorry, dad.” There is a complete attitude and heart change. A complete change in direction. That is what happens in true repentance. The wiser you are, the faster you’ll recognize you are on the wrong path and turn around. What path are you on today?

Music: “In His Hands”    Radiance Acapella   great group from Zimbabwe                 

www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7O0k1fv-Iw

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

“. . . no one gave him anything.”

Scripture: Luke 15:13-16

 13“Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.

Reader: This is the word of the Lord.   Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:
When the “trinity of self” is worshiped, it rewards the worshiper handsomely. Welcome to the world of “self” son! Should we be surprised that no one gave him anything? His primary relationship and friendship was with himself! Stealing a line from a movie, “He was his own best friend!” That is part of the benefit of this kind of worship. Look with whom he was spending his time and money. This was not a community that was known for giving. This was the takers, the crowd of “the trinity of self.” It became particularly evident when everything headed south. (Look at all the people and corporations today with their hands out, people and companies who have “squandered their wealth on wild living,” Look at the people with their hands out wanting “their share of the stash.” Look at those “living beyond their means” expecting someone else to bail them out. We speak not of those who have genuinely fallen on hard times not of their own making.) We see the seeds of humility being planted in the son’s soil of desperation. His loneliness is overwhelming and spurs him to change is course. Change only happens when the pain of the current situation is great enough. People have different pain thresholds which is why some people last longer in horrible situations. In hiring himself out to feed the pigs (unclean animals to the Jews), he has not quite yet reached the pain level that will cause him to alter his course, though he is close. Look for people in your life today who may be in the son’s situation, and extend a hand in whatever form to bring encouragement and hope. Perchance you may even be that person. Go back home. Ask forgiveness. You won’t be disappointed at your Father’s response.

Music: “Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child” Odetta   This is the best authentic recording of this piece I’ve come across. I can easily envision the prodigal son singing this to himself as he eats the pig’s food. Remarkable voice!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXg9UFUXFXU  

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

“Give me my share . . .”

Scripture: Luke 15: 11-12

(Jesus had just told the parable to the Pharisees about the lost coin.)

11 Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.

Reader: This is the word of the Lord.   Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:
We live in an era of a new trinity. This one is not mysterious in the least! It is easily understood by even the smallest child. It is the trinity of “I, me, and myself.” There is actually a pop song entitled “It’s All About Me!” Those four little, simple, short words speak volumes. The season of Lent is about helping us to recognize how often that idea slips into and shapes our lives. We live in a society, and indeed in our own lives, where we are very aware of our “rights.” Look at all the lawsuits and the encouragement to sue in television commercials. “Have you been injured in an accident? Call:  888-LAW-CALL.” Law offices proudly tout how much of a settlement they got for their clients. We live in a litigious society. Where did we get this idea of my rights?  And how far do my rights extend? In this parable, the son was a rightful heir, albeit an impatient, immature, self-centered, short-sighted one! He used another version of the personal trinity and four words. Give me my share!  I’m embarrassed for him. But notice the Father did not reprimand him, humiliate, nor dishonor him in his foolish demand. I’m not sure I would have been that gracious. He granted the demand, knowing full well the consequences of this ludicrous request. There are certainly times when our heavenly Father does the same for us. He does not impose his will or force us in any direction. The father here likewise does not override the son’s stupidity and immaturity. Can you imagine a love like this so honoring and strong?  There is no “thy will be done” in this son’s demand! This son gained nothing from his father’s wisdom. He didn’t ask. He didn’t reflect. He didn’t wait. In effect he said, “Father, I wish you were dead so I can get my inheritance. Come to think of it, I don’t want to wait for you to die, so I want it now. See ya.” Are we ever like this son with our Father in heaven? As you pray today, be careful of what you ask for. In God’s gracious way, he may give it to you!

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

www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOXnzYPMhWY  

Prayer: O God our Father, help us to nail to the cross of thy dear Son the whole body of our death, the wrong desires of the heart, the sinful devising of the mind, the corrupt apprehensions of the eyes, the cruel words of the tongue, the ill employment of hands and feet; that the old man [in us] being crucified and done away, the new man may live and grow into the glorious likeness thy Son Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end.  Amen.
-Eric Milner-White, 1884-1964

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart.”

Scripture: Psalm 51: 13-19

 13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
       and sinners will turn back to you.

 14 Save me from bloodguilt, O God,
       the God who saves me,
       and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.

 15 O Lord, open my lips,
       and my mouth will declare your praise.

 16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
       you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.

 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
       a broken and contrite heart,
       O God, you will not despise.

 18 In your good pleasure make Zion prosper;
       build up the walls of Jerusalem.

 19 Then there will be righteous sacrifices,
       whole burnt offerings to delight you;
       then bulls will be offered on your altar.

Reader: This is the word of the Lord.   Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:
When our boys were little, I remember the immediate joy that returned in them after they had been disciplined for an “attitude problem.” One little guys words were, “Daddy, I feel happy again!” Our family rule was that the offense would not be mentioned again. There would be no, “Look what you did again!”  The God-quality of forgiveness includes forgetting. Like our boys, King David returns to joy in the Lord. His mouth is again open in praising God. He makes a beautiful distinction concerning God’s perspective. God’s greatest joy is not in receiving the offering of a sacrifice, however necessary and wonderful that is in worship. The joy in God’s heart came from the humble, broken heart of David, the worshiper, who was making the sacrifices. Even from the first Genesis recording of the sacrifices of Cain and his brother Abel, God’s words to Cain were, “If you do well, will you not be accepted?” Communion with the Lord was the central significant factor in sacrificial worship. While offering of the Old Testament sacrifice was necessary and of a significance of the first order, the ultimate point was the heart of the worshiper. Have you noticed the qualities of heart God is looking for? A truthful heart, a humble heart, a transparent heart, a heart like the heart of Jesus is what God is looking for. Honestly, how truthful, humble, and transparent are you with the Lord?  As you pray, ask the Lord to reveal his perspective on your heart.

Music: “Father of My Heart”       Fernando Ortega

www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Wnm7cp0E4s

Hymn: Come, Ye Disconsolate                             -Thomas More 1824

Come, ye disconsolate, where’er ye languish,                                                                                                  Come to the mercy seat, fervently kneel.     Here bring your wounded hearts, here tell your anguish.  Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.

Joy of the desolate, Light of the straying,                                                                                                          Hope of the penitent, fadeless and pure,        Here speaks the Comforter, tenderly saying, “Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot cure.”

Prayer: Take, Lord, all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my whole will. You have given me all that I have, all that I am, and I surrender all to your divine will, that you dispose of me. Give me only your love and your grace. With this I am rich enough, and I have no more to ask
―Ignatius Loyola 1491-1556

Fourth Sunday in Lent  “God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself.”

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21

16 So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! 17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

18 And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. 19 For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. 20 So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” 21 For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.

Reader: This is the word of the Lord.   Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:
From my perspective, this is one of the most powerful passages in all of Scripture regarding the impact of the work of Christ. I want to walk us through it. It would seem in the opening verses of this portion, Paul is reflecting back on his earlier days when he persecuted the church. He arrested and terrorized followers of Jesus precisely because he believed that Jesus was simple a human being with heretical and blasphemous ideas. Jesus’ followers needed to be eliminated. Jesus was dead and they were propagating a lie. Then there was the Damascus road encounter with the risen Jesus himself! In his own words, Saul became a new person. His old life was gone and he was now living an entirely new life with a completely different understanding of who Jesus Christ was and is. He humbly acknowledges that it was by God’s grace that he was transformed. Now his mission is to spread the message of reconciliation. The powerful phrase is simply “God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself.” What does that mean exactly? At creation God spoke (sang) a perfect world into existence bringing order out of chaos, a world that he would enjoy and one that would be in pure harmony and communion with the Godhead. That was the purpose and the ideal. As you know both then and now, human beings rebel against their Maker. With the Fall of our first parents in the Garden, every person from then on was “bent.” The bent was rejection of God. What happened next was God unfolding the action of reconciliation. What most people don’t know, don’t believe, or don’t care about is that God the Creator came to this planet in not only the form of a human being, but willingly became fully human in every conceivable way, (I mean that literally!) in order to make possible the bringing back into communion the world that had rebelled and rejected its maker. For only if Christ was completely and totally human and totally God could reconciliation be efficacious. God had no other way to redeem this world apart from Christ. The entirety of the Bible is the development and implementation of this plan. The Scriptures are the God’s Story of that plan. Paul states here by implication that there is no other system, no faith, no religion, absolutely nothing other than God’s reconciliation in Christ that solves the human and fallen world dilema. There is no Plan B.

Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane confirmed that. Glory to God for ever and ever!

Music: “God So Loved the World”    John Stainer St. Paul’s Cathedral Choir

www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5Akz6J8Rw0&t=16s

Prayer:

Glorious God, I bless thee that I know thee. I once lived in the world, but was ignorant of its creator, was partaker of thy providences, but knew not the provider, was blind while enjoying the sunlight, was deaf to all things spiritual, with voices all around me, understood many things, but had no knowledge of thy ways, saw the world, but did not see Jesus only. O happy day, when in thy love’s sovereignty thou didst look on me, and call me by grace. Then did the dead heart begin to beat, the darkened eye glimmer with light, the dull ear catch thy echo, and I turned to thee and found thee, a God ready to hear, willing to save. Grant that I may always weep to the praise of mercy found, and tell to others as long as I live, that thou art a sin-pardoning God, taking up the blasphemer and the ungodly, and washing them from their deepest stain. Amen.
―The Valley of Vision p.60

“Take not your Holy Spirit from me.”

Scripture:   Psalm 51: 10-12

 10 Create in me a pure heart, O God,
       and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

 11 Do not cast me from your presence
       or take your Holy Spirit from me.

 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation
       and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Reader: This is the word of the Lord.   Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:
David was aware of his fickle faith. He knew he needed the presence of the Holy Spirit in his life continually. In these days of Israel’s history, the Holy Spirit was not a continual presence in David’s life as attested in this psalm. The continual indwelling of the Holy Spirit among all believers did not occur until Pentecost as described in Acts 2. In this section, David asks for a pure heart. He has acknowledged and confessed his sin earlier in the psalm. Now he wants a steadfast spirit. Like David, we all want to be consistent in our walk of faith. Yet we are “prone to wander” as the song says. It seems our old nature hangs around, trying to get its gnarly foot in the door. The key is the presence of the Holy Spirit within us recognizing when the door is being pushed ajar. I have been grateful and amazed at times during the day when my mind began to wander off the path, at how quickly the Holy Spirit pointed out what was happening. As we journey through this Lenten season, listen for the voice of the Holy Spirit. Ask him to watch the door and give you an alert spirit throughout this day. Live consciously in the presence of God. Some of us are prone to talk to ourselves from time to time. When I am doing carpentry work and measuring and cutting wood, I frequently talk to myself and Nancy asks me who I’m talking to. What would it be like if we talked out loud to the Lord during the day? Talk with him today as you go about your business. You may wish to do so when you are by yourself!

Music: “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing”   by Eclipse 6

www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LWyBcCH7Wg

Prayer: Prayer to the Holy Spirit                   -Christina Rossetti 1830-1894

As the wind is thy symbol, so forward our goings. As the dove, so launch us heavenwards. As water so purify our spirits. As a cloud so abate our temptations. As dew so revive our languor. As fire so purge out our dross. (Note the use of the biblical symbols for the Holy Spirit.)

“You desire truth in the inner parts . . .”

Scripture: Psalm 51: 6-9

6 Surely you desire truth in the inner parts;
       you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.

 7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
       wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

 8 Let me hear joy and gladness;
       let the bones you have crushed rejoice.

 9 Hide your face from my sins
       and blot out all my iniquity.

Reader: This is the word of the Lord.   Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:
Have you ever been amazed while watching American Idol (Admit it, you’ve seen it at least for a few minutes!) that some of the “wanna be” stars of tomorrow have so little understanding of their actual talent? They appear clueless! Remember when Simon Cowell was one of the judges? We all waited for Simon to speak because we knew he would speak the truth regarding their “talent.” Why is it that we can so easily live in duplicity? We are masters at giving ourselves the benefit of the doubt. We easily grant latitude to our own conduct that we will not grant to others.  We have a dozen reasons why it was not our fault; why we are the exception; why we can be excused for missing the mark; or why we should be granted leniency in this circumstance. In the Scripture passage, the “inner parts” can also be translated “inner being,” in other words, our heart, our soul, the core of who we are. The Lord wants us to be truthful with ourselves. When that happens, look what follows! Our heart gets a lesson in wisdom from God. God cleanses our sin completely. He is the one who does the washing. We physically revive. Unconfessed sin, sometimes known as rationalization, pays a heavy physical and spiritual dividend. I have to wonder if some of our aches and pains and tensions aren’t from unconfessed sin or our refusal to deal with what we instinctively know to be wrong in our lives. The devil will always tell you it’s not anything to worry about. I made a comment the other day that was to be funny. Part of it was. But as soon as I said it, I had a little voice that told me there could be too much “bite” in what I said and wished I hadn’t said it. The person about whom the comment was made asked to get together, and sure enough, I had hurt a friend. I apologized for my thoughtless remark. What struck me was that the little voice that spoke so quickly in me was right. It would have been easy just to move on, but to my friends credit, I was able to confess and get it out of my system. I’m wondering how many times we don’t follow up on those little nudges and they subtly eat away at us. Our relationship to God deadens. Confession gets a load off our chest. It is freeing. Are you telling God the truth today?

Music: “May the Mind of Christ My Savior”  Jake Armerding

www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXUOuzJo1bE        

May the mind of Christ my Savior live in me from day to day.                                                                   By his power and love controlling all I do and say.       May the Word of God dwell richly in my heart from hour to hour. So that all may see I triumph only through his power.

Prayer: Dear God, make me think about what I’m doing with my mind, with my body, with my habits, with my study, with my friends, with my hopes, with my parents, with my faith, with life. Amen.
-Carl Burke, b. 1917

“…sinful at birth.”

Scripture: Psalm 51:5

 5 Surely I was sinful at birth,
       sinful from the time my mother conceived me.

Reader: This is the word of the Lord.   Response: Thanks be to God.

Good grief, what chance do we have?!  As a friend of mine truthfully said, “There is very little ‘original’ sin. We’re just recycling!”  From the beginning we are sinners. Did you have to teach your children to say “MINE!”? I rest my case. You may have a translation that reads “In sin did my mother conceive me.”  The translation above is a far better, more accurate translation. Conception is not sin! This passage means that we are part of the fallen human race. David writes in another Psalm (143:2) “for no living thing is righteous before you.”  No one has ever gotten it right with a single exception, and in that Exception is our salvation. Have you read the paper? Have you kept track of the news? We are more self-absorbed than ever. We are not getting better as a human race. It is not “we are part of the problem, we are part of the solution.” Not true! We have abundant evidence that knowing what is right to do surprisingly does not equate with doing right. It is clearly not a matter of education or understanding or more case studies. We are an intrinsically flawed race. Can you think of some times when you knew what was right to do and didn’t do it?  Again, I rest my case! In this world we have battles, battles against flesh and blood. In some ways the season of Lent is a little like our world. Let me give us an illustration borrowed by the late Oscar Cullmann. He likened the present struggles to those of World War II. On D-Day, June 6, 1944 the Allies broke the back of the Germans when they stormed the beaches at Normandy. The next eleven months were fierce mop up battles in which the Allies prevailed. But it wasn’t until May 8 of 1945 that we got to V-Day and the peace treaty was signed. We live in such a time of mop up battles. We win some, we lose some, but victory is assured! Christ’s victory on the cross broke the back of sin, death, and the power of evil. But Christ’s return and the setting up of his eternal kingdom is yet to come and so we have intermittent battles with sin and evil though their doom is sure! Continue to wage war. Win your battles today. The word is your weapon and the Holy Spirit is your invincible ally.  

Music: “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”

www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqfTB50cE4o   Dan Forrest    Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Brass

www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNeP7bGagqg   Matt Boswell

Prayer:  Blessed are all thy Saints, O God and King, who have engaged in the tempestuous battles of this mortal life, and have made the haven of peace and felicity. Watch over us who are still in our dangerous skirmishes; and remember such as lie exposed to the rough engagements of trouble and temptations. Frail is our strength, and the battles fierce; but as in thy mercy thou hast set our path to walk bearing the armour of thy Holy Spirit toward the everlasting paradise of peace, and bring us at length to the quiet haven of our heart’s desire, where thou, O our God, are blessed, and livest and reignest for ever and ever.
St. Augustine, 345-430 AD adapted D.S.

Update March 26

March 27

“Against you, you only, have I sinned”

Scripture: Psalm 51:3-4

3 For I know my transgressions,
       and my sin is always before me.

 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned
       and done what is evil in your sight,
       so that you are proved right when you speak
       and justified when you judge.

Reader: This is the word of the Lord.   Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:
Have you ever thought “Sure I messed up, but it’s not that big of a deal. No one got hurt too badly. I’ll just keep a low profile and things will blow over?”  King David tried that approach too until he ran into Nathan the prophet. We sometimes avoid dealing with our sin by going on with life. We seek to lose the guilty feeling by getting busy with the next thing and hoping others will calm down and forget about what we have said or done. We also get busy to get “it” off our mind and hope that after a time, even we will forget about it as it fades away. Have you noticed that approach really does not work? The “it” gets buried and slowly eats away on us as a slow moving cancer. The Psalmist writes “I know my sins, they won’t go away. I think about them subconsciously.” Do you have a relentless “cloud on a string” that follows you day after day? Imagine there is a dark cloud. It has a long string that is connected to your belt and wherever you go it follows you, reminding you of the “it.” And to make matters worse you can’t untie the string. It doesn’t go away does it? David’s key in dealing with the mess he was in, was acknowledging his sin against God. He confessed what he had done was wrong in God’s sight, the only sight that ultimately matters. As we reflect on our own walk with the Lord during these days of the Lenten season, are we cognizant that the sins in our lives, while at times against other people, are also always against God? Is confession to the Lord for having sinned against him also a part of our prayers? It was so with David.

Music: “Create in Me A Clean Heart O God”    Keith Green an “oldie”

www.youtube.com/watch?v=vD847UcRbL4

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

“Have mercy…wash away all my iniquity”

Scripture: Psalm 51:1-2

 1 Have mercy on me, O God,
       according to your unfailing love;
       according to your great compassion
       blot out my transgressions.

 2 Wash away all my iniquity
       and cleanse me from my sin.

Reader: This is the word of the Lord.   Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:
What words of pleading. Mercy is not something to be assumed nor guaranteed. The one seeking such is completely subservient to the ruler, his master’s wishes.  Control of the situation is gone. Having been responsible for plotting and carrying out a murder in order to cover up his own sin, King David pours out this confession to God. In pleading for mercy, he appeals to God’s own character of unfailing love and great compassion. Though David was guilty of a treacherous crime, his past walk with God had shown him God’s character first hand. His past relationship with God compelled him to turn again to his God, knowing that is what he needed to do. It is to this character of God that he appeals in three different ways. He asked to have his sin dealt with; blot out my transgressions. A blotter absorbs the liquid into itself. Jesus absorbed David’s and our sins into himself and became our sin. He who knew no sin, became sin; took our sin into himself. Second, David asked God to “wash away all my iniquity.” The result was that his and our sin are gone from us. Third, the sin itself was to be cleansed from me. Because of Christ’s action, we are pure before God. There was no blame, no excuse, no “mistake” here. David’s words were “my transgressions,” “my iniquity”, and “my sin.”  He took full ownership. In an almost incomprehensible way, we see this “unfailing love” and “great compassion” in this Psalm as Jesus’ embraces the hard wood of the cross in taking sole ownership of all of our sins and the sins of the whole world. There is no sin of yours or mine that Jesus has not carried. As a result, God has shown us mercy and washed away all our sins.  Thanks be to God!

Music:  “O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus”  You’ll get tired of me saying this. DON”T MISS THIS!  This is a glorious setting from believers in one of the Slavic countries. It’s in English but all the comments are in a language I don’t know! Thank you Simon Khorolskiy!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLTu1xv2-Us

Prayer: Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid. Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you and worthily magnify your holy name, through Christ, our Lord. Amen. ―BCP

“Today’s trouble is enough for today!”

Scripture:   Matthew 6:25-34

 25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

 28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Reader: This is the word of the Lord.   Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:
Jesus was perfectly aware of God’s timing. So often in the early parts of the Gospels, he said, “My time has not yet come.” Then as he approached his last Passover, (he had regularly observed them throughout his lifetime), the Gospels say, he set his face toward Jerusalem. Jesus remained focused on what was right before him. As Passover approached, he told the disciples “the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.” He never panicked, not even when he washed the feet of Judas, the one who would betray him only minutes later. He was composed in the present because he was connected intimately to the will of his Father and their overall plan for restoring the whole created order. He was realistic as he dealt with “the day’s troubles.” It was not a “God will work everything out” or a “whatever happens, happens” mindset. In the Garden of Gethsemane, he earnestly prayed hoping there might be another way. The silence from the Father in regards to Jesus’ request for an alternative course, is another way of affirming Jesus’ earlier words to his disciples in the Upper Room where he told Thomas, “I am the way, the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father but by me.” There is no other way, period. One of the reasons I love and trust the Bible so much is that the Holy Spirit pulled no punches guiding the writers as they wrote. Nothing is sugar-coated! We see the transparent humanity of Jesus. He is no distant God with an unreal connection to human beings. He is like us in every respect. What is one thing we can take from this passage? In this Lenten season, rather than being overwhelmed by all the things in our lives that need attention, deal with one thing at a time as we walk with the Savior through these days leading to the cross. Deal with one thing today.

Music: “Day by Day”   Jessica Wu

www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpOvYdFjbR0

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 á Kempis, 1380-1471

Third Sunday in Lent

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts.”

Scripture: Is. 55:1-9  

“Is anyone thirsty?

   Come and drink—even if you have no money!

Come, take your choice of wine or milk— it’s all free!

2 Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength?

   Why pay for food that does you no good?

Listen to me, and you will eat what is good.

   You will enjoy the finest food.

3 “Come to me with your ears wide open.

   Listen, and you will find life.

I will make an everlasting covenant with you.

   I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David.

4 See how I used him to display my power among the peoples.

   I made him a leader among the nations.

5 You also will command nations you do not know,

   and peoples unknown to you will come running to obey,

because I, the Lord your God,

   the Holy One of Israel, have made you glorious.”

6 Seek the Lord while you can find him.

   Call on him now while he is near.

7 Let the wicked change their ways

   and banish the very thought of doing wrong.

Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them.

   Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.

8 “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord.

   “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.

9 For just as the heavens are higher than the earth,

   so my ways are higher than your ways

   and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.

Reader: This is the word of the Lord.   Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:
There is so much richness in this text appropriate for the Lenten season. As always, note the verbs of invitation: come, drink, listen, enjoy, seek, call, turn.  They are all “doing” words, nothing passive. Our God is offering salvation to all people freely. It cannot be purchased, “it’s all free!” Come with a listening heart. Do not waste your time and money on things that accomplish nothing and don’t satisfy. God made an eternal covenant with David, and through him to bless all the nations of the earth. What does this have to do with you today, afterall, the covenant was with King David 3,000 years ago? The covenant was with David, but the verses also apply to you as you hear God speak through his word. Verse six is as current as the time it takes to read it. “Seek the Lord while you can find him,” which would be now. “Call on him now while he is near.” Friends, you are reading this, which means you are alive. The fact that you are alive means you can seek the Lord and call on him right now. I called on him after the last sentence. And as I’m typing this devotional, the Lord is impressing on me that I need to learn how to listen to his voice much better. I need to learn how to sit still, be quiet and listen. His forgiveness is certain when there is repentance. Verses eight and nine give great insight into a better understanding of our God. When the the Lord says, “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts and my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine,” we begin to see the immense greatness of our God. Perhaps more accurately, we begin to see our actual significance and God’s great mercy. Do you see how futile it is to always try to understand what God is doing in your life. God does not think like we do at all. Say that about a dozen times a day! The word is nothing! So completely nothing that we can’t imagine it, that is, it won’t fit into our brains; we don’t have that capacity. Going at the speed of light, (circling the earth at the equator 7 times in 1 second) it takes less that a second and a half for light to get from the earth to the moon, and about 8 minutes and 12 seconds to get from the earth to the Sun, our nearest star. The far reaches of the universe are trillions of light years from the earth. So when the Lord says “just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts” you begin to get the idea of the distance between our thoughts and God’s! And in all of this grandeur, he asks you to seek him while you can find him.  Do it!

Music: “The Majesty and Glory of Your Name:     First Baptist Choir Dallas, TX

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrTV0KD_qQI

Prayer:

We praise thee, O God; we acknowledge thee to be the Lord.

All the earth doth worship thee, the Father everlasting.

To thee all angels cry aloud, the heavens and all the powers therein.

To thee cherubin and seraphin continually do cry,

Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Sabaoth;

Heaven and earth are full of the majesty of thy glory.

The glorious company of the apostles praise thee.

The goodly fellowship of the prophets praise thee.

The noble army of martyrs praise thee.

The holy Church throughout all the world doth acknowledge thee:

the Father of an infinite majesty;

thine honourable, true and only Son;

also the Holy Ghost the Comforter.
―Te Deum 4th century

“Treasures on earth . . .”

Scripture:   Matthew 6: 19-24

 19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

 22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

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

Reader: This is the word of the Lord.   Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:
As we focus in on Jesus’ life as the weight of the cross draws nearer, we see more and more clearly how single-minded and centrally focused he was. Notice the relationship among these three short sections. Notice we start with earthly concerns and contrast those with a heavenly perspective. What you value is revealed in your heart. The middle section addresses what pulls at the heart; that is, what you see. How often have we said when we see something, “I want that!” So Jesus warns us of our eyes magnetic effect on our heart. The final paragraph of this trilogy is simply, “This is not an either or, make up your mind! You can’t have both.” Jesus’ earlier words, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth…” was lived out in his own words “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”  He had no home. When he was killed, he had nothing other than the clothes he was stripped of. When he died, he had nothing. All disciples had deserted him. Jesus clearly did not store up treasure on earth. What treasure he stored in heaven, however, is glorious beyond our imagination. He asks us to do the same. Do not let your eyes mesmerize your heart to earthly stuff. A legitimate question to ask is “How much of my life (my time, energy, thought, money) is going into things or pursuits that are of little eternal consequence?” If we measure “treasure” only in terms of money, we see how quickly it can fade. Ask those who invested with Bernie Madoff! Remember him? Do you see in Jesus’ words, the point is not earthly treasures, but the affections of the heart?  The quality of the treasure is indicative of the quality of the heart. The character of the heart is central, not the treasure. It is for that heart’s affection that Jesus went to the cross. Where is your heart’s affection today?  That is the treasure you are accumulating. I take you back to the very first thing you saw as you began these Lenten devotionals, a quote from who else but C.S. Lewis. Lewis warns us, “Do not to live these days for things in our life that will end when you do.”  ‘nough said.

Music: “A City Called Heaven”    Jubilant Sykes

www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6fNY710Mu0   The full song.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFIgyXK0Qp4  This is a clip of the same song, shorter version, from the movie, Freedom. It is hard to believe that human beings were treated this way by other humans. As I watched and listened and as reprehensible as the film depicted human slavery,  I couldn’t help but think, the slaves on the ship were also a picture of our world today, where countless millions are every bit as enslaved to the things of this world, unlike in the film through their own choosing, in as vicious a manner as depicted in the film.

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

“When you fast . . .”

Scripture: Matthew 6:16-18

 16 “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

Reader: This is the word of the Lord.   Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:
Fasting has long been a religious discipline in many faiths.  In the Jewish and Christian tradition it is associated with repentance. We read in the Scriptures frequently of “fasting in sackcloth and ashes.”  The longing that comes within us because of a lack of food during a fast, reminds us of our complete and utter dependence upon the Lord. Fasting is a symbol of the discipline it takes to turn away from sin. Fasting is not an isolated, individual act solely. It also has relational dimensions. Though it is the individual who is fasting, that person is in relationship with God, self, and others with whom we come in contact. Fasting sharpens the spirit and quickens spiritual perception in our interactions. The mind sharpens. There is a penitential aspect as well as an underscoring of our utter dependence upon the Lord. Fasting of some sort is a normal part of Lent. Again, Jesus said when you fast not if you fast. Sometimes there are short total fasts for a day or two or more. On other occasions there are longer fasts, maybe from specific foods, or perhaps choosing to eat only one meal a day for the specific purpose of being liberated from a fleshly habit or desire.  Fasting was a part of the life of every major character in the Bible. Jesus fasted. In Jewish culture, fasting was part of a regular weekly practice by the religious leaders.  Maybe they knew something we don’t. If this is a new area to you, it will be worth doing your own Bible study on “fasting,” and then doing it. As Jesus points out, the whole purpose is to deepen one’s relationship with our heavenly Father.  Try setting aside some regular period of fasting, perhaps one meal or one day a week for starters.

Music: “It Is Well with My Soul”    New Apostolic Church Silvertown Choir and Orchestra (WOW!)   in Cape Town, South Africa another DO NOT MISS

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qp4MjHWZS5c

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

“Pray then in this way . . .”

Scripture: Matthew 6: 9-15

9″This, then, is how you should pray:
   ” ‘Our Father in heaven,
   hallowed be your name,
 10 your kingdom come,
   your will be done
      on earth as it is in heaven.
 11 Give us today our daily bread.
 12 Forgive us our debts,
      as we also have forgiven our debtors.
 13 And lead us not into temptation,
   but deliver us from the evil one.’ 14 For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Reader: This is the word of the Lord.   Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:
Right after Jesus talked about the importance of praying, he gave us an example of how to do it. Notice the careful choice of words. He begins, “Our Father in heaven…” He makes a point of reminding us of whose we are at the same time reminding us of the existence of another world we cannot see. (The Bible is the one book that presumes, other dimensions and worlds outside the four dimensions we live in.) Perhaps it would be wise to think a little more carefully than we sometimes do in how we begin prayers. It might be that “God, we ask you to…” may not be the most thoughtful, reverent way to address our Creator. Our words belie our shallow understanding of the One we address. “God” is not meant as a punctuation mark. Notice the way Jesus addresses his Father in John 17. He is always mindful of who he is and who his Father is. The truth is, we live in a culture that has a very casual, dare I say shallow(?), view of God. In our worship, we give priority to being casual, late (it doesn’t matter), comfortable and relaxed. Those are the characteristics of what we want in our relationship with God. Our prayers often reflect a similar attitude in the words we use. Just listen to the opening words of our praying as contrasted to Jesus’ words here as he was teaching the disciples as to how to pray. It may be that we should pay a little closer attention to this prayer and learn from what Jesus said. Certainly there are times when a prayer is as short and urgent as “Help, Lord!”  Though Jesus is our friend, he is also our coming King, our constant Intercessor, our victorious Warrior, our compassionate Redeemer, our holy Savior, which does not make us equal! In his prayers, Jesus was always very aware of the Father/Son relationship. That kind of awareness is perhaps something we can tune our hearts to in our prayers. As you pray this week, notice how you begin your prayers. You are talking to the Creator of the universe and of all that was, is, and is to come . . . and he has revealed himself to you. Listen as well as talk.

Music: “The Lord’s Prayer”   Andrea Bocelli and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir

www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEplqV0scyo

Prayer: Our Father in heaven, forgive us for those times we pray without thinking of the One to whom we are talking; for those times when we babble, lost in our words and our little world, oblivious to your grand design; for those times when we tell you how to solve our problems and how to be God; and for those times when we are disrespectful and arrogant in our prayers as we seek to be clever or earthy. Teach us to pray as your dear Son prayed, for it is in his name that we offer this prayer. Amen. ―Dan Sharp

Book Recommendation: A Diary of Private Prayer,  John Baillie, Scribner’s

“When you pray . . .”

Scripture: Matthew 6:5-8

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

Reader: This is the word of the Lord.   Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:
Again in a plain, beautiful way Jesus simply comments “when you pray.”  Prayer, our conversation with God, is a normal, daily part of the Christian life. This act of praying is not complicated nor is the expectation. Three words, eleven letters. That’s it! In my reading this morning, I noticed several times that Jesus went away alone into the hills to pray. In one case he was interrupted on his way to be alone. He stopped and spent time with the people who had followed him, but then he sent the disciples on ahead of him and “he went into the hills to pray” and be alone with his Father. Such was his normal practice. There is much to be said for private alone time with just you and your Father who sees everything. Do you have an “alone place” where you pray and listen to the Father? If you don’t have a daily place or practice, the Lenten season is a good time to develop this daily pattern. “When” is a word of action. It occurs in time. It signals the beginning of an event. So in Jesus’ saying “when,” his full expectation is that prayer is a regular part of our daily lives. You have heard it said undoubtedly, “There is power in prayer.” Actually, the power is in the One to whom you are praying and the fact that you are actually praying! Simply saying prayerful words doesn’t really do anything. The crafting of your words contain zero power. Jesus makes that quite clear. Maybe you want to keep (or start) a prayer list or a prayer journal. While interceding for others is an important part of prayer, don’t neglect adoration, confession, and thanksgiving. And remember, a good portion of praying is listening to the Father. Remember, prayer is dialogical. Both people get to talk! In prayer we are turning to God in dependency as we turn from sin. There are a great many examples of prayer in Scripture to guide you along. (Col. 1:9-14; Phil. 1:3-11; Dan. 9:1-19) Maybe during the Lenten season you’ll want to build a collection of all the “prayers” you can find in Scripture.

Music: “Sweet Hour of Prayer”  by Radiance Acappella Do NOT miss this!! Five guys from Zimbabwe. Absolutely gorgeous and moving. They pray as they sing!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ph43J3pnBDo

 Hymn:  What a Friend We Have in Jesus                ―Joseph Scriven, 1855

What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear,

What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer.                                                                             O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear All because we do not carry, everything to God in prayers.

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 our prayer life 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. We pray this in your tender name. Amen. ―Dan Sharp

Book Recommendation: Deepening Your Conversation with God, Ben Patterson, Bethany House

“When you give to the needy . . .”

Scripture: Matthew 6:1-4

1 “Beware of practicing your piety before men in order to be seen by them; for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.  2 So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Reader: This is the word of the Lord.   Response: Thanks be to God.

Prayer, fasting, and giving alms are three central themes of Lent. We’ll look at each over the next three days.

Some thoughts:
We don’t need big words to say powerful things. These words of Jesus have four or fewer letters and most have a single syllable.  He couldn’t be clearer. Ours is a faith that expresses itself in actions. Giving to the needy is one of those actions that is done not to buy God’s favor or earn salvation. We are not graded by God based on what we do. We “give to the needy” to live out a relationship with our heavenly Father. Giving to those in need is what we do as Christians. Jesus was clear. He didn’t say “if you give to the needy,” but rather “when you give to the needy.”  Giving is one of the three primary themes of Lent along with fasting and praying. Have you noticed that is exactly what Jesus did his whole life? And we are the “needy” who benefit. So our question is how and when do we give to the needy?  Maybe adopt a World Vision child. Put together a “Grace Bag” for your car. In the bag you might have a toothbrush and toothpaste, a little bottle of shampoo, a roll of toilet paper, a bottle of water, a bar of soap, some baby wipes, a can of beans with a pop top and plastic spoon. Then when you see a homeless person who, like you is made in the image of God, you’ll have something practical you can give to one in need. Look them in the eye and don’t be afraid to talk with them and listen to their story, whether it is true or not. Listening gives dignity. Giving to the needy acknowledges their humanity. They are not like a pet that needs to be fed, but an actual human being that has come across your path. Another thought, do you know someone who is having a tough time making ends meet right now?  Send them a gift card, or send them some cash anonymously. Ask the Lord to bring to mind someone you can encourage in a practical way. “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” The point of secrecy here is to counteract our natural instinct to broadcast what we have done for our glory. A silent gift gives glory to God.

Music: “Amazing Grace”    Zero8

www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBNDdEnHCFQ&list=RDvBNDdEnHCFQ&start_radio=1

Hymn: Here I Am Lord   Daniel Schutte, 1983

I, the Lord of sea and sky, I have heard my people cry.

All who dwell in deepest sin, my hand will save.                    

I who made the stars of night, I will make their darkness bright,                                                                               Who will bear my light to them? Whom shall I send?                                                         Here I am, Lord, Is it I, Lord? I have heard You calling in the night. I will go, Lord, if You lead me. I will hold Your people in my heart.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, our Sustainer and Provider, help us to be your hands and feet to those in need. Tune our hearts to your own generous heart that we may see as you see and do something about it. 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.
―Dan Sharp

Book recommendation: Celebration of Discipline, Richard Foster  (An “old” classic)

“Search me, O God . . .”

Scripture: Psalm 139: 23-24

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
       test me and know my thoughts.

 24 See if there is any wicked way in me,
       and lead me in the way everlasting.

Reader: This is the word of the Lord.   Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:
In the early days of the Church, this season was a final time of preparation for the catechumens, those who had been studying the Christian faith. Their baptisms happened at the Easter Vigil on Saturday night right before Easter Sunday. Often this process of joining the faith community took several years of preparation as those being baptized learned of the faith. There was much self-examination occurring during these final six weeks both by the individual and by the church. The last verses of this psalm are most apropos. Periodic “soul searching” is good. In a world where we are so busy and consumed with the day to day activity and pressures, taking time to stop and look into our own hearts is essential.

David picked up this theme of self-examination in the final verses of this psalm. He  concludes with the kind of transparency that resulted in God saying of David, “He is a man after my own heart.” Could that be said about you? David was more interested in God’s perspective of David’s life than he was in justifying himself before the Lord. David stepped outside of himself and gave God free rein to look into every nook and cranny of his life, as did those who were being baptized. One of the characteristics of maturity is the ability to “step outside of our person” and see ourselves objectively. In this case, stepping outside of ourselves involves asking God to search the inmost recesses of our hearts and reveal to us any wickedness he finds. Trust me, he will find things you and I need to repent of. Can we live with a consistent transparency toward God? David has given us a marvelous daily prayer for the Lenten season in these verses.

Music: “Search Me, O God”  by Jonny Priano Grove City Touring Choir

www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XOcd9iQgFk

Hymn  “O for a Closer Walk with God”                        William Cowper, 1731-1800

O for a closer walk with God, a calm and heavenly frame                                                              A light to shine upon the road that leads me to the Lamb! The dearest idol I have known, what-e’er that idol be                                                                         Help me to tear it from thy throne, and worship only thee.

Prayer: O Lord, the house of my soul is narrow; enlarge it, that you may enter in. It is ruinous, O repair it! It displeases your sight; I confess it, I know. But who shall cleanse it, to whom shall I cry but to you? Cleanse me from my secret faults, O Lord, and spare your servant from strange sins.
–St. Augustine, 354-430 AD

Additional Reading: My Heart Christ’s Home by Bob Munger
―an old-time classic

Second Sunday in Lent “we are citizens of heaven. . .”

Scriptures: Philippians 3:17-4:1

17 Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example. 18 For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth. 20 But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. 21 He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.

4 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stay true to the Lord. I love you and long to see you, dear friends, for you are my joy and the crown I receive for my work.

Reader: This is the word of the Lord.   Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:
The Apostle Paul has touched on some very timely topics. Though written 2,000 plus years ago, Paul’s words ring as true as walking down the street last night or reading the news this morning. Whenever someone says the Bible is an irrelevant old book, they clearly have not read it. A few things to notice in this passage: Paul sheds tears for people whose lives are contrary to the way of Christ. In truth, I do not always have a heavy heart for those in rebellion against God. I am more inclined to be upset with their conduct and rejection of God than I am sorrowful for their alienation from God. Our pop culture as a whole certainly brags about “shameful things” and glorifies vile behavior. Depravity is celebrated, often in the name of diversity. It would appear that many people around us are consumed with present day life on this earth with little or no thought of any life after this world. It is likewise easy for followers of Christ to be singularly focused on the present. Once again we have the insightful words of C.S. Lewis: “Aim at Heaven and you will get Earth thrown in: aim at Earth and you will get neither.” (The Joyful Christian) All around you and me are people aiming no higher than earth. Our calling is to let them know there is more than this earth at stake and to aim much higher. The earth they are chasing and never catching, will one day come into view as past history because they will discover they have actually been just “passing through.” People have asked me what our bodies will be like when we get to heaven. Paul gives us somewhat of a hint in this pericope. Our heavenly bodies will be transformed into glorious bodies like Jesus’ own resurrection body. Friends, let us live always preparing to leave while paying attention to each day. Stay true to the Lord and help those around you to aim at heaven. It has been secured on your behalf by our great Savior. He is the good news at the beginning and end of each day!

Music: “No Not One and This World Is Not My Home”  Guy Penrod

www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XKqlq5M32Y

“Alone Yet Not Alone”   Sam Robson

www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XKqlq5M32Y

Prayer:

You suffered throughout your life, O Lord Jesus Christ, that I might be saved. And yet, even now, you continue to bear with me, as I stumble upon the path and constantly go astray. As often as I become impatient and wish to abandon your way, you encourage me and stretch forth your helping hand. Each day I increase your burden; yet while I am impatient, your patience is infinite. Grant to me wisdom and a will to live each day noticing the day while living in eternity. In your grace, help me not separate the two but live a life of shalom through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
―Søren Kierkegaard, adapted Dan Sharp

“Do away with wickedness for good…”

Scripture: Psalm 139: 19-22

And please, God, do away with wickedness for good!  
   And you murderers—out of here!—  
      all the men and women who belittle you, God,  
      infatuated with cheap god-imitations.  
   See how I hate those who hate you, God,  
      see how I loathe all this godless arrogance;  
   I hate it with pure, unadulterated hatred.  
      Your enemies are my enemies!

Reader: This is the word of the Lord.   Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:
Do you ever get tired of the endless scandals, cheating, arrogance, and power struggles of our leaders and “famous people”? (. . . and that’s just in kindergarten! Apparently it continues in the rest of life!) I find David echoing my voice in the words of today’s reading. In the past few weeks the State of New York in the USA has passed a law making it legal to abort a full-term baby and even kill it after it is born if the mother and doctor decide to if it’s in the best interest of “the mother’s health.” The state senators cheered at the passing of the law. How can human beings be this godless? Such is the action of barbarian civilizations. When the heart is cold toward God, anything is possible. Like David, I get angry when people are defiant of God, mocking faith and integrity. Insulting God is no small thing. I also realize this dismissing of God has been in evidence since the beginning of creation, after all, Cain killed is own brother. These self-righteous immoral “wind machines” of today do not ultimately get away with their ways. They will answer to the One they have mocked. In contrast to my anger and frustration, God is patient, not willing that any should perish. But unwilling people do perish. I frankly do not have God’s attitude, I want them to perish! They have defied God! God’s desire that they repent of their deeds, however, is a convicting measure of my lack of grace and failure to see the grossness of my own sin.  In the meantime, God in Christ Jesus did something about the situation. Our Savior left the glory of a perfect heaven, of a perfect holy environment, of perfect communion with the Father and Holy Spirit, and came to a world filled with sin and arrogance, to a place of estranged people with severed relationships, a place of profane disregard for the sacred, the truth, and the holy, in order to make possible the restoration of God’s entire created order. We journey with Jesus through the slough of human brokenness to the victory on the cross. Look for someone today to whom you can give a word of hope and encouragement. Everyone around you needs God’s grace, including you. Be a vehicle of his grace to others. Maybe some calloused hearts will soften.

Music: “Sinner, Please Don’t This Harvest Pass”

www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcZDv9SvHCM

Hymn   Lavish Love, Abundant Beauty                      ―Peter Ellis, 1986

I am yours, Eternal Father, all my body, mind and heart.                                                            Take and use me to your glory, form yourself in every part. Lord, your love brings joy and gladness flowing forth within my soul.                                        May my very breath and being rise to you, their source and goal.

Prayer: Lord, make me an instrument of your peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love, where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in dying, that we awake to eternal life.
–St. Francis of Assisi,  1181-1226

“Your thoughts—how rare, how beautiful . . .”

Scripture: Psalm 139: 17-18

Your thoughts—how rare, how beautiful!  
      God, I’ll never comprehend them!  
   I couldn’t even begin to count them—  
      any more than I could count the sand of the sea.  
   Oh, let me rise in the morning and live always with you!

Reader: This is the word of the Lord.   Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:
In Psalm 119:164 David writes “Seven times a day will I praise thee.” It might be a good idea to remind ourselves aloud seven times a day of the presence of the Lord. Those words could be, “Lord, you are with me.” Or “The Lord is with me.” I’d suggest: when we awaken, when we eat breakfast, mid-morning, noon, mid-afternoon, at dinner time, and when we go to bed. See if you can do it one day, maybe tomorrow or today if you are reading this in the morning. During the season of Lent, we want to reflect and walk with Christ on the road that leads to Calvary. Time and time again as the disciples traveled the hills of Judea with Jesus, they were surprised by what he said and did. In Psalm 139, David writes of the joys of reflecting on God’s thoughts. He notes the overwhelming scope of the mind of God. The Scriptures are filled with God’s thoughts. The Holy Spirit guides us in our thoughts and brings God’s thoughts to our minds.  I think this is what David is getting at because he writes of his longing to live throughout the day in the presence of the Lord. Did you ever notice how close Jesus was to his heavenly Father and how often they communicated during the day and night, especially during his last hours on earth? Jesus practiced what David was writing about. Resolve to talk with the Lord seven times a day for the next week. You may even have to turn the car radio off! Maybe even leave the car radio off for the rest of Lent and use that time to talk to the Lord.

Music: “Hear My Prayer”    Henry Purcell Clare College Choir, Cambridge

www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WXx5tttwGo

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. Forbid it Lord, that of all your creation, we should remain dumb in your presence. Seven times a day do we praise you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.
―adapted from Te Deum 4th century

“…you shaped, you formed, you know…”

Scripture:  Psalm 139: 13-16                                                                                                           

13-16 Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out;  
      you formed me in my mother’s womb.  
   I thank you, High God—you’re breathtaking!  
      Body and soul, I am marvelously made!  
      I worship in adoration—what a creation!  
   You know me inside and out,  
      you know every bone in my body;  
   You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit,  
      how I was sculpted from nothing into something.  
   Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth;  
      all the stages of my life were spread out before you,  
   The days of my life all prepared  
      before I’d even lived one day.

Reader: This is the word of the Lord.   Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:
In a time when giving attention to building “self-esteem, “self-worth,” and “self-identity” (What is the common word?) are so prevalent in our culture, we have discovered that giving everyone a trophy doesn’t do it! Authentic self-esteem, worth, identity, and everything else comes when we see our true selves from God’s perspective and realize we are loved dearly by the One who made us uniquely male and female. (Our identity is not in our sex.) In this passage written by King David, we see “self-worth” in the context of “God-worth.” God didn’t make a mistake when he made you. He knew you long before anyone had any idea you would even exist. Some of us live with greater challenges than others, but we are all wondrous works of God’s creative hand with unique gifts and skills. Though we may not see it or believe it in some cases, there are no “mistake people” along the way. We are all made “in the image of God.” God’s hand was on us from the moment of our conception through our last day on this earth. We read in the Scriptures that we were known from the foundation of the world. The image of God is stamped on every life from the moment of conception, a God-given truth that has been rejected by many in our current secular culture which has rejected God and created its own version of truth, disregarding the sanctity of life. Do you see here God’s commitment is to you as a unique person?  Note we are not “special.” If everyone is “special,” then no one is. “Unique” is a much better word. It means there is no one else in all creation quite like you! God wanted it that way. His imagination is unending. This “uniqueness” is what keeps life so interesting! In Jesus Christ, we have the most unique human being who has ever lived on earth, one whose life, death, resurrection, and ascension brought redemption to everyone who has ever lived.

Music: “He Knows My Name”    Tommy Walker (An old “contemporary” song!!)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bj-rlGcj8M

Hymn: He Knows My Name ―Tommy Walker

I have a Maker, He formed my heart.

Before even time began my life was in His hand.

He knows my name, He knows my ev’ry thought,

He sees each tear that falls and hears me when I call.

I have a Father, He calls me His own.

He’ll never leave me no matter where I go.

He knows my name, He knows my ev’ry thought,

He sees each tear that falls and hears me when I call.

Prayer: Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing that you have made, and forgive the sins of all those who are penitent. Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that, lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, we may receive from you, the God of all mercy, perfect forgiveness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
–Thomas Cranmer, 1489-1556

“…you are there”

Scripture: Psalm 139: 7-12

7-12 Is there any place I can go to avoid your Spirit?  
      to be out of your sight?  
   If I climb to the sky, you’re there!  
      If I go underground, you’re there!  
   If I flew on morning’s wings  
      to the far western horizon,  
   You’d find me in a minute—  
      you’re already there waiting!  
   Then I said to myself, “Oh, he even sees me in the dark!  
      At night I’m immersed in the light!”  
   It’s a fact: darkness isn’t dark to you;  
      night and day, darkness and light, they’re all the same to you.   

Reader: This is the word of the Lord.   Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:
Why is it that we tend to avoid being confronted with the truth?  We somehow imagine that if we just hide or ignore it, we can skip facing reality. David writes with devastating clarity reminding us that we cannot escape God’s presence. Wherever we go, “God is there.” In fact, God is there before you get there! If you head to the backside of a galaxy “far, far away,” he’s waiting for you! Is there some pattern or habit in your life that you avoid in your conversations with God? After all, if you do all the talking in your prayer life, you don’t have to listen to what God has to say to you. David reminds us that no amount of finagling on our part makes things go away. Adam and Eve were the first people to try to hide from God and it didn’t work then and it hasn’t worked for anyone since! God’s question to them of “Where are you?” was not because he didn’t know where they were, he was asking them, “Where are you in relation to me? Where is your heart?” Not even the dark of night covers those hidden thoughts and habits. Is the quality of your nightlife the same as your daylife or are those two different worlds? God cares about every part of our lives and isn’t shocked by the way we live our lives. God truly knows you better than you know yourself which is why he is in the process of transforming you into the image of his Son. The season of Lent is a time to turn specifically toward our Creator and come clean. Is there something in your closet that needs God’s broom? Do you see God’s tender love and care for you expressed in this passage? Maybe write down what the Lord is saying to you. It will mean listening and not talking.

Suggested  Lenten Reading:
John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress, a classic book about a Christian’s journey through life. Highly recommended. I reread this little book every three or four years in the old text. It’s a great way to learn what English words really mean. It is a spiritual masterpeace and has been translated into more than 200 languages. It is often the first book translated after the Bible in Christendom and has never been out of print since it was written in 1678! It is also the first novel written in English. It appears to have staying power!

Music: “The Lord Is My Shepherd”    John Rutter sung by Atlanta Master Chorale

www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOtsuzM6h7M

A Hymn to God the Father

Wilt thou forgive that sin, where I begun,

Which is my sin, though it were done before?

Wilt thou forgive those sins through which I run,

And do run still, though still I do deplore?

When thou hast done, thou hast not done, for I have more.

Wilt thou forgive that sin, by which I won

Others to sin, and made my sin their door?

Wilt thou forgive that sin which I did shun

A year or two, but wallowed in a score?

When thou hast done, thou hast not done, for I have more.

I have sin of fear that when I’ve spun

My last thread, I shall perish on that shore;

Swear by thyself, that at my death thy Son shall shine

As he shines now, and heretofore.

And having done that, thou hast done, I fear no more.
―John Donne, 1572-1631

Prayer: Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love thee, and worthily magnify thy holy name; through Christ our Lord.
―from Book of Common Prayer

“Lord, you have searched me and known me”

Scripture: Psalm 139: 1-6

 1 O LORD, you have searched me
       and you know me.

 2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
       you perceive my thoughts from afar.

 3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
       you are familiar with all my ways.

 4 Before a word is on my tongue
       you know it completely, O LORD.

 5 You hem me in—behind and before;
       you have laid your hand upon me.

 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
       too lofty for me to attain.

Reader: This is the word of the Lord.   Response: Thanks be to God.  

Some thoughts:

Have you ever had someone stand too close to you when you were having a conversation?  There is a certain amount of distance we like to keep. Our souls also have that tendency in relation to God. We want to be in control of that “soul space.” If people get too close to our “soul space,” we can get hurt or embarrassed. In some cases it’s because deep down we know what’s there and we’d rather no one (or God) find out what we are really like. As we read the first five verses of David’s Psalm 139, we see a pretty transparent, even unnerving  picture. We learn of a God who sees right into our “soul space.” We have a God who cares about us and knows who we are, from whom nothing is hidden, and loves us anyway. He is aware of our physical movement (have you ever just missed having an accident?), what we think, where we rest, what all our habits are. He knows what we will say before we say it. He protects us and guards us as we move in our paths of life. We have a God who absolutely cares and is committed to us.  David’s response is that this is wonderful news. Is it good news to you? If we are honest, the answer is probably “yes” and “no.” Sometimes we want to run things ourselves. Is there some “soul space” that you can identify and open to a loving, understanding God? Is there some aspect of your life that you don’t want to let go of, or simply avoid addressing? If you can’t come up with anything, ask God to show you. He will! The truth is, there is always something in your life that needs attention. It’s called sanctification!

Music: “O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus”   Audrey Assad and Fernando Ortega

www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vUhwyjdk8A&start_radio=1&list=RD1vUhwyjdk8A

Hymn: O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus                          Trevor Francis, 1890

O the deep, deep love of Jesus, vast unmeasured, boundless, free

Rolling as a mighty ocean in its fullness over me!

Underneath me, all around me, is the current of his love,

Leading onward, leading homeward to that glorious rest above.

Prayer: O Lord our God, grant us grace to desire you with our whole heart, that so desiring we may seek and find you, and so finding you, may love you, and loving you, may hate those sins from which you have redeemed us.
–Anselm 1033-1109

“He fasted forty days and forty nights”

Scripture:  Matthew 4:1-11

 1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”

 4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'”

 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:
   ” ‘He will command his angels concerning you,
      and they will lift you up in their hands,
   so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'”

 7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'”

 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”

 10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'”

 11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

Reader: This is the word of the Lord.   Response: Thanks be to God.  

Some thoughts:

The clearest model of the forty-day fast and time of reckoning is Jesus himself. Prior to the beginning of his public ministry we read of his temptation by the devil. The devil makes few direct appearances in Scripture. In the Garden of Eden he succeeded in derailing humanity from a perfect sinless world into one of blighted self-rule by tempting humans to doubt God’s word by appealing to human pride. There is the indirect action of the devil in King Herod’s failed attempt to kill the young child Jesus in an effort to abort God’s plan of redemption. He failed. The devil’s next direct appearance to Jesus is at the end of the Savior’s forty day fast. We see in Jesus’ confrontation with the devil, the centrality and power of God’s word. In the face of great temptation, Jesus quotes the Scriptures in each of the three attempts to cause him to yield his will to Satan’s wish. (It behooves us to memorize Scripture; to absorb its content and context. It is truly the “sword of the Spirit.”  Why not set a goal of memorizing some portion of the Bible during these next weeks of Lent? You could start with the Beatitudes and maybe branch out to memorize the whole of chapter five of Matthew, or maybe I Corinthians 13, or Philippians 2:5-11.) If Jesus quoted Scripture in times of temptation and the devil left him alone, maybe he knows something we don’t! As the devil failed in his attempt at causing Jesus to fall, the last phrase is that he left Jesus for a more “opportune” time. He could not drive a wedge between the Father and his Son causing the Son to sin which would have ended God’s plan of redemption. The truth is, the devil never gives up then or now. The next recorded “opportune” time was when Peter, (the devil will use any means), tried to tell Jesus not to allow himself to be killed. The final time before the crucifixion was when Satan entered Judas who then betrayed Jesus. The irony is that throughout Jesus’ life, the devil sought to kill Jesus thinking it would thwart God’s plan of bringing redemption to the whole created order. In the end, Jesus did die, but not by being killed by Satan. Jesus voluntarily gave his life thereby destroying the devil’s hold on humanity and bringing restoration to the whole created order. All of this came in the context of worshiping God alone.

Music: “Ah Holy Jesus”     Sufjan Stevens This video is a little unusual. Sufjan and this band are not particularly “Christian” as such, though there is somewhat of a Christian heritage which you will hear. What I want you to notice is the impact the hymn text and nature of the tune has on a non-Christian crowd…even to the point of coming back to sing an additional verse. Never doubt the power of a biblically substantial hymn text to have a powerful impact. A very interesting video. This hymn is a part of every Holy Week service at some point.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=xG7UywiMJpg

Prayer: ―Thomas Aquinas 1225-1274

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

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

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

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

When they call on me, I will answer.”

Scripture: Psalm 91:1-2; 9-16

1 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High

   will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

2 This I declare about the Lord:

He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;

   he is my God, and I trust him.

9 If you make the Lord your refuge,

   if you make the Most High your shelter,

10 no evil will conquer you;

   no plague will come near your home.

11 For he will order his angels

   to protect you wherever you go.

12 They will hold you up with their hands

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

13 You will trample upon lions and cobras;

   you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!

14 The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me.

   I will protect those who trust in my name.

15 When they call on me, I will answer;

   I will be with them in trouble.

   I will rescue and honor them.

16 I will reward them with a long life

   and give them my salvation.”

Reader: This is the word of the Lord.   Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:

One thing about Jesus that stands out in my mind was his relationship to his Father in heaven. Have you noticed how often and how regularly he left the disciples and everyone else to go into the mountains to pray? We are admonished in this Psalm to call the Lord our refuge, the Most High our fortress, our place of safety. Jesus made his Father his place of refuge and peace. I think that is partly why he often went alone up the mountains. God often speaks with great clarity in the mountains in Scripture. There was the giving of the Law to Moses, Abraham’s near sacrifice of Isaac, the Transfiguration, the Ark resting on Mount Ararat, and the Ascension from the Mount of Olives to name a few instances.  I can’t imagine what it would have been like for Jesus, having come from the perfect holiness of heaven to an earth filled with greedy, sinful people who, it seems, always wanted something from him or who despised him. His solace was time away from people spent in solitary prayer with his Father. That was the time most like heaven . . . no sinful people around, just the creation, the Father and the Son. Is there something here for us to learn about solitude―away from people and alone with our Father? Jesus’ resources were renewed. Notice when he came down from the mountain, his strength returned as he went straight into his ministry.

There is another verse I’d like to comment on. Verse ten states “no evil shall befall you, no scourge come near your tent.” But evil does befall us and we have great difficulties, so how do we reconcile this verse? Always start with context. Notice where we are at the beginning of the psalm . . . “Those who live in the shelter of the Most High.” In other words, when we are in the presence of God we are ultimately protected. We are in an eternally safe place. Remember, we are aliens in this world; it is not our home. We were made for another world, an eternal one. Our safety and security in that world is certain.

Music: “How Did I Make It Over?”   Mahalia Jackson Slow down and listen, this is a sung testimony! She’s singing from the “mountain!”

www.youtube.com/watch?v=iinuEJaUF1w

Prayer: Our Holy Father in heaven, it is so very clear that we live in a culture that has totally lost its way. We run around at a frantic pace. We get twitchy if we have to wait for anything. Our attention span is short. I’m praying things you already know about us. Forgive our deaf ears, distracted minds, shallow hearts, and self-absorption. Help us to live this psalm we just read. I pray it would be a reality today. Help me to find a “mountain” to be alone with you, and grant me the grace to listen, be focused on you, soften my heart, and look outward to your kingdom. Help me to live in your world during my time here until I enter your heavenly world. I praise you for your glorious Son who made all of this even possible. All glory to you Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, world without end. Amen.
―Dan Sharp

“The Ninevites believed God. They declared a fast.”

Scripture: Jonah 3   

1 Then the word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time: 2 “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.”

 3 Jonah obeyed the word of the LORD and went to Nineveh. Now Nineveh was a very important city—a visit required three days. 4 On the first day, Jonah started into the city. He proclaimed: “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned.” 5 The Ninevites believed God. They declared a fast, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth.

 6 When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust. 7 Then he issued a proclamation in Nineveh:
      “By the decree of the king and his nobles:
       Do not let any man or beast, herd or flock, taste anything; do not let them eat or drink. 8 But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth. Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence. 9 Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish.”

 10 When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened.

Reader: This is the word of the Lord.   Response: Thanks be to God.

Some thoughts:

What is with the forty days of Lent? The number forty has been significant in the Scriptures for a number of reasons. Think about it. It rained forty days and forty nights bringing the great Flood of Noah’s day. The Israelites wandered forty years in the desert, one year for each day for each day of unbelief when the spies were sent into Canaan to check out the land. Moses was on Mt. Sinai forty days and nights when he received the Ten Commandments. David was king of Israel for forty years. But the core of the forty days of Lent is to be a kind of shadow of Jesus’ forty days of temptation in the wilderness. In Jonah’s time, the people of Nineveh repented in sackcloth and ashes for forty days and revival came to the city. There are many, many more examples in the Scriptures where the number forty plays significance. Numbers are significant in Jewish history. Think of the prominence of 3, 7,10, and 12 for example. What is the common thread in the above examples?  The period of forty, whether it be days, months, or years, is frequently a period of testing, trial, probation, or chastisement ending with restoration, revival, or renewal. It is not a period of judgment as such. Rather, it is a time of coming face to face with God and seeing who we really are and what we do in his name. In the case of the Ninevites, much to Jonah’s chagrin, the people repented and God relented in his judgment. Because of the change in the people’s hearts, God’s course of action altered. God responds when people humble themselves and own up to their sin. Such action from God has not changed. “If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sins and restore their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14. The story of Jonah is one of common grace. The Ninevites were not Jewish, they were not God’s chosen people, yet God demonstrated grace to these gentiles. Jonah wanted a God who was exclusive, a God who dealt only with his Chosen People, the Israelites. He did not want a God who granted his grace to everyone, to every race, tribe, and nation. That message came full force at Pentecost in the New Testament. Let this season of the year remind us all that God’s grace is extended to everyone without regard for nationality. This world is not anyone’s exclusive home because God’s grace is extended to all. Christianity is the most inclusive offer humanity has ever received.

Music: “I’m Just a Poor Wayfarin’ Stranger”     Johnny Cash

www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIlbZAP8ASQ

Trace Adkins    (in a tribute to Johnny Cash)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPpV1Wcsgk0

Prayer of Repentance: God in Heaven, you have helped my life to grow like a tree. Now something has happened. Satan, like a bird, has carried in one twig of his own choosing after another. Before I knew it he had built a dwelling place and was living in it. Tonight, my Father, I am throwing out both the bird and the nest.                        –prayer of a Nigerian Christian

”From dust you came, to dust you will return.”

Genesis 3: 13-19  

 13 Then the LORD God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?”
      The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”

 14 So the LORD God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this,
       “Cursed are you above all the livestock
       and all the wild animals!
       You will crawl on your belly
       and you will eat dust
       all the days of your life.

 15 And I will put enmity
       between you and the woman,
       and between your offspring and hers;
       he will crush your head,
       and you will strike his heel.”

 16 To the woman he said,
       “I will greatly increase your pains in childbearing;
       with pain you will give birth to children.
       Your desire will be for your husband,
       and he will rule over you.”

 17 To Adam he said, “Because you listened to your wife and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, ‘You must not eat of it,’
       “Cursed is the ground because of you;
       through painful toil you will eat of it
       all the days of your life.

 18 It will produce thorns and thistles for you,
       and you will eat the plants of the field.

 19 By the sweat of your brow
       you will eat your food
       until you return to the ground,
       since from it you were taken;
       for dust you are
       and to dust you will return.”

           Reader: This is the word of the Lord.   Response: Thanks be to God.  

Some thoughts:

We spoke earlier of sackcloth. Another sign of penitence and humility was expressed with ashes. In the Garden of Eden, God formed man from the dust of the earth. With our rebellion against God, we sealed our doom and broke communion with our Creator. As a result, this body of ours will in fact return to dust (to ash) again. That is why we speak those words in the Ash Wednesday service, “from dust you came, to dust you will return.” The glory is that we will get a new body, not a “remake” of this old one. The new one is not subject to death.  Stop a moment and take a look at your hands, your arms. When you are at home, look at yourself in the mirror for 30 seconds. As you look at hands and face, remind yourself that God has redeemed what you see and that it will exist for all eternity. Your hands, your face. . .you will never die. You will exist forever and that existence is underway now. Everything you see will go to dust only to be made new by the One who made this mortal model of you! You were sown into the earth in an earthly (dust) body and you will be raised in a heavenly (immortal fleshly) body, one like Jesus has. The sign of the cross made in ashes a few days ago proclaims that death is defeated forever and that this mortal body will put on immortality.  Put a little jar of ashes on your bathroom counter during this season to remind you every morning and evening that you are now in the process of living forever because of Jesus’ victory over death, sin, and the powers of evil. Take care of your body while you are here. God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are indwelling you.

Music:   “What Wondrous Love”  Robert Shaw Festival Singers

www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeIECnixpM0   

Prayer: Gracious God, out of your love and mercy you breathed into dust the breath of life, creating us to serve you and our neighbors. In this season of repentance, restore to us the joy of our salvation and strengthen us to face our mortality, that we may reach with confidence for your mercy, in Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. -The Worship Sourcebook