Lent2018
What have you done for this world?
Abraham, Moses, Ruth, Isaiah, Esther, Peter, Mary Magdalene, Paul, Jesus. All of these characters from our bible had a profound impact on their communities. They changed their own lives and the lives of those around them. Many of them even died for their faith. How then can we measure up to their example? I never feel like I can live up to the example that they have set. How can I have an impact like these amazing people? Then I remember who was at the center of all of their lives. Paul writes to the church in Philippi, “God is the one who enables you both to want and to actually live out his good purposes.” So, it isn’t all on me? What a relief! It is through my continued relationship with God that I become equipped to have an impact in this world.
What has God done through you for this world?
Bryce Miller
Lent2018
Fruit. Now that’s a Biblical word if there ever was one. It represents the first temptation, Eve and the legendary apple. And after that, there are countless references to fruit. “Honor the Lord with the first fruits.” “The more his fruit, the more altars he made.” You have eaten the fruit of lies.” “Thus the Lord GOD showed me, and behold, there was a basket of summer fruit.”
Politicians may hunger for the fruit of a greater America. Business people may hunger for the fruit of higher profit margins. Parents may hunger for the fruit of successful children.
The homeless may simply hunger for – fruit.
Perhaps in these final days of the proverbial 40, we should examine one or two of the fruits present in our lives. Because, whether we like it or not,”By our fruit we will be known.”
Charles Staples
Lent2018
Mark 11:1-11
This day, Palm Sunday, is a day of rejoicing. The people of Jerusalem heard that Jesus was coming to town, and they gathered to welcome Him. News of His coming must have spread quickly for a crowd was in place to greet Him. They welcomed Him like royalty, throwing their cloaks and their palm branches on the path before Him. And they shouted “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” It must have been a grand event. I can imagine the swell of the crowd, pushing upon one another to get a glimpse of Jesus, perhaps little children on their parent’s shoulders so they could see, as well as children running to and fro waving their palm branches.
It’s important to note the prophet Zechariah had foretold this event: “Lo, your king comes to you; triumphant and victorious is he, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey” (Zechariah 9:10). Zechariah’s prophecies are dated 520-518 BCE.
Jesus enters Jerusalem riding on a donkey – the symbol of humility. I would like to think He was demonstrating one last time to everyone that His kingdom was built on a life of service. The rest of this Holy Week will show just that.
No doubt we will sing (or we sang) “Hosanna, Loud Hosanna” today in church. The last verse reads
“Hosanna in the highest!” that ancient song we sing,
For Christ is our Redeemer, the Lord of heaven our King.
O may we ever praise him with heart and life and voice,
And in his blissful presence eternally rejoice! (UMH 278)
As a disciple of Jesus Christ we can rejoice at all times and in all places.
May we share with the world that we belong to Christ, not only in words (as we rejoice) but also in deed. May we ever praise him with heart and life and voice!
Hosanna!!
Judy Oguich*
*This devotion was written by Judy Oguich and presented by Paula Cadden.
Today is the first day of Holy Week. Learn more about our Holy Week Schedule here: HOLY WEEK
Lent2018
What are you needing to be cleansed of?
When Jesus goes into the temple and sees the money changers and those selling livestock, he was enraged. He drove them out in every gospel, and in John it says he used a whip! He then proceeds to teach those still there about what the temple is supposed to be, “My house will be called a house of prayer.” The temple he refers to in the Gospel of John is his own body, it will be destroyed and in three days it will be raised up. So, what does all of this mean for us? If our bodies are temples like Jesus’, then what do we need to rid them of to be houses of prayer?
I have terrible habits; staying up late at night, not being active enough, eating anything in sight to name a few… As we prepare ourselves for the rest of Holy Week, let’s think about the things in our lives that are prohibiting us from being houses of prayer, and how we can begin to change our lives so that we can be temples that are raised up, to be beacons of hope in this life.
Does your life reflect the temple of our Lord?
Bryce Miller
Lent2018
In Luke Chapter 20, Jesus, the teacher is tested. While teaching in the temple, his authority is questioned. He shares a parable about the wicked tenants. Jesus answers a tricky question about paying taxes. He responds to those who question the resurrection.
Jesus fields a question about David’s son.
And just to create more scrutiny to his teaching, Jesus denounces the Scribes.
If you are keeping count that was four questions, one parable, and one opinion.
Leaders like Jesus can expect to be asked multiple, tough questions.
As an exceptional teacher, people expected Jesus to offer strong instructional examples like the parable he shared.
Finally, we should not be surprised that Jesus offered an opinion about the scribes or anything else for that matter. His honesty was indisputable.
In the latter part of my career in education, James Chapter 3, verse 1 had significant meaning for me: “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers and sisters, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.”
In Luke Chapter 20, Jesus is being judged with greater strictness. That’s what the four questions, the parable, and the opinion do in this chapter.
Even in this questioning environment, Jesus like all gifted instructors keeps his composure. He has carefully thought out responses for the questions.
The world is a classroom. And in truth, we are all teachers.
But for me, the real question is this.
In the turmoil of the world’s classroom, do I have the courage to embrace, model, and implement the instructions Jesus has given me?
Bill Pike
Lent2018
Scripture: Luke 21
This passage and the ones preceding it feature Jesus holding court in the temple in Jerusalem. He is teaching on a variety of topics, speaking in parables and confounding the Sadducees at every turn. It is surreal to hear fire and brimstone and Revelation-like proclamations coming from Jesus’ mouth. You and I are like his disciples here, trying to understand and sounding like children on a long car ride. Are we there yet? When will we get there? Jesus tells us life is a journey—and not always peaches and cream either. He mentions the “anxieties of life” and “signs of distress”. The key takeaway I get from this is that we need to enjoy the journey we are all on. Yes, the end goals feel long off—graduation, healthy recovery, retirement—but the kingdom of God is all around us, even now. It’s not something far in the future or in another life. An old friend of mine said, “The days are long, but the months and years are short.” She was speaking about the raising of small children, but it is so true here. The journey of Lent is good news—God loves us and carries us through difficult times.
Brian Ford
