Daily Devotion, April 30, 2020

Devotion:

Read John 14:8-10.

How many times have you heard somebody say “he looks and acts just like his father” or “she is the spitting image of her mother with her expressions”?  This can also mean what they say and how they think about things. So what is God the Father like? His Son, Jesus Christ, “is the exact representation of His being.” Jesus said in today’s scripture, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.” When Jesus came into this world as a human baby born of a human mother, he was called Immanuel, meaning “God with us”.

If we want to know more about God or want to become more godly in our character, we need to look to Jesus and be like Him.  Jesus not only shapes our character but also tells us how we are to live godly lives. We sometimes say, “A picture is worth a thousand words.”  God placed his heart and thoughts on public display through Jesus. In Jesus, we see God’s words and deeds, character and attitudes lived out in the joys, sorrows, and difficult moments of life. How should we respond to betrayal, loss, temptation, and suffering? What should our attitude be toward our neighbors, friends, and enemies? How can we know our heavenly Father’s will in real life situations? Look to and be like Jesus.

Personal Worship Option:

Lord Jesus, thank you for truly revealing your Father in your words and deeds. Help us to be more like you (and our Father) every day in all that we do and say. In your name we pray. Amen.

Daily Devotion, April 29, 2020

Devotion:

Read John 4:19-26, 39-42.

Without a photo ID, how would you explain your identity to another person?  John’s gospel focuses on the identity of Jesus the Christ and the meaning of discipleship. Eleven titles of Jesus are mentioned in John 1!

As current readers we have the advantage of knowing the identities of the two main characters of this passage:  Jesus, the Messiah, (meaning the Anointed One) and the woman-at-the-well. But this woman-at-the-well had no idea who was asking her for a drink of water. She explains her identity by not telling the truth about the man she is with. Yet, Jesus did know her life story and all its truth!

As Jesus tells the truth about her life’s story, she realizes that Jesus is a prophet.  Their conversation continues. Then she says, “I know that Messiah (called Christ) is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”

Jesus’ response is, “I who speak to you am he.”  This declaration that he is the Messiah, must have held a moment of awe for this woman. (The words to Moses from the burning bush. “Tell them it is ‘I Am’ who is sending you.” are echoed here.)

Now the disciples are confused because their understanding of the identity of a true Messiah is he would not talk to a woman he didn’t know and certainly not a Samaritan woman! Their eyes were to be continually opened to who Christ was and came to be for all people.

This one who encountered the Messiah has been given a NEW IDENTITY!  Her new identity is a witness forever of the boundlessness of God’s grace in Christ! “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did!” she proclaims!  “And what is not said here, but is implicit in her action is, ‘and loved me anyway!’’ writes the Rev. Anna Carter Florence.

The Living Christ, the Messiah, knows, understands and loves you. When we encounter the Living Christ, who knows the truth about us and loves us anyway, we can’t help but be changed and given new identities as well!

Personal Worship Option:

Dear God, lead me to encounter the living Christ in such a way today, that I’m transformed toward the new identity you want to accomplish in my life.

Daily Devotion, April 28, 2020

Devotion:

Read Matthew 16:13-19.

When Jesus asks the disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter affirms that Jesus is the Messiah. He said, “You are the Christ,” which is the Greek title for the Messiah. He is convinced that Jesus is the One who would miraculously heal the people and redeem the world. Saying that Peter’s confession was a revelation from God, Jesus announces that Peter is the rock upon which he will build his church. With that kind of confirmation from Jesus, it’s hard to imagine that Peter would ever reject him. However, later he will deny that he even knows Jesus. The good news is that after the resurrection of Jesus, Peter will go on to preach that message to many. The ups and downs of Peter’s faith describe most of us. There are many times when we fully acknowledge Jesus as our Lord and Savior and put our full trust in him. And then there are other times when we give in to pressures and challenges of life and fail to acknowledge the one who can redeem us and give us the help and hope we need.

When faced with tough decisions, when life overwhelms you, when fear fills you, who do you say the Son of Man is? The way you live your life tells the world who Jesus is to you.

Personal Worship Option:

Proclaim today that Jesus is Lord of your life and trust him with your decisions today.

Daily Devotion, April 27, 2020

Devotion:

Read Hebrews 1:1-3.

This New Testament book of Hebrews was written to a small group of believers with a deep understanding of the Hebrew Scriptures we call the Old Testament. Perhaps they were beginning to see Jesus as something less than the unique Son of God, the Messiah. In these opening three verses the writer recalls that God spoke powerfully through the prophets in many ways. Immediately, we think of the powerful messages of prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Micah, and so many others. But now God has spoken much more directly through the Son. Jesus, the writer is telling us, is superior to the prophets. In succeeding chapters, the writer will go on to tell us that Jesus is unique and is superior to the angels, to Moses, and to all earthly priests.

Verse 2 tells us that the Son participated with the Father in creating the universe. The key point of today’s passage and perhaps of the entire book of Hebrews comes in Verse 3 when the writer tells us that Jesus is “the exact representation of (God’s) being.” Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, and is one of the persons of God. Christ’s resurrection and ascension are our assurance of that truth, and we know God’s nature best through Christ.

Personal Worship Option:

In these days following Easter, it is good to reflect on the tremendous gift of love God extended to human beings through Christ’s incarnation -- becoming one of us, living among us, and rising again to his former glory. Give thanks today for your gift of eternal life through the death and resurrection of Christ, risen forever!

Daily Devotion, April 26, 2020

Devotion:

Read Acts 10:34-43.

  Peter had been a leader among the apostles when Jesus was with them. He didn’t always give the right answer or do the right thing, but he was usually the one out front, leading. That continued after Jesus went back to heaven. He led his brothers in discerning who would replace Judas among them (Acts 1:15-26). On the day of Pentecost, after the Holy Spirit filled them all with the languages of the people gathered, he was the one who stood to explain to the skeptics what had just happened and preach a message that convinced around 3,000 to join their ranks (Acts 2). In subsequent chapters, he preaches to the people and the Jewish leadership. Each time he tells them of the new life offered through belief in Jesus Christ.

  After the writer shares about a couple of other situations where the Spirit was also working, he returns to Peter here in chapter ten. Peter has a dream, then an experience that invites him beyond what he thought he knew. He is reminded that God’s mission is always bigger and broader than what we humans tend to think. He shares that life-giving message with those gathered and the Holy Spirit once again fills the room and all who are there.

    Peter simply shared what he knew from the Scriptures, what he had learned from being with Jesus and what the Holy Spirit was continuing to teach him. You are invited to do the same. Study the Bible, both on your own and with others, focusing especially on the life and lessons of Jesus. Pray constantly and be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit in your life. Then share with others what you have learned and what you are learning. It will be life-giving, both for you and for others.

Personal Worship Option:

What are two or three Bible stories or verses that are particularly life-giving for you. Be prepared to share those with people you are trying to lead to Christ. Rehearse what you will say with a couple of trusted friends or your small group.

Daily Devotion, April 25, 2020

Devotion:

Read John 10:10b.

  It is a prominent theme running through the Gospel of John: life. The fourth verse of the first chapter states it succinctly, as part of describing Jesus: “In him was life…” Here in chapter ten, Jesus himself offers one way of stating his purpose for coming into our world: “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

  Easter was the day when God affirmed that mission. When the forces of evil thought they had proven victorious over Jesus’ mission to bring love and life into the world, God raised him from the dead to defeat our final enemy forever. From the beginning, God had breathed life into us and once again, God gave new life to all the world through Jesus Christ.

  You and I are invited to join God in this mission. We are called to share the life-giving message and ministry of Jesus. His purpose is to become our purpose. His message is our message. So, we are constantly to be on the lookout for opportunities to share this message and offer life to people who are hurting and without hope. You know people who are just existing each day; they are not really living. They seem lifeless. Find some way to help them know the One who gives life. And don’t stop until you find it!

Personal Worship Option:

Write down the name of one person who needs to live again. Pray for God’s wisdom and power to work through you to give them that life.

Daily Devotion, April 24, 2020

Devotion:

Read 2 Corinthians 5:14-21.

Because of the one “who died and was raised again” we are given new life and a purpose for this life. The old has gone and the new has come. Because we are part of the new creation, everything has become new. We have a new view of Christ. Our worship is not one of a baby in a manger, but of Christ, our Saviour, on the throne. We also have a new view of people. We are to see people as Christ does: as lost sheep who need a shepherd.  Then we have a new purpose. We are ambassadors for Christ to bring peace and reconciliation to those in our world. It is not an easy mission but it is a privilege to serve God.

Personal Worship Option:

Christ gave everything for you - how does your life reflect his new life in you? Offer gratitude and service to Him today. 

Daily Devotion, April 23, 2020

Devotion:

Read Acts 9:1-6, 17-19a.

Saul knew the law of Moses backwards and forwards. He had studied relentlessly for his religion, and even the Pharisees marveled at his dedication and ability. His outward, visible life was a model of piety and devotion.  Saul’s zeal was leading him to acts of violence and murder, which could not be justified no matter how much Saul thought his victims deserved it. Saul thought he was on the right track. Then Saul met Jesus and everything changed. Jesus turned Saul’s life around. Saul’s hatred turned into love. His violence turned into patience. His willingness to inflict suffering on others turned into a willingness to suffer all things for the sake of Christ. Saul came to grips with one unmistakable fact that his experience on the road had taught him: Jesus was really alive.

Jesus turns our lives around by showing us he is alive.  Because Jesus lives, we too will live, and our hope of eternal life is real and secure in the power of a living Christ. It is not just that Jesus turns our lives around; it is also that the truth of his resurrection is at the core that Jesus was and is the son of God.  Celebrating Easter each year is a wonderful reminder of God’s unending love for us.

Personal Worship Option:

Dear God, Thank you for loving us and sending Jesus to save us. Assist us in growing our faith and living each day to carry out your mission.

Daily Devotion, April 22, 2020

Devotion:

Read Acts 3:1-10.

There are so many details to ponder here! The first one is to think about Peter’s life story for a moment. He denied Christ three times. Then Christ forgave him. Peter was then empowered by the Holy Spirit to help others and to give witness to the resurrected and living Christ! There’s hope for all of us!

A second detail is that Peter and John stopped and saw the man who could not walk and asked him to look at them. Peter and John had learned from following Christ to truly stop and see the deepest needs of others. How often do we walk past and do not see the true needs of others?

A third detail is to hear what this man asked from Peter and John, silver or gold. But Peter and John listened more deeply to hear and see what the man needed the most --- to be able to walk and to know he was welcomed into God’s kingdom. How often in our brokenness do we pray for things which won’t really help us? God hears and sees our deepest needs.

A fourth detail is that Peter and John had full confidence in the risen, resurrected Christ such that they boldly spoke living words of healing into this man’s life! Imagine being in the crowd at the gate and observing this!

 

A fifth detail is that the man began walking, jumping and praising God! He gave credit where credit is due! How often do we forget to give glory to God for God’s saving work in our lives?

A sixth detail is that the healed man could now enter the temple and the people recognized him! It is presumed that they had stopped seeing him before as they passed him by. How often do we pass people by and doubt the possibility of God’s transforming work in their lives?

Personal Worship Option:

This is good news today! From the first line of the great hymn, “He Lives,” you and I can confidently say, “I serve a risen Savior who’s in the world today!” We have been given hope! We can be confident that God sees us and hears our deepest cries. We are offered the gift of salvation and we are called to go forth and help others in Jesus’ name! Stop, Look and Listen today!

Daily Devotion, April 21, 2020

Devotion:

Read John 4:5-15.

After a long journey Jesus stops in Samaria by a well. Samaritans were half-Jews and half-Gentiles, most Jews avoided going to Samaria for fear of contracting some kind of ceremonial uncleanness. Jesus is about to disrupt the status-quo. A Samaritan woman appears at the well. As the story develops we learn that Jesus knows of her and knows she has had five husbands and is living with another. She is considered immoral and perhaps has come in the heat of the day to the well in order to avoid those who must have mocked her and criticized her. Nevertheless, Jesus asks for water. When she questions him about asking a Samaritan for a drink, Jesus says something thought provoking, something designed to encourage a response and begin a religious conversation.

Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.” John 4:10

Jesus tells this woman who has been marginalized by her community, “If you only knew.” If you only knew who I am, you’d know that you have living water the one true God is offering. You’d know that I can take that burden from you, forgive you, and help you move past your pain. You’d know that I can forgive you. You’d know that I can help you move on from a past that has been painful, that has been filled with bad choices, with broken promises, with embarrassment, and hopelessness, and shame, and condemnation, and all the snickering, and all the hateful comments. Jesus assures her that he will satisfy her needs and give her eternal life.

Jesus offers us the same living water. When we are dealing with frustration, disappointment, hurt, weakness, shame, doubt, or confusion, Jesus is telling us, “If you only knew, you’d know I have a gift to help you and to ease your pain. You just need to trust me.” Today as we are dealing with fear over the unknown, concern about loved ones, and worry about the future in the face of an invisible enemy, COVID-19, Jesus offers us living water. Let’s trust our sovereign, all-knowing God with our present and our future.

Personal Worship Option:

What might he be saying to you when he asks you this question, “If you only knew...?” In what area of your life do you need to trust him and receive the living water he offers?

Daily Devotion, April 20, 2020

Devotion:

Read John 3:1-8,16.

Opposition to Jesus by the Pharisees, priests, and other leaders of the Jewish people was beginning to intensify. No wonder when Nicodemus, a Pharisee and a member of the Jewish ruling council, came to see Jesus, he would come at night. He did not want his peers to know that he had come to see and learn from the one they now feared and despised. Some have said that Nicodemus came to trick Jesus as so many others did, but most scholars see Nicodemus’ visit to Jesus as stemming from a sincere desire to understand the Kingdom of God through this teacher. This view is borne out by Nicodemus’ helping to prepare the crucified Jesus for burial in John 19:39.

Jesus’ statement that in order to enter the kingdom we must be born “again” literally means born “from above,” a spiritual rebirth, entering a way of life that starts now and lasts forever. The news media has a way of referring to the most evangelical among us believers as “born again” Christians. Surely, according to our Lord, all Christians are born again into a new life. There is no obstacle course to run, no test to take, and nothing to prove ourselves worthy. We are born again when we accept the gift of salvation, offered in love, that we might “not perish but have everlasting life.”

Personal Worship Option:

Close your devotional time today in thanksgiving. Christ our Lord rose and is still Risen! Life is so drastically different because Christ lives. Thank God for the love we know as grace. Celebrate your new birth and give thanks for the hope of eternal life through Christ!

Daily Devotion, April 19, 2020

Devotion:

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:16.

  Depending on the version of the Bible you have, this verse is tied for the shortest verse in the Bible. The NIV and other versions read “Rejoice always.” You could put it in large letters on a bumper sticker. It is the first of three short reminders of “God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (v. 18b). All three together read “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances…” Is it really possible to do the first and last of those? I imagine you can quickly think of some circumstances in your life at some point in which it was extremely hard, if not impossible, for you to rejoice and give thanks. I believe the key to being able to live this way is found in the middle of the three: “pray continually.” There have been many times in my life when I have had to pray for the Lord to show me how to rejoice or give thanks in a particular situation. And sometimes, it was only later that I could look back and see reasons to do both.

  As we receive new experiences and continue through our journey of faith with our Lord, we begin to see more clearly how we can rejoice in what God is doing, no matter what happens. We can acknowledge that God is at work, even in the most difficult circumstances, to bring about something good. We have seen God do it before, which only increases our faith that God will do it again. We may not always be happy about the way things are going, but we can always know this joy of our Lord.

  Most of all, we can have this joy because of how this letter ends: “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.”

Personal Worship Option:

How would you describe this call to “rejoice always” in your own words? With whom do you need to share that description?

Daily Devotion, April 18, 2020

Devotion:

Read Romans 5:1-11.

  The Apostle Paul is writing to the Christians in Rome in the first century. But over time, Christians in other places experienced this letter as coming from God for them as well, such that it became Scripture for everyone.

  At this point in the letter, Paul reaches a high point of praise and thanksgiving for what God has done for all of us through Jesus Christ. We have many reasons to be joyful and praise God. Because of Jesus, we have peace and hope (even when it comes through times of suffering). We have been made right with God.

  One of the “peaks” of this letter comes in verse 8: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Because of what God has done for us through Jesus, we can know the peace, hope and love of God. If you really believe that, I cannot imagine any other outcome than joy! Praise God! Hallelujah!!

Personal Worship Option:

Paul acknowledges that when we allow it to do so, “suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Reflect back on times when God carried you through a time of suffering. Offer a prayer of thanks and praise for God’s presence in those times, even if you didn’t realize it at the time.

Daily Devotion, April 17, 2020

Devotion:

Read John 21:1-7.

This is another appearance of Jesus to his disciples after his resurrection. The disciples were still trying to understand what they needed to be doing now. This was all uncharted territory. Jesus was alive! However, life was completely different. So Peter and 6 other disciples are hanging out together by the Sea of Galilee and Peter decides to go fishing. It is the one thing he knows how to do and can find comfort in. They fished all night with no success. The frustration must have been growing within them. It’s almost daylight, when that voice from the beach calls out to fish on the other side of the boat. Then Peter realizes it is Jesus, he can’t wait to get to shore to see his Lord again. Oh, that we would have that joy and desire to be with Jesus all the time! When life is confusing and frustrating and uncertain - run to Jesus. He welcomes you to come, rest, eat, and sit by the fire. Pour your heart out to him and He will give you peace.

Personal Worship Option:

Rest in Jesus today. Run to him and experience His embrace.

Daily Devotion, April 16, 2020

Devotion:

Read Psalm 149:1-5.

It is fun to give praise through showing our joy. Praise is not quietly mumbled with eyes cast down; it is shouted with eyes raised up. Think how we show joy and praise when our favorite team wins a game. We jump up and down and raise our arms in approval. A few weeks ago, some of us were hunting for a needed CD, but we could not find it. After a long pursuit, we did locate it and we all jumped up and down with glee. We gave each other high fives. When our children take their first steps, we clap our hands and cheer them on. Praising God should get at least this much joy and much more. Honoring God should be fresh and new each day. Rejoice in your Creator, the eternal King.

Praise is founded on a theological truth: God takes delight in us. He loves us so much that He sent His Son to pay the penalty for our sins. When we humble ourselves before Him, He is so pleased and joyful. When we know that God is with us, we can go to bed singing songs, grateful for our loving and caring God.

Personal Worship Option:

Father, help me praise You with everything I have! Help me rejoice in You through all things. You are my rock, my eternal friend. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Daily Devotion, April 15, 2020

Devotion:

Read John 20:19-20.

“The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.” Can you imagine what that must have been like?!

  At the time of this writing, it is dawning on me, that this might be the first Easter Sunday I have ever missed to gather with other believers in person for worship. It is much easier to rejoice when all the people are gathered together, there are songs of celebration, prayers and messages of resurrection power and hope. But this year, we are quarantined in our homes with the fears of the devastating effects of the novel coronavirus in the back of our minds.

  Perhaps this year, we can better identify with the disciples who were huddled in fear for their own lives behind locked doors. The scriptures tell us, “Jesus came and stood in their midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.” In the midst of their fears, Christ’s presence and peace were the two greatest gifts they needed.

  Notice it is Christ’s initiative to appear among them and it is Christ’s initiative to give them peace. And notice the gospel writer included that they were behind locked doors. The living Christ wasn’t hindered by locked doors.

 

  We deeply believe we serve a Risen Savior who is present with us in the world today. John 1:14 says, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” It is believed that John’s first chapter was written by the gospel writer after he had written the other parts of his gospel. 

  And John 20:31 says, “But these have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you might have life in His name.” 

  The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord! Perhaps they were rejoicing with such fervor that they forgot about their fears which were keeping them silent. In those moments, they realized that Christ is the victor over the grave! They had been given new life, hope and the Holy Spirit which empowered them to give their witness against all their fears!

Personal Worship Option:

Even when we can’t be out and about, Rejoice! The Word became flesh to dwell with you and to give you peace. The Living Christ is with you today in such a way to help you overcome your fears so that you are empowered to help others know Christ is with them, too, and gives them peace.

Daily Devotion, April 14, 2020

Devotion:

Read Psalm 30:1-5.

In this Psalm David thanks God for his repeated care and deliverance over a lifetime. David praises God for delivering him from his enemies, for healing him, and for keeping him from going down to the pit. Then he urges the listener to join him, to sing praises and give thanks. He reminds us that weeping will come to an end. Morning stands for the time when God gives relief. David had experienced much tragedy, anxiety, and fear. He had cried out to God when he had been in a pit of despair. During the uncertainty of the COVID-19 virus many of us may have felt like David - anxious, fearful, and uncertain. Maybe you feel like you’re in the pit! We will have times of weeping, but God can bring us through those to experience joy again.

Often it takes times of tragedy to remind us what really matters in life. When things are going well, we can easily take life for granted. We become tied to so many nonessential, unimportant things. We tend to grow overly concerned about cars, houses, furniture, clothes, and countless other trappings of modern life. But when life is reduced to the essentials and we are asked to simplify and sacrifice, we recall again that life itself is enough reason to praise God. And this is the lesson David teaches in Psalm 30.

Personal Worship Option:

Spend time today praising God for your life, good health, family, and your faith. Thank God for always bringing joy after a time of weeping.

Daily Devotion, April 13, 2020

Devotion:

Read Matthew 28:16-20.

This passage contains Jesus’ final instructions to the eleven apostles who had remained with him. We have no idea what the eleven said to one another in the scene following Jesus’ instructions and his ascension. But I can imagine the eleven standing there looking at one another and saying, “Let’s get this right! Let’s repeat what he just told us.” Then they may have repeated his instructions aloud to each other, making sure they had all the parts…”go, make disciples, all nations, teach, follow my commands.” Then someone may have spoken up and reminded them that Jesus began by stating that he had been given all authority in heaven and on earth, so he could command these things; and he was giving them this authority. The responsibility must have weighed heavily on them. “But wait!” one of them may have said, “He promised to be with us, right to the end of the age. Let’s go!”

In the church, we correctly understand Jesus’ instructions in this passage as our Great Commission. Doing the work of Christ is not easy, and sometimes it weighs heavily on us. But the joy and energy and excitement is in knowing that we serve the risen Christ, and he is with us, even now. Let’s go!!

Personal Worship Option:

As you pray today, is there anything in your spiritual life or ministry that is weighing heavily on you? Is there something in your personal life that seems insurmountable? Remember, Christ is risen! Christ is with you, right now. Give thanks, rejoice, and take energy and confidence from knowing that.

Daily Devotion, April 12, 2020

Devotion:

Read Matthew 28:1-10.

  At Matthew 27:50, we read “And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.” Over in Luke’s Gospel, at 23:46, the writer tells us that Jesus said “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” There is an emphasis by both writers that Jesus gave himself to God in this act; that his life was not taken from him, but he gave it of his own free will, as a sacrifice for the whole world. Even though he had prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane that he not have to go through this cruelty, still he was willing to sacrifice what he wanted so that God’s will could be done. He gave himself to God in complete trust.

  There are times and situations in life when it seems like life as we know it is coming to an end and we cannot see any way forward. We are at a loss for what to do or where to turn. Or there may be situations in which God is leading us to do something that we do not want to do. We see only trouble on that path and therefore do not want to go there.

 

  In those times, it becomes a matter of whether we are going to trust God completely. What happened on Easter morning is our reminder that when we give ourselves to God in faith, God will carry us through even those times when it seems like life is over. God is in the life-giving business; always has been and always will be. Whenever you encounter those times and situations when it seems like life is over for you, remember to turn to the Source of life! This God can bring you out of any tomb!

Personal Worship Option:

Celebrate Easter today! Celebrate the God who gives life! Celebrate the many times and ways God has renewed your life!

Daily Devotion, April 11, 2020

Devotion:

Read Matthew 27:57-66.

  When someone dies, there are details that have to be attended to. The human body is a creation of God and we believe it should be treated with respect, even when the last breath is gone. It was no different when Jesus died. Friends and disciples came to take care of those details. Joseph of Arimathea is a rich man who obviously has connections, even on the level of having Pilate grant his request for the body of Jesus. He wraps the body of Jesus and places it in his own new tomb, a most generous gesture on his part.

  On another front, the religious leaders who had become convinced that Jesus and his movement had to be squelched are determined to keep it that way. They are obviously concerned that his disciples might try to keep the movement going by deceiving the people into thinking that Jesus had risen from the dead. They would simply take his body away and bury it somewhere else and tell everyone that he was alive. They let Pilate know of this possibility and he agrees to their request to seal the tomb and place his guards by it. Nobody is getting in there now!

  The forces of evil are always at work in this world, trying to squelch any signs of life and hope. So if you listen only to the voices of this world, it is sometimes easy to believe that life has lost any meaning for you and there is no hope. On this day before Easter, be reminded that when those times and voices close in on you, they will never have the last word. God is at work to give you new life and because of that, there is always hope!

Personal Worship Option:

Offer a prayer of praise and thanksgiving to God for this assurance of hope and life, even in those times when it seems all hope is lost. Who do you know who needs to be reminded of this message today?

Daily Devotion, April 10, 2020

Devotion:

Read Matthew 27:22-50.

Jesus is crucified. This is the core of Scripture. The crucial accomplishment of Christ occurred on the cross. This was the moment in which “God put the wrong on him who never did anything wrong.” (2 Corinthians 5:12 MSG) God put all our sins, everything we’ve done wrong, on him. He was beaten, tortured, mocked, but he didn’t say a word. He was forsaken for you and for me. Meditate on that thought . . . Christ died for you. . . for me . . .

Max Lucado says it this way, “God didn’t overlook your sins, lest he endorse them. He didn’t punish you, lest he destroy you. He instead found a way to punish the sin and preserve the sinner. Jesus took your punishment, and God gave you credit for Jesus’ perfection”.

Personal Worship Option:

Prayer for the day: Dear Jesus, it is incomprehensible that you would take my place and plead for my life. I give you thanks and praise for your ultimate sacrifice. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Daily Devotion, April 9, 2020

Devotion:

Read Matthew 26:20-30.

I’ve often wondered what Jesus was giving thanks for at this moment. He broke the bread to remember his body and drank from the cup to remember his blood. He knew he would soon be betrayed by Judas. He had told his disciples that he would soon be crucified. In the coming day he would also be abandoned by his followers, denied by Peter, sentenced by the religious leaders, beaten and mocked by Roman soldiers, and hung on a cross to die.

But in this moment Jesus gave thanks. Maybe he did it as an example, reminding his disciples and us of the importance of regularly giving thanks to God for our daily bread. Perhaps he was giving thanks for his followers, gathered there in that upper room, who would soon take on the work of His ministry. They would soon begin proclaiming the news of his death and resurrection around the world. Jesus may also have been giving thanks that God’s plan to restore the people and world he loved so much was unfolding even as they prayed and ate.

Personal Worship Option:

I’m taken by this. If Jesus gave his heart in gratitude to God even as he stood under the shadow of the cross, how much more, as recipients of his forgiveness and grace, should we offer our appreciation and thanksgiving to God—always! Thank you, Jesus, for the sacrifice of yourself and for the forgiveness of all our sins.

Daily Devotion, April 8, 2020

Devotion:

Read Matthew 26:17-19.

Jesus was very familiar with this Feast of Unleavened Bread and the Passover meal. Luke 2:41 says that Jesus’ family went every year to the Feast of the Passover. This was his family’s tradition for many generations. The first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread was known as the “Day of Preparation”.

(Exodus 12 tells us the story of God’s deliverance of the Israelites from their enslavement of over 400 years by the Egyptian people. The Passover meal and eating the unleavened bread had its beginnings here. The people were instructed to continue the feast and to tell the story of God’s deliverance for all the future generations.)

These brief verses in Matthew 26 are filled with “time” words including the words “make preparations”. Preparations included: locating the place; searching the room and removing all leaven; obtaining a lamb and having it ritually slaughtered by the priests in the Temple; roasting the lamb and preparing it with the other necessary items of the meal.

Even the word “unleavened” is a time word, because this type of bread was prepared to commemorate their hurried escape from Egypt. There was not enough time for the bread to be leavened.

 

Jesus speaks in time words when he says, “My appointed time is near.” Jesus is not speaking of time as we understand it in chronological order, but he is speaking of a special “fulfilled time”. It is the time he has prepared for and a time appointed for his life to be given for the forgiveness of our sins.

 

It is worthwhile to note the gospel writer’s order of placing the story of Judas’ betrayal to acquire 30 pieces of silver between the stories of the woman’s unselfish gift of expensive perfume poured upon Jesus and of Jesus’ own sacrificial gift of life.

And notice the difference in two of the questions asked. Judas asks in Matthew 26:14, “What are you willing TO GIVE ME if I hand him over to you?” The disciples ask Jesus in verse 17, “Where do you want us to make preparations FOR YOU to eat the Passover?”

Personal Worship Option:

Let us examine our own hearts with the questions, “How are we spending our time?” Are we willing to take the time to “prepare” in the ways God calls us to give our best and our all? Are we willing to give our all for the Christ who gave his all for us?