It is Finished...

Today is Good Friday.  But I don't feel good.  Today I am reminded that it is because of my sins that Christ hung on the cross.  Beaten, broken, and bloody, Jesus hung there, waiting to die for me.  The devotion for today reminds us that even in Christ's last hours, he was caring for others.  He is concerned for the thief next to him.  He is concerned for his mother.  Ultimately though, he was concerned for each one of us.  As sinners, we have no place among God.  As we say on Sunday mornings, "we justly deserve your present and eternal punishment".  However, because Christ hung on that cross on Good Friday (and rose again, but we'll talk about that in a couple of days), we are able to come close to God.  So, while I don't feel "good" today, I can recognize that I am made good by what Christ did for me...for each of us.

Decisions, Decisions

Great politicians always have to make big decisions. It's the ability to choose the right path, usually under both time and policitcal pressure, that determines their greatness. For many, choosing the "right path" means possible political suicide. It's looking beyond themselves and their current situation (temporal) to those ideals which are moral and ethical (eternal). Pilate didn't share that perspective. Concerned about his standing with the "powers that be" he succumbed to the shouts of the crowd. Like Pilate, we too are faced with choices. Each day of our lives, the world shouts to us to choose the easy, the popular, the selfish path--to live for the temporal. Like Pilate, when we listen to the world, avoiding the opportunities the Lord gives us to stand for Him, we're guilty of shedding Jesus' blood. But unlike Pilate, we know that this same blood was shed for our forgiveness. It's the same blood that we receive along with wine, and His body, along with the bread in Holy Communion. Tonight, as we receive the sacrament, confessing those times we've chosen the temporal, we do so, with the full assurance of God's perfect grace, and we receive strength from Him to live for the eternal. Lord, thank you for Your precious gift to us. Give us the strength to live for You!

Jesus' Witness to Pilate

What is truth? Now isn't that one of the major questions of our day? Well, it was also apparently a question in Jesus' day.
Another question for today is - "Can you hear me now?" (thanks to the neverending commercials for cell phone providers). I am reminded of this question when I read the exchange between Jesus and Pilate found in today's passage (John 18:33-38a). Pilate asks Jesus to identify Himself and to explain why He has been brought for trial. Jesus answers Pilate truthfully, but Pilate isn't getting it. He isn't listening to the truth Jesus speaks. Or worse, Pilate thinks what Jesus says may be the truth, but is just too plain caught up in his own predicaments to step in and order Jesus be set free. He succombs to the pressure of the people, as any good politician should, right? ;)
But how about you and me? Do we love the truth? Do we recognize it in a world that is constantly tapping on our shoulder, trying to get our attention, saying "Can you hear me now?" When we love Jesus, and the truth of His word, we will tune in to Him, and tune out the world. We will listen to His voice and follow His lead. We will cling to the promises He gives us, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but be given eternal life. He secured payment for us on Calvary's cross when He died the death we deserve because of our sins. His death even paid for the times we struggle (or refuse) to hear and follow His truth, even though we do love Him. And in His resurrection, we too have the hope of new life through Him. Now that is TRUTH that I LOVE! Thank you Jesus!

John 18:28-32 (NIV)

²⁸ Then the Jews led Jesus from Caiaphas to the palace of the Roman governor. By now it was early morning, and to avoid ceremonial uncleanness the Jews did not enter the Unfasked, "What charges are you bringing against this man?" ³⁰ "If he were not a criminal," they replied, "we would not have handed him over to you." ³¹ Pilate said, "Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law." "But we have no right to execute anyone," the Jews objected. ³² This happened so that the words Jesus had spoken indicating the kind of death he was going to die would be fulfilled.

The irony in this passage is so convicting. "If he were not a criminal, we would not have handed him over to you." I am/we are the criminal. I am the one who deserved/deserves to be on the cross, to SUFFER,, to DIE. Yet, YOU, who knew no sin DO suffer and die for MY sin. Unfair! Unfair! Unfair! THANKFUL! THANKFUL! THANKUL! Jesus, Your love is awesome. It is overwhelming. May it so fill me to so love.

John 13:34-35 (NIV)

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."

Romans 5:8 (NIV)

⁸ But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

2 Corinthians 5:14 (NIV)

¹⁴ For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.

2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV)

²¹ God made him who knew no sin to be sin for us that we might become the righteousness of God.

1 Thessalonians 4:9-10 (NIV)

⁹ Now about brotherly love we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. ¹⁰ And in fact, you do love all the brothers throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers, to do so more and more.

Truth & Being Truthful--The Courage of Your Convictions

John 18:13-24 (NIV)

¹³ and brought him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. ¹⁴ Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it would be good if one man died for the people…. ¹⁹ Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. ²⁰ "I have spoken openly to the world," Jesus replied. "I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. ²¹ Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said." ²² When Jesus said this, one of the officials nearby struck him in the face. "Is this the way you answer the high priest?" he demanded. ²³ "If I said something wrong," Jesus replied, "testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?" ²⁴ Then Annas sent him, still bound, to Caiaphas the high priest.

The passion story is so familiar to most of us, yet, if we spend time to not only read it, but to truly reflect upon it, it is SO powerful. As I read this passage today I am stuck by two thoughts. 1) Jesus spoke, lived, etc. openly. How open is my life? How much of my life would I prefer remain secret—thoughts and actions (words are generally public, although in gossip are there those I would not like some to hear?). 2) Jesus spoke the TRUTH. How often do I shade or color truth (or at least attempt to do so) in order to advance myself. Jesus spoke the truth and it resulted in His death. To what extent am I ready to live for and to even die for the truth. Thank You Jesus for being THE TRUTH, THE WAY, and THE LIFE.

John 8:31-32 (NIV)

³¹ To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. ³² Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

John 14:6 (NIV)

⁶ Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Denial

John 18:15-27 (NIV)

¹⁵ Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Because this disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest's courtyard, ¹⁶ but Peter had to wait outside at the door. The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, came back, spoke to the girl on duty there and brought Peter in. ¹⁷ "You are not one of his disciples, are you?" the girl at the door asked Peter. He replied, "I am not." ¹⁸ It was cold, and the servants and officials stood around a fire they had made to keep warm. Peter also was standing with them, warming himself…. ²⁵ As Simon Peter stood warming himself, he was asked, "You are not one of his disciples, are you?" He denied it, saying, "I am not." ²⁶ One of the high priest's servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, challenged him, "Didn't I see you with him in the olive grove?" ²⁷ Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow.

Just a few hours before, Peter told Jesus "Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death." Luke 22:33 (NIV) Now, when push comes to shove, he is denying even knowing Jesus; and to whom, to the likes of a little servant girl. Jesus, I boldly and confidently profess my love for You and my faith in You; yet, like Peter, how often when push comes to shove, do I through either my words or my actions deny You? I am sooooooo thankful for Your grace and forgiveness. But along with Your grace and forgiveness, I pray for a truly and deeply broken heart, where like Peter, I weep at my denial and sin (Lk 22:61-61). Awaken in me a truly broken heart that leads to true repentance—to change.

Psalms 51:16-17 (NIV)

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.

Spiritual Eavesdropping

How honored we are to get to "listen in on" this conversation between God the Father and God the Son--to witness again their intimate relationship! Jesus here reveals His heart for His Father and for us, His children. He prays His deepest desires for us. Jesus asks that we be protected from the evil one, though not removed from the world. No, though we're not of the world any more than Jesus is of the world, He wants us here to bring others into the light of His truth. And as we live out that calling, we fulfill Jesus' longing for us: "so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them."(v. 13) And it's God's good pleasure to give us just that. Whenever I read Jesus' high priestly prayer, recorded here in John 17, I'm touched by His passion for me, which He'll demonstrate on Good Friday as He offers Himself as the sacrifice for my sins. How can we help but cling to the One with such a deep and abiding love for us?

Hide and Go Seek?

People might think that Jesus was talking about the game “hide and go seek” if they didn’t know better when Jesus says “In a little while you will not see me and then again in a little while you will see me.” Or maybe Jesus is playing “peek-a-boo!” Jesus is clearly not playing games. He is deadly serious: serious about his own death.

It’s Jesus who is going to suffer by far the greatest. It is his hands and feet into which the nails will be driven. It’ll be his back that receives the 40 lashes minus one. It was on his head that the crown of thorns would be placed. Jesus will hang from the cross, not his disciples. Yet Jesus talks not about his own grief or suffering, he talks about his disciples’ grief.

You now have grief but I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice and no one will be able to take your joy away from you.” (John 16:22) That’s the way our Lord operates. He takes up our infirmities and carries our sorrows. He takes up our sins and dies the death we ought to have died. Cast all your worries on him for he cares for you!

"Is It I, Lord?" -- "Yes!:

John 13:21-30 (NIV)

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.

I can’t begin to grasp the emotions that must have filled the upper room at this time. Jesus’ emotions, He was “troubled in spirit.” Jesus knew a man He loved, a man in whom He had invested three years of His life in intimate relationship was about to betray Him, and He knew the consequence would be His death, but not only His death—His torment for the sins of all humankind—past, present, and future. The emotions the disciples each felt as they silently examined and questioned themselves, and as they looked around at their friends, colleagues and companions with questions and suspicions. The emotions of Judas as he knew that he was the one and as he knew that Jesus knew that he was the one. I think of times I have been or have felt betrayed. I think of times I have questioned and doubted myself as well as others in my life (usually unjustly). And I think of times that I have betrayed a friend, more significantly times I have betrayed my Lord and Savior who gave Himself to death for me and all humankind. I am the reason for Jesus’ suffering and death, yet Jesus loves me, loves each of us so much that He chose to go through all of this for us. THANK YOU, JESUS!!!

John 10:17-18 (NIV)

The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again."

Romans 5:6-8 (NIV)

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

1 John 2:2 (NIV)

He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

Wash

I love this passage in scripture.  What an awesome example of service, that Christ, God in flesh, would wash feet.  Often times I am unwilling to inconvenience myself to help someone.  Perhaps I have something more important to do, or I am uncomfortable with serving someone.  How selfish of me...when Christ humbled himself in service.  I pray that during this season of Lent especially, that I let go of my pride, allow myself to be stretched beyond my comfort zone, and be a servant.

God, forgive me when I allow my pride to get in the way of me serving the way that you would have me serve.  Please continue to use me to do your work in the world; to humble myself to the point of a servant to show others your love.

My Soul Is Troubled

As I look around me, I am troubled.  I am troubled by all the pain and suffering I see.  I am troubled when loved ones die.  I am troubled when jobs are lost.  I am troubled when I am a bad husband, or friend, or coworker.  In today's devotion, I am reminded of who rescues me when I am troubled...Christ.  In John 12:28 Christ says, "Father glorify your name".  Through his death, God's name was glorified.  Because of his death, I have a rescuer when I am troubled...and when I trouble others.  Christ is the answer to all of my problems, not that I will have a problem free life, but that I have someone who walks with me when I am weary; takes care of me when I am struggling; turns the bad into good; works everything according to his purpose.  What an awesome God.

God,
Please help me to recognize you and cling to you when times are troubling.  Show me your way through it all.

Amen.

Who is in control?

From today’s devotion we read that Jesus was in control throughout. He would not allow himself to be killed until he was good and ready. He was in control when he healed the blind man, when he raised Lazarus from the dead and when he showed up in Jerusalem for the feast.

The question for us: will you let God be in control of your life? That’s a tough one. To let God be in control of my life means I have to give up control. That’s a hard thing. But look at it this way. If I’m in control, if I’m driving my life, you can be sure that it’s going to end with a spectacular crash. I can’t control my life. I can’t drive myself to heaven. But let Jesus take the controls, let him drive you, and how great it will be! It’s great for several reasons. For one thing you can relax. Loosen your grip on the wheel. Jesus is in control. Then, he knows the way to paradise. He’ll take you home to heaven. How great is that!?!

Lord, take control, take the steering wheel of my life. I’m not sure what routes you’ll take me on through this life, but I trust you completely that you’ll bring me to the wonderful destination of heaven. Thanks, Lord!

Anointed For Burial

How much is a year's wages for you? Could you imagine giving away that entire amount in one outrageously generous act? That's what Mary does when she pours perfume on Jesus feet and wipes it with her hair. But why on earth would she do this? Well, why might you or I give? I know when I have been blessed in tangible, life-changing ways by something/someone my natural response is to give back as a way to show my gratitude and appreciation. I suspect a large part of Mary's act was due to her deep gratitude to Jesus for the ways he has blessed her, most recently by raising her brother Lazarus from the dead. It is clear Mary loves Jesus, knows him to be the Messiah, come to save her. He is her EVERYTHING, and she doesn't think twice about giving Him EVERYTHING. His amazing grace has triggered in her an amazing response. But not everyone who witnessed it was impressed with her generosity. In fact some were down right ticked off with it. How has Jesus touched your life? Is his amazing grace, unconditional love, and ultimate sacrifice triggering in you a deep, ever-growing response? As you contemplate what Jesus endured for the likes of you and me, do you wonder how you might ever be able to repay him? I do. And then I realize that nothing I have to give could ever equal what he gave. That is, unless I give to him my whole life. Die to myself, and surrender my will to His. Jesus, forgive me for the times my response to your grace and love is far too little in comparison to what you gave me. May my reponse to you be seen by this world as more and more outrageously generous each day. Use my response to cause them to question what is so special about a relationship with you. Teach me to give my life to you, Jesus. It's yours anyway. Amen.

Better the One than Many

John 11:49-52 (NIV)

⁴⁹ Then one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up, "You know nothing at all! ⁵⁰ You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish." ⁵¹ He did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation, ⁵² and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one.

Caiaphas was completely unaware of just how true his words were. It was better not just for the Jewish nation but for all humankind—for each one of us—for you, for me that this one man die, for without the death of this one all would be eternally lost. The one who must die could not be just anyone, it had to be Jesus—the perfect one. No one else’s death could merit the salvation of one person, let alone the salvation of all humankind for everyone else was/is deserving of death. Jesus the only person to ever live who did not deserve to die, must die, if all of us who deserve to die are to live. JESUS, THANK YOU!

Romans 5:8 (NIV)

⁸ But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV)

²¹ God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Hebrews 9:28 (NIV)

²⁸ Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.

1 Peter 1:18-19 (NIV)

¹⁸ For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, ¹⁹ but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.

1 John 2:2 (NIV)

² He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

Martha may have shown a lack of good priorities when Jesus came to visit their home some time before, but I think she sure displayed a strong faith in this account! Martha has witnessed Jesus' miracles and understands that Jesus has the power to heal/raise Lazarus. ("Lord," Martha said to Jesus, "if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.") And what a clear and beautiful testimony she gives as she replies to Jesus' question in v. 25 and 26. "Yes, Lord,...I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world." Lord, give me a faith like Martha's so that even when the darkness is all around, I can boldy turn to You, the Light of the world!

Trusting the Shepherd

On our visit to the Holy Land a number of years ago, I remember being in the countryside near Jerusalem. Our teacher pointed out a shepherd standing in the distance. Though the shepherd was dressed very much like the ones we've seen in Bible story books and Sunday School lesson leaflets, something else in the picture was different. Instead of green grassy rolling hills, we saw mostly barren land with only splotches of grass here and there. This was such a clear and beautiful picture of our Savior as our Good Shepherd. Those sheep we saw were completely dependent on their shepherd to find their next meal and drink of water. God promises to provide our needs, but we don't have to see the endless supply, just trust Him to care for us day by day. Sometimes, as He guides us and supplies our needs, we walk through some barren land. But He's always right there with us, gently guiding us, supplying our every need. Thank you, dear Jesus, for protecting and caring for us as our Good Shepherd. You defended us against Satan to the point of giving Your life on the cross for us. You're ready and eager to walk with us every day and guide us to "green pastures" and "still waters." Help us to study Your Word so diligently that we learn to clearly recognize Your voice.

Of Logic and Love

Okay, though logic was never my strongsuit, I'm going to attempt a classic and elementary logic statement. If "A" is true, and "B" is true, and "C" is true, then "D" must be true.

First of all, WOW! Even the joy of witnessing their son sighted for the first time was not enough to overcome the fear of losing their coveted spot in the synagogue!

A. Fear must be STRONG!

God tells us in I John 4:18

B. "...perfect love drives out fear."

Through scripture and the witness in the lives of millions of Christians throughout the ages, the old adage,

C. "To know him is to love him" never rang truer than it does with Jesus.

And here it is, the conclusion...

D. The blind man's parents didn't know Jesus.

Oh, they knew of Him. They knew about Him -- they were members of the synagogue. But they didn't know Him. As powerful as fear can be, the perfect love of Jesus is powerful enough to conquer that fear that Satan can use as a roadblock for our giving witness to and loving those people who sit in darkness. The more time we spend with Jesus, in scripture and in prayer, the more we get to know Him. And the more we get to know Him, the easier it will be to allow His perfect love to drive out our fears.

Lord, Your love is more powerful than any of my fears. Chase away my fears that hold back my witness. And to replace that spirt of fear, You have given me "a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." (II Tim. 1:7) Now, armed with the light of Your love, and with Your spirit of power, help me to live and love for You!

Jesus: Prince of Peace, or come to bring divisions?

Did Jesus come to bring peace or a sword? Jesus is really a God of peace. His whole ministry is about making peace between us and God. Yet Jesus himself said that he did not come to bring peace but a sword. (Mt. 10:34) Here in John 9, as the devotion points out, there is a division because of Jesus. Which way is it? Does he bring peace, or does he bring division.

It’s both really. The main thrust of Jesus’ ministry is to bring peace. Through his sacrifice on the cross he takes away our sins so that they which divided us from God would divide us from him no longer. The division comes because not everyone will receive his word. There will be people who continue to turn away from God, who separate themselves from others. Because Jesus comes to save, and only some will be saved, there is a division between those who are saved and those who are not, between those who follow Jesus and those who do not, between those who go to heaven and those who go to hell.

Jesus comes to bring peace. Some people will live in peace with God forever. Some will stay divided from God, and will also then be divided from those who are with God.

We thank you, Lord, for the peace you bring. Thanks for bringing us close to you. Lord, please bring peace to those who are far from you.

Whose Children Are We?

John 8:45-59 In today's reading, the Jews are accusing Jesus of being demon-posessed. They can't accept his claims that he came from the Father to them. Instead of hearing the truth he spoke and obeying him, they call him a liar and find fault in anything he utters. They claim they know God, that they are His children, yet cannot see Jesus for who he was - God's only son, the true Israel who had come to fulfill the covenant God established with his people at Mt Sinai. They were deaf to hear their Father speak through Jesus, his son. As a mother, I know the frustration of having children who do not listen to my words. I know my daughters know my voice, yet choose not to listen to it at times. As a daughter, I know many times I did the same thing to my parents growing up. And as a child of God, I know I do not always listen for God's voice, or follow His Word. Satan is the father of lies. So Jesus calls the Jews children of the devil (v44), because they will not listen to the truth, but choose to believe lies about Jesus. What an accusation! It causes me to ponder how good of a listener I am. Do I search for God's truth? Do I embrace it? Or do I listen to the world's lies, or the ways it will twist the truth of God's word? Praise be to God that through baptism I have become a child of the true God. Everyone who has been baptized into his name is given the gift of faith, and we use that gift to hear and respond to His truth - THE only truth! In the days leading up to our Easter celebration, as we continue to reflect on Jesus life, suffering, and death in our place, I pray we would listen closely to hear the voice of our Father in heaven - and BELIEVE His truth. And what is that truth? That the great I AM - the one true God, came to earth in the human form of Jesus, lived a perfect life so he could die OUR death, and in turn, through His resurrection, give us His life! Thank you, my Jesus.

The Truth Will Set You Free

John 8:31-45 (NIV)

³¹ To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. ³² Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." ³³ They answered him, "We are Abraham's descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?" ³⁴ Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. ³⁵ Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. ³⁶ So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. ³⁷ I know you are Abraham's descendants. Yet you are ready to kill me, because you have no room for my word. ³⁸ I am telling you what I have seen in the Father's presence, and you do what you have heard from your father." ³⁹ "Abraham is our father," they answered. "If you were Abraham's children," said Jesus, "then you would do the things Abraham did. ⁴⁰ As it is, you are determined to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham did not do such things. ⁴¹ You are doing the things your own father does." "We are not illegitimate children," they protested. "The only Father we have is God himself." ⁴² Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own; but he sent me. ⁴³ Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. ⁴⁴ You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. ⁴⁵ Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me!

“Truth”—in John 18:38 Pilate asks “What is truth?” During this season of Lent I believe that there are three truths upon which God would have us focus.

1 John 1:7 (NIV)

⁷ But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

Light reveals reality, truth. When we go into a dark room we turn on the light in order that we might see reality, truth. When we walk in God’s revealing light I believe three truths are revealed and become very evident.

Truth #1 – We are sinner, everyone of us.

I am deserving of death and damnation. Satan, the great deceiver and “father of lies,” would have me believe that there is something of merit in me, in myself. It is all a lie. Paul calls himself “chief of sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15). In TRUTH, that is “I.” Truth—“I” am chief of sinners, no lie! I fall as far short of my knowledge and experience of God as anyone. I fail to live up to what I have attained (Philippians 3:15-16).

Romans 3:23 (NIV)

²³ for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

1 John 1:8 (NIV)

⁸ If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. ⁹If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Truth #2 – Jesus loves us anyway. He has paid the penalty for our sin, and He is the way—the only way to salvation.

As we walk in the light and see the reality, the truth of our sin, we are met with a second truth—a GREATER truth. The GREATER truth is the truth of JESUS, His love, His grace. Even though we continue to grow and mature, we are now, 100%, God’s beloved children. THANK YOU, JESUS!!!

1 John 1:9 (NIV)

⁹If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

John 14:6 (NIV)

⁶ Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Romans 5:6-8 (NIV)

⁶You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. ⁷ Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. ⁸ But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

1 John 3:1-2 (NIV)

¹ How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. ² Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.

Truth #3 – We share an awesome fellowship.

I’m a sinner and everyone I meet is a sinner. Therefore I cannot judge them, nor they me. I’m forgiven, everyone I meet is forgiven (although if they do not believe in Jesus, they won’t experience their forgiveness, their redemption). I need not wear a mask. I can be authentic for we all share a common heritage of being sinners and being loved and forgiven.

Jesus, as we look forward to Good Friday and Easter, help us acknowledge these truth and the new life we have and share in YOU!

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

Stubborn as a Toddler

I don't have kids yet, but I've been around many a toddler who, despite the loving prodding of a parent, digs his or her heels into the sand and refuses to budge on an issue.  No matter what the parent says or does, the toddler doesn't want to hear, and so he or she starts yelling and crying and carrying on.  You know, the Pharisees were sort of acting like that in the text for today.  They had an opinion, and they wouldn't budge from it, regardless of what anyone tried to tell them.

We do that often as well.  Sometimes we develop an opinion on an issue, and refuse to be swayed otherwise.  A few of the youth and I have a little joke when we disagree...we say, "I respect your opinion, but you're wrong!" Ha, how arrogant and stubborn one would be if that was their real mentality...how patronizing.  However, thoughts like this can creep into our heads about certain things in the church (pews vs chairs, traditional worship vs contemporary, bulletins vs screens, standing for prayer vs kneeling, piano vs organ, red vs white wine, etc.) and can serve as distractions as we seek a true and sincere faith...an intimate relationship with the Almighty.

During this season of Lent, Lord, help us to focus on growing closer to you.  Help us to remove the obstacles that we put in our own way. AMEN

Focusing on the Important

In his article, "The Tyranny of the Urgent," Charles E. Hummel writes, "We live in constant tension between the urgent and the important. The problem is that the important task rarely must be done today or even this week. Extra hours of prayer and Bible study, a visit with that non-Christian friend, ... these projects can wait. But the urgent tasks call for instant action--endless demands pressure every hour and day."

Jesus set the perfect example for us during His life on earth. Mark observes that "...in the morning, a great while before day, He rose and went out to a lonely place, and there He prayed" (Mark 1:35). There, in meditation, "He prayerfully waited for His Father's instructions, and for the strength to follow them."

The author of our devotions points out that "the clock is ticking for us, too." With so many things to accomplish, how will we get it all done? How will we reach all the lost souls? We can't; we won't. But by God's grace, and with the power of the Holy Spirit, as we talk and listen to Him daily, we can accomplish those tasks He gives us to do. We can be observant of and act on the opportunities God provides us to encourage a friend, bless a stranger with a kind act, share the gospel.

Lord Jesus, free us from the tyranny of the urgent. Help us to set as a priority for each day, time alone with You. And then, as we go about our day, keep us mindful of Your will for us. Help us to be that shining light in a dark world. Amen

It’s whom you know that is important!

In our world we’re used to influence. You want the government to do something? If you know someone in high places, you can get things done. Do you want a job? If you know the owner, you have a better chance.

Jesus said to the crowd in Jerusalem ‘you know me… but you don’t know Him who sent me. I know Him because I come from him and He’s the one who sent me.’ It’s all about knowing God. The devil knows things about God, but he doesn’t know God. He doesn’t have a relationship with God. We know God, and so we can talk to God. We can ask for God’s blessings for ourselves and others. Talk about knowing someone in high places!

Knowing God, we know that Jesus will bring us home to everlasting life with Him, for he died and rose again so that we could have a relationship with him, so that we could know him!

Judging By Appearance

We've all heard the phrase, "don't judge a book by its cover." I know I am guilty of quick judgments all too often. I sometimes wonder in whose camp I would have been had I lived in Jesus day, witnessing with my own eyes all of his miracles and wonders. How would I have "judged" him? Would I have considered him to be demon-posessed? A prophet? A threat to my religious ways? The chosen one of God?
Jesus endured many people's judgment in his life on earth. I'm sure people were checking out his actions, his words, his compassion, his righteous anger, and making all kinds of judgment calls about who he really was and what he was up to.
How blessed we are to live in the time when His story has been shared, and we know exactly what it is he was up to. No speculation on our part is necessary. Only a faith that trusts in the truth of His Word which tell us he was pierced for our trangression, crushed for our sins and the punishment that brings us peace was upon him. By Jesus' wounds we are healed of our deadly sins. And by His resurrection we are promised new life with Him!

Jesus' Time

John 7:1-13 (NIV)

¹ After this, Jesus went around in Galilee, purposely staying away from Judea because the Jews there were waiting to take his life. ² But when the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles was near, ³ Jesus' brothers said to him, "You ought to leave here and go to Judea, so that your disciples may see the miracles you do. ⁴ No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world." ⁵ For even his own brothers did not believe in him. ⁶ Therefore Jesus told them, "The right time for me has not yet come; for you any time is right. ⁷ The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that what it does is evil. ⁸ You go to the Feast. I am not yet going up to this Feast, because for me the right time has not yet come." ⁹ Having said this, he stayed in Galilee. ¹⁰ However, after his brothers had left for the Feast, he went also, not publicly, but in secret. ¹¹ Now at the Feast the Jews were watching for him and asking, "Where is that man?" ¹² Among the crowds there was widespread whispering about him. Some said, "He is a good man." Others replied, "No, he deceives the people." ¹³ But no one would say anything publicly about him for fear of the Jews.

Four times in John’s gospel we read Jesus’ time has not yet come. In John 2:4 Jesus at the wedding of Cana tells His mother “my time has not yet come” and He says the same thing here with His brothers (v. 6). It would seem that Jesus mother and brothers were looking for Jesus to show His “glory” through a demonstration of power, but Jesus in His response indicates that a demonstration of power is not how his glory is going to be shown. In John 7:30 and 8:20 when the people were going to seize Him, John records that they (the people) were unable to do so because Jesus’ time had not yet come. In these two passages the Jesus’ time or hour seems to point us to the time of His crucifixion. This understanding is reinforced in John 12:23-33 where John tells us that Jesus says "the hour," Jesus' time now has come. John writes: ^“Jesus replied, ‘The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified…’” and then Jesus goes on to talk about His death (see particularly verse 33). Jesus understands His glory best expressed not in term His power (Easter Sunday), as IMPORTANT as that is. Jesus understands His glory in terms of His love (best demonstrated on Good Friday in His crucifixion). Without His love Jesus’ power would not be glorious, but scary (while without His power, Jesus love would be ineffectual or meaningless). We best see, understand and experience Jesus’ glory in His sacrificial love. May we each of us also so reflect His love in our relationships with others and in our service to others. Jesus make Your love and glory known and experienced through me today. Amen!

Mark 10:42-45 (NIV)

⁴² Jesus called them together and said, "You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. ⁴³ Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, ⁴⁴ and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. ⁴⁵ For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

John 13:13-17 (NIV)

¹³ "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. ¹⁴ Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. ¹⁵ I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. ¹⁶ I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. ¹⁷ Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

I wanna talk about me!

There is a Country music song that plays on the radio called, "I Wanna Talk About Me".  Now, I'm not really a country music fan, but the words of the song gets me thinking about how much we all, especially me, like to talk about ourselves.  The devotion for today talks about the people who were following Jesus as he traveled, and how they really wanted him to be their king...on their terms.  We tend to like things on our terms, dealing with us.  We can be near-sighted where all we worry about is what's going on right now, and how it affects us.  It is easy to become consumed with all the needs and desires that we have.

This season of Lent reminds me that Christ came to wash away my sin...those desires that focus on me and what I want.  God calls us to think on heavenly things (Col 3:2), not on earthly things.

Lord, help me to be thankful for all that you have done for me and continue to do for me.  Remind me that you care about all my earthly needs and you will provide them for me, just as  you have provided for my eternal needs.  May I come to you with a repentant heart, yet be refreshed by your gracious gift of forgiveness.

So often I laugh at the Pharisees. How could they have been so foolish? With all the signs around them, with Jesus in the midst of them, fulfilling the prophesies they knew so well, how could they have been so blind? They would actually have preferred Jesus left this man paralyzed?

Then, a look inward. With so many sitting in darkness all around me, have I let the light of Jesus' love shine through me? Does it appear by my actions that I'm doing all I can to help others walk in the light rather than remain in the darkness? Have I made it clear to all with whom I come in contact that Jesus, my Savior, is the reason for the JOY and the hope that I have? The answer is a sad, but emphatic "no." But by the grace of God, Jesus has forgiven me, and has given me a new day today to walk in His light!

Lord, open my eyes to the those around me sitting in darkness. Help me to walk boldly into the opportunities You give me to share the light of Your love.

Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe

There are a couple of interesting statements of Jesus. Here (John 4:48) Jesus says “unless you (plural) see signs and wonders you (plural) will certainly not believe.” But Jesus also says, “Blessed are those who have not seen at yet believe.” (John 20:29) We need to believe, and God provides what we need: he gives us faith.

But the faith we receive is not a blind faith. There is plenty of evidence to support the faith given us. Gift of the Holy Spirit is confirmation, the down payment. We recognize God working in our lives and in the lives of those around us. We see God’s handiwork in creation. As our relationship with God grows, so does our understanding of his presence in our lives. We can see him all around us. We believe without seeing, and yet, believing, we are able to see God every day.

Darkness... or LIGHT!

Nicodemus came to Jesus in the dark of night. He was a Pharisee, probably fearful of what other Pharisees would think of him if they knew he was going to seek out Jesus of Nazareth... this man who the religious leaders of the day were ready to quiet once and for all. Little did he know, in that darkness, he was coming to seek out the LIGHT of the world!
Our devotional author says in today's devotion, "Like Nicodemus, there is a Pharisee hidden deep inside every one of us too." I know I have struggled with the pride of a Pharisee in my heart. I have "boasted" in my own ways, and taken pride in my involvement as a "religious leader". At times I allow much of my identity and worth come from that, rather than from seeing myself as a redeemed sinner, a child of God, precious in His sight.
In today's devotion I am challenged by a question the author asks about Nicodemus, and now ask it of myself, "Will Korey admit she is drowning in her sins and only Jesus can set her free?" Or will I try to self-manage my sins and just be a better person, a better wife, a better mom, a better friend, a better servant? Can't I shed light on my own soul? I already know what's hidden there. Do I really need Jesus' light to expose it? YES! Only the light of Jesus coming in to the darkest places of our souls, exposing the sins and washing them away with HIS BLOOD will be able to set us free.
Come Lord Jesus, shine your light into our hearts. Set us free from EVERY sin that we may live in the FREEDOM of your love and grace. Amen.

John 3:14 “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up.”

John 12:32 “When I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.”

As I reflect upon the above two verses, I’m forced to ask “What gets lifted up in my life?” Upon what do I tend to focus? Jesus invites us to focus, to fix our eyes upon Him (Heb 12:2) the author & perfecter of faith, the One in & through whom we have life. Jesus, today draw me closer to You that I might let Your light shine through me drawing others to You as well (Mt 5:16).

Philippians 2:3-8 (NIV) ³ Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. ⁴ Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. ⁵ Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: ⁶ Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, ⁷ but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. ⁸ And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!

In the first half of the Church year the focus is upon the life and ministry of Jesus. This half of the Church year begins four weeks before Christmas and ends with Jesus’s Ascension. The second half of the Church years focuses upon the life and ministry of Jesus’ Body the Church as He indwells us through the Holy Spirit in order that He might continue to minister—now through us. The first season of the Church year is Advent where we focus upon the coming of Christ (His birth & the beginning of His ministry). The second season is Christmas where we focus upon Jesus human nature. He becomes one with us, born of a virgin and becomes fully human. The third season is Epiphany where we focus upon Jesus divine nature—that while He was fully human and knew the temptations, etc. of being fully human, He was at the same time fully God. The fourth season is the season of Lent which begins with Ash Wednesday (40 days minus the Sundays) before Easter. During this season we focus upon Jesus’ work on earth culminating in His suffering and death for us upon the cross in payment for our sins. The fifth season is the Easter season which last 40 days. In this season we focus upon Jesus’ resurrection and the new life with which He daily as well as eternally provides for us. The sixth season is the season of Ascension. In this season we hear and acknowledge Jesus’ commissioning, putting us in co-mission with Himself through the Great Commission “Go and make disciples…” (Matthew 28:19). Thus ends the 1^st half of the Church year generally stretching from the end of November to the first week of June. The second half of the Church year is all one season. It begins with Pentecost whereby Jesus gave His Church His Spirit in order that we might complete His work (Colossians 1:24). This work is not the work of justification (already completed), but the work of proclamation (making His love known). We are now in the season of Lent where we focus upon Jesus’ work—particularly in His giving of Himself to the point death for us and all humankind (1 John 2:2).

Jesus, as You have given of Yourself for me and all people, I would ask that You now move me to daily pick a cross of servanthood (Luke 9:23). I pray that You might continue to give of Yourself through me for others. May I serve today even as I have been and am being served (Matthew 10:8). Work in me true humility in self-forgetfulness in other- thoughtfulness.

The Darkness of Rash Judgment

Working with the youth, I observe a lot of judging.  "He's not as cool as I am"..."She's too annoying"..."Did anyone see what he was wearing today?"  We are all guilty of judging at times.  We don't like when people don't fit into our "nice, neat categories".  Many times, when people look at the church, rather than seeing welcoming faces, they see judging faces.  During this season of Lent, God is calling us to humble ourselves, to come to Jesus and admit our judgments.  As we walk toward the cross, let us remember that Christ loves us in spite of our messiness.  While we were still sinners, he died for us.  Thank you Jesus!

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

John urged those around him to "Behold, the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world." The Father urges us to do the same. Lord, help us to recognize You in every moment of our day today and to praise You for Your goodness to us. As we go about our business of the day, remind us to give You the credit for our being protected, provided for, loved, and especially that we have a Savior Who took on our sins to be our scapegoat, the Lamb of God, Who takes away our sins.

Shades of Grey

Overcast days, like today, can be depressing. It’s light out, but yet it’s dark; shades of grey. Isn’t that how temptation comes to us? It doesn’t seem to be completely black, just sort of grey. Satan tries to convince us it’s not so dark, it’s mostly light. But sin is always wrong, it is darkness. It blocks out God’s light from our lives. Yet God’s light is still shining. When we confess our sins God removes the grey darkness of our sins, and we can see His light shine brightly once again!Lord, lead us not into temptation (the grey), but deliver us from evil into your bright light!

Welcome!

Welcome to the conversation surrounding our lenten devotional, The Light Shines in the Darkness. If you do not already have a copy of the devotion, you can download it here: 

http://www.lentendevotions.net/printenglish_step2.asp 


Each day, a Mt Olive staff person will post a reflection, insight, or prayer related to the day's devotion. Please share your own thoughts, prayers, or even questions. Whatever the darkness you may be facing in your life, know that Jesus is the light of the world, and has power to transform that darkness with His amazing grace!