Peter Heals - Acts 3: 1-10

   In our modern context, it's sometimes hard to understand all of the pieces in stories like that found in Acts 3. I think we can understand that the man we encounter in the text was completely reliant upon other people. There wasn't really a safety net for people who couldn't work beyond just trusting in the humanity and compassion of other people. That is why he found himself outside of the temple gates that day. He needed other people to help keep him alive.

   But what we may miss is that in so many ways he was also cut off from the community. He wasn't allowed to worship in the temple with other people. So when he found himself leaping and praising God after he was healed, he was able to walk into the temple for the first time and be part of worship for the first time in his life.

    In other words, it wasn't just his legs that were healed. It was also his relationships. He was now able to fully be part of the community. He was made new.

    When we think of healing, often the first thing that comes to our mind is physical healing. But we can also have relationships healed. Or resentments. Or anything in our life that needs to be restored and made new. Where do you need healing in your life this day from the Lord?

Peter Heals Devo - Acts 3: 1-10

April 26th, 2020

Devotional

“Peter Heals”

Acts 3: 1-10

Keep the sermon topic and Biblical text preaching all week by following Pastor Michelle on twitter @tinypastor and reading her sermon blog www.revmichelle.blogspot.com

Monday: “Pray” - Acts 3: 1-2

  The first time I remember hearing this Bible Story was in my Kindergarten Sunday School class. The most joyous part of the song is when Peter tells the man he met “in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he went walking, and leaping and praising God. Walking and leaping and praising God.” There was so much excitement around the man’s reaction that I never really paused long enough to think about what Peter and John did that fateful day.

  Peter and John were on the way to the temple, the place of worship, when they encountered someone in need. The mans only source of income was begging for money and outside of the temple gate was a prime spot - people had to pass him and temple go-ers at that, people who knew that they were supposed to give to those in need. As Peter and John were going into the temple he caught their eye and asked them for some money. But Peter and John just looked at him. Not with pity. Not with disdain. But really looked at him. Saw deep inside of the man to what he really needed. Peter then said those words, I don’t have what you think you need, but I have what you really need - in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth get up and walk. 

How is the power of prayer connected with Peter and John truly seeing the man at the temple gates?

Prayer: God, let our prayers not just be something we do once in a while. Instead, O Lord, empower us to be a people of prayer. A people who are on the lookout for your movement in the world. And may we eagerly respond to be part of the work of your Kingdom. Amen.  

Tuesday: “Look” - Acts 3: 3-4

What would you have done if you encountered a man in a similar situation on the way to church today? When I lived in Pittsburg I attended a church right across from my dorm. On the other side of the dorm, up and down the street there were homeless folks who were in deep need. We were actually instructed during orientation to ignore them. But there were a group of students who just could not do that. They could not treat another human being as undignified, but they didn’t just want to offer temporary charity either. After some thought they decided to cook healthy vegetarian meals for those people they encountered. A few times a week they would invite people to gather for this free meal. And they ate with their brothers and sisters who were living on the street, getting to know their stories. For those who were not physically able to make the gathering, one or two people would go to them with the meal and eat with them. After weeks of fellowship and listening, they invited them to church. Offered them something more. Not everyone came. But some did. And everyone felt as if they were affirmed instead of look down upon, or worse ignored.

The man, those people in Pittsburg, asked for one thing and received something else. They asked for money - something that is important for survival in our society and that of the early church. But for Peter and John who were part of the disciples who were now sharing everything in common, money had ceased to be as important, and they certainly knew that it was not the most important thing. And out of this changed relationship to money, changed worldview, Peter and John offered the man a new kind of life that can only come through the power and healing of the Holy Spirit. 

What is Jesus prompting us to offer for those we encounter in need?

Prayer: Lord, help us to see with your eyes and your heart. Help us to meet the needs of your children with compassion and the power of your name. Use us, we pray. Amen. 

Wednesday: “In the Name of Jesus” - Acts 3: 5-6

Healing stories like this one, often make us in Western society feel uncomfortable. The disciples didn’t even ask the man if he wanted to be healed. When the church has made similar assumptions in modern times we have been looked down upon - traveling healing services. Times when people who God had created were looked down upon or told that they were less then. We’ve become so uncomfortable with healing that we hide it from others.

  Please don’t misunderstand me - this is not a call to abandon modern medicine or thing that every time we ask for healing it will look exactly like we want to. Often, like the lame man, we ask God for one thing and get something radically different, and better. Nor am I saying that we should  not attend to people’s needs. But we’ve become so comfortable in the charity model of giving, where we are in the superior position offering something someone else physically needs, that we forget what we truly have to offer. We forget that we were in the same position not so long ago, in need of grace and forgiveness and healing, which God freely offered to us. We forget that sometimes even the most desperate of situations are opportunities to let God into the broken places in our lives to work in a powerful way. 

What has God offered you that is better than you ever even thought to ask for?

Prayer: Almighty God, we thank you that you see our needs before we even ask. We thank you that by the power of your Spirit you offer us something even better than we can think of. Thank you, O Lord. Amen. 

Thursday: “Praising God” - Acts 3: 7-8

Some of us understood this message of healing inside of the church, but others of us experienced God’s healing outside of the church, like the lame man, because someone risked telling us about God’s love for us. Risked telling us that God wants something more for us. Risked praying boldly for us. The Spirit of God wants to free people from the burdens they carry. Free them to be healed in a different way, but there are few too people praying for this type of healing to take place. 

When you pray do you expect something to happen? Can you remember how God has healed in the past so you have come to rely on that healing in your own life and the lives of others?

What leads us to praise God?

Prayer: God of Grace, you are worthy of praise, not because of what you have done, but O Lord, simply for who you are. Thank you for allowing us to catch glimpses of your love and grace at work in the world around us. Amen. 

Friday: “Amazement” - Acts 3: 9-10

  I still remember a conversation that was once had in Bible Study about the difference between charity and service. Charity is when you give people what they need, for momentary relief, without really getting to the heart of the matter. Charity is good and needed, but it only offers something temporary. Peter and John could have had pity on the man and offered him whatever change they had, like countless others had done before them. But instead they took the time to meet the man’s true need and offered him radical healing.

Do we rely in the power of the name of Jesus? Do we believe that we have something life-giving to offer others? Do we remember receiving this life-giving thing ourselves? We have something to offer people more than money, more than food, more than things that will not last. We have something to offer that makes people leap for joy and brings amazement to those who knew them. For salvation is about much more than health. In other words, how do you think that God is using you in the world to show the power of the Gospel? 

When have you been amazed by the power of God?

Prayer: God, may we never lose our wonder and amazement at your work in the world. Lord, may your Good News spread far and wide, through word and deed and sign, in a way that transforms lives, we pray. Amen. 

Saturday: Preparing for the Word

You are invited to read and pray this week’s text and topic to prepare for worship: “Church at Thessalonica” - Acts 17:1-9 and 1 These 1: 1-10. 

Sabbath, Study, Serve

Sabbath, Study, Serve 

Taking the Sermon Into Our Week 

Scripture of the Week: Acts 3: 1-10

From the Sermon:

_________ stick with us.

The man saw Peter and John coming into the temple and he cried out for them to have mercy on him. In other words, __________________!

Peter saw him. Saw him as a ________________.

Peter offered him something so much more so he could have _________.

The people were filled with ___________________.

Our Lord and Savior is at work __________________ all around us.

Reflection:

Have you ever came to God asking for one thing, only to be offered something completely different, but so much better? 

Have you ever had God completely come in and change your life?

What opportunities to proclaim the Gospel are right in front of us that we often overlook?

What is one step can we take to help folks come to know the love and power of the Savior?

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for showing your power and grace through Peter and John that day at the temple. Use us, as well, Lord, to make your name known and to transform hearts and lives, we pray. Amen. 

You Will be My Witnesses - Acts 1: 1-14

    The story of Jesus's ascension is sometimes hard to understand because we aren't quite sure what it has to do with us. What does this story of Jesus being raised in front of his first disciples up into heaven say to us today?

    First, I think it asks us the question that was posed to the disciples in this passage - why are we looking up? There is a gentleman in the parish that I serve that says sometimes you can be so heavenly minded that you are no earthly good. Yet, sometimes it is so tempting to keep looking up instead of heeding Jesus's call to go out. The disciples are handed the message of Jesus to carry forth, but they can't do that if they spend all of their time only looking up. The same is true for us today.

    Second, this scripture passage reminds us that God works through everyday people. We spent so much time discussing the Gospel of Mark talking about how the disciples missed the point again and again and again. And here we find more of the same. Yet, God keeps using them. God called fishermen to be witnesses of Jesus in the world. And God continues to call you and me, no matter where we have come from, to go forth today.

     Third, this passage asks what we are going to do with our time. A good summary of this particular passage is in-between-ness. In between the resurrection and Pentecost. In between Jesus going up into heaven and the coming of the Holy Spirit. What do we do with those in-between times in our lives? We pray. We get ready for what God is going to call us to next. We are obedient to the words and calling of Christ.

     The disciples probably didn't see it as such at the time, but this was a blessing for them. It was getting them ready for the coming of the Spirit. And as frustrated as they may have been with the lack of certainty or answers, they continued to sit and wait and pray.

    How are we being called to be Christ's witnesses in the world today and how are we preparing to go forth in his name?

You Shall Be My Witnesses Devo - Acts 1: 1-14

April 19th, 2020

Devotional

“You Shall Be My Witnesses”

Acts 1: 1-14

Keep the sermon topic and Biblical text preaching all week by following Pastor Michelle on twitter @tinypastor and reading her sermon blog www.revmichelle.blogspot.com

Monday: “Theophilus” - Acts 1: 1-5

  The Book of Acts is composed by the same author as the Gospel of Luke, starting another letter to Theophilus, lover of God. The general premise is that the gospel told chiefly of the works of Christ and his life, while the book of Acts speaks about the formation of the church, the body of Christ. But notice what the author starts this account of the church by telling – the ascension of Jesus.

The ascension is something that is hard for us to wrap our minds around. We sometimes talk about it in church, but it isn’t a vital part of the larger culture as it is in some other countries. One of my close friends from undergrad is a wiz at languages. Her skills have landed her several different internships in China and Germany, among other countries. She is currently working in Germany, and in one of her emails to me this week she explained that she had a long holiday because of the celebration of a holiday – The Feast of Ascension, which commemorates the forty-day after Easter – the day that Christ ascended into Heaven. My friend’s holiday caused me to start to ponder why the ascension was so important as to prompt such a celebration.

Why do you think the ascension is so important that Luke starts Acts off with it?

Prayer: God, we confess that sometimes we are tempted to gloss right over the ascension. We do not fully understand how it impacts our lives today. Speak to us throughout this week, O God, about your power and glory and call on our lives through this scripture passage. 

Tuesday: “At this Time” - Acts 1: 6

The time after Easter seems to be one in scripture marked by the disciples paralysis. Their deep and understandable fear. Now that they have Jesus back, physically, in their lives they once again seemed to be paralyzed, not necessarily by fear but by adoration without action. The author states that for forty days after Christ’s resurrection he spoke to the disciples about God’s Kingdom and gave them detailed instructions to stay in Jerusalem until God tells them otherwise. But as Jesus is teaching about the divine kingdom of God, the disciples keep asking about present, earthly matters. Specifically about leadership as they posed to Jesus the question of kingship over Israel. They are still searching for a king. The messiah is standing in front of them, and telling them about a kingdom far greater than what they could ever imagine, yet they are concerned with only what they can see, only about what they have been told about over the years. They want a new David. 

What are some of things we become hyper-focused on, like the disciples?

Prayer: Lord, we know that we do not always see your way and will clearly. Like your first disciples sometimes our attention becomes focused on the wrong things. Forgive us, Lord, and show us again what you have for us to understand. Amen. 

Wednesday: “Will Receive” - Acts 1: 7-8

I love Jesus’ response to the disciples question. “You don’t need to know the time of those events that only the Father controls.” God is going to send someone far greater into their lives to be ruler, the Holy Spirit. God is going to give them detailed instructions about when to leave Jerusalem, and presumably what the next step is. But maybe those instructions weren’t enough for the disciples because they wanted someone in front of them to tell them what to do. Someone to command them. 

For years Jesus had been their teacher and leader. As he continued to speak about leaving them, you can only imagine how they were feeing – the emotions they were experiencing and the images of the rugged cross searing into their minds. They didn’t want instructions that would put the call to witness solely onto them – they wanted someone to tell them what to do and guide them through their every move. But this was not the plan.

How do you think the disciples were feeling as Jesus was speaking to them this final time? 

Prayer: Almighty God, thank you for empowering the disciples to be your witnesses. Thank you for testifying to them about the power of the Holy Spirit that we still see at work today. Thank you, O Lord, for sharing that power and message with your Church here and now as well. Amen. 

Thursday: “Looking Up” - Acts 1: 9-11

After Jesus gave them their final teachings concerning the Holy Spirit and their mission as his disciples he was taken up into a cloud. Even though the disciples could not see him after he was taken up they kept looking up into the sky. Like a child watching a balloon disappear into the vastness of the blue above them, the disciples kept looking up, hands over their eyes, hoping to catch one more glimpse of Jesus. Hoping that he would come back like last time. But instead they got two angels coming down and telling them to get their head out of the clouds and to get their legs moving – for they had a mission directly from the Lord. Jesus had been taken into heaven. Now is their time to tell everyone in Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria about the good news of Jesus Christ. The message wasn’t always going to be easy to tell, and not everyone would necessarily receive it. They would be called to go to places outside of their comfort zones, but it was now time for them to go out and raise up new disciples of Jesus Christ for the sake of the kingdom of God.

I can just imagine the disciples thinking that this new task was hard, It was not what they signed up for all those years ago when Jesus called out to them. They were tapped to be followers, not leaders. Yet everyone who follows Christ is also called to be a witness. Being the body of Christ is about this tension between following Christ and leading others to Christ through your gifts and graces, through the story you have to tell. For no one can tell your story like you can, because you lived it. The disciples had to tell others about Christ because all of these years they had these wonderful experiences with Christ and soul-changing teachings. And now that their spirit had been nurtured they were sent out.

What do you think it means to be a witness for Jesus Christ in 2020?

Prayer: God of Grace, throughout countless generations, from the time of Acts the whole way until today, you have sent your people out with your Good News. Lord, empower us to go forth and be your witnesses wherever we may find ourselves this week. Amen. 

Friday: “Constantly in Prayer” - Acts 1: 12-14

  I’m sure the disciples didn’t think that they were ready. For sometimes it’s easier to look up in the sky for a sign or in hopes of Jesus returning then to listen to the voice that is calling us to go. To make disciples. A tasks that doesn’t come with a set of instructions or a leader who we can physically see. I fear that these reasons lead to many Christians deciding that it is too difficult to be a witness of the Good News. We, too, can be paralyzed by fear. We are afraid that people won’t understand us. We are afraid that we will have to go to places that we ought not go. Believe me, the disciples knew our fears all too well – so they tried to keep their vision gazed upward instead of outward. We don’t trust ourselves or believe that we are spiritually fit enough to be leaders, and neither did they. But if the disciples would not have gotten it together and into gear, we would not be here today – we would not be the church. What would we lose out on if we give into our fears? What will not exist in the future because we don’t want the hardships the come with being leaders today?

There is a song that states, “God who began a good work in you, will be faithful to complete it.” Do we really believe this? Do we really believe that the Ascension was important because it was bringing to completion the life of Jesus here on this earth while propelling forward the creation of the church? Do we really believe that we celebrate this event today because God is still moving the church forward? You have been called by a God who has started something amazing, powerful, and beautiful in you.

What are willing to risk yourself for completion for the sake of the kingdom of God? Prayer: God, we confess that at times we are held back by a spirit of fear. Lord, speak to us over again and again your words for us to be your witnesses to the very ends of the earth. Move us beyond fear to act in faith, we pray. Amen. 

Saturday: Preparing for the Word

You are invited to read and pray this week’s text and topic to prepare for worship: “Peter Heals” - Acts 3: 1-10

Sabbath. Study. Serve.

Sabbath, Study, Serve 

Taking the Sermon Into Our Week 

Scripture of the Week: Acts 1: 1-14

From the Sermon:

In the Apostle’s Creed we state, On the third day he rose again; _____________________, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

Acts continues the story of what happened to the  _________________ after Jesus’s resurrection.

Jesus circles right back to what he was trying to tell the disciples in the first place - you are going to receive the power of the ___________ and you will be my ________.

Jesus was _________ by God and taken up into heaven right before their eyes.

The Good News that Jesus came from God, but also the Good News that Jesus ________ to God and sits at his right hand!

In order to be bearers of that witness in the world, in order to spread the Word, we need to be _________.

Reflection:

How do we live our lives as witnesses for Jesus?

What power of the Spirit is just waiting to be unleashed if God’s people prayed? 

How are we going to carry forth the work of Christ through the Church?

Prayer:

Lord God, prepare our hearts and voices to be your witnesses in the world. Let your Kingdom’s truth and power be known with those we interact with, in order to bring you all honor and glory. Amen. 

Resurrection! - Mark 16: 1-8

   "Christ is Risen!" proclaims the pastor. "Christ is Risen indeed!" the people respond. Powerful words that echo through the Easter liturgy. But sometimes they become so familiar that they seem to lose their power. Just as it sometimes seems, the more we preach the resurrection, the more it becomes familiar, the more it loses its power as well.
    But Christ's resurrection is powerful. It connects this world to eternity. It sets forth our message and mission as disciples. It allows us to take whatever faith we have and use it to transform the world.  It connects us to the person of Jesus Christ and allows us to see the world as he sees it. And that is powerful. That is transformative.
    How have you been transformed by the risen Christ and how does it lead you to transform the world?

(Reblog from 2015- The Renegate Gospel: Resurrection)

"Resurrection" Devo - Mark 16: 1-8

April 12th, 2020

Devotional

“Resurrection!” - Mark 16: 1-8

Keep the sermon topic and Biblical text preaching all week by following Pastor Michelle on twitter @tinypastor and reading her sermon blog www.revmichelle.blogspot.com

Monday: “Anoint” - Mark 16: 1

Jesus died around three o’clock in the afternoon on Friday. As the Sabbath was about to start at sundown, in a mere three hours, no one had time to properly prepare Jesus for burial. Instead, Joseph of Aramathea, a member of the Sanhediran, volunteered to give Jesus’ followers a place to lay the body of the one whom they loved. He and Nichodemus, brought over 100 pounds of precious oils and salts to prepare the body, but simply left them to be applied until after the celebration of the Sabbath.

Sunday morning, at the breaking of dawn, three of the women who had followed Jesus approached the tomb with more spices. They intended to give their Lord the proper burial he deserved. No one else had dared to visit the tomb over the Sabbath - Pilate had went as far as to post a guard in front of it at the prompting of the Jewish leaders to make sure that Jesus’ followers did not try to come and steal his body in order to claim that he had risen. The eleven were in hiding, fearing their own arrest and sorely disappointed themselves for abandoning Jesus in his time of need, just as he had predicted.

But the women were brave as they went to honor Jesus memory that morning in the best way that they knew how - by burying him properly.

How do we honor Jesus today?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we want to honor you. We think of the woman who anointed your with her tears and the women who went to give you a proper burial as a final act. May we live our lives with such passion and dedication in a way that lifts high your name. Amen. 

Tuesday: “Roll the Stone” - Mark 16: 2-3

Mary the mother of James, Mary Magedline, and Salome took their spices and went to the grave. As they approached they started to wonder who would roll away the heavy stone for them. But a surprise awaited them at the tomb that morning as the sun rose in the sky - the stone had already been rolled away. A stone too heavy for one or two grown men to roll on their own was aside and a young man, in a white robe, a messenger from God, was there and told them that Jesus has been raised and that he had been raised! Just as Jesus predicted!

They were commanded to go and tell the disciples, telling them that Jesus would meet them in Galilee. They would have to leave their place of hiding in Jerusalem and follow Jesus, once again. But instead the women did not tell anyone, because they were afraid.  

What amazes us about Jesus?

Prayer: Lord, we confess that sometimes we are overwhelmed by the power of the resurrection story like the women long ago. Speak to us over and over again your story of redemption and love until your roll away the stones blocking our hearts and we can receive your gift. Amen. 

Wednesday: “Alarmed” - Mark 16: 4-5

Jesus had been raised from the dead was unbelievable to those who heard it. It even alarmed the women. Even to those who experienced the empty tomb with their own eyes and heard the messenger from God. Jesus had told them time and time again that this would be the case - that the grave would not even be able to hold him three days, but they still did not believe it.

I don’t know about you, but I’m glad that possibly the most important story in the gospels spoke of this unbelief. Because there are times in my life that I don’t understand the Resurrection either. Times when I struggle with the empty tomb because I did not see it with my own eyes; times when I have to remember that even those who saw the tomb had doubts.

  But that is part of our faith story as well, isn’t it? Even in the midst of unbelief we are beckoned to believe the unbelievable, because we worship a God who does not simply do what we expect or what we want or even what we are able and willing to believe. We worship a God who is bigger than our expectations! We worship a God who is found in the midst of the absurd and through that absurdity transforms people! Praise God!

What emotions do you experienced when you hear the Easter story?

Prayer: Lord, we thank you that we can bring our whole selves before your throne of grace. All of our doubts and fears. All of our amazement and alarm. Thank you for not giving up on us, we pray. Amen. 

Thursday: “Go” - Mark 16: 6-7

The story of who Jesus is in our lives and what the cross and empty tomb means in our lives. Are we willing to be unlike those whom we have studied the past several weeks, who were silent out of fear - the Sanhediran members who knew that those in their group were doing the wrong thing, the disciples that fled from Gesthme, Peter who denied Jesus three times, Pilate going with the crowds instead of what he thought was right, the people in the crowd who joined the cry to crucify Jesus and let Barrbas go, even if it wasn’t what they believed. Are we willing to stand up and boldly proclaim our story with Jesus, even if we don’t have it all figured out, even if we do not believe every little detail. Are we willing to share our story as Easter people!

Is that good news for you? If it is, would you please share it? Not in a pushy way, but in a way that is you telling your story, your experience. For God gave humanity an uncontinable gift with the empty tomb, but we still must choose it. We must choose to let go of being slaves to sin and death. And there are those that we know, those whom we love and care for, who do not even know that they have a choice. Why would you keep that good news from them? We are forgiven and offered a priceless gift. What a message to share! Because of that we truly have a hope in Jesus. In the words of Frederick Buechner, a theologian, “Resurrection means the worst things in life will never last.”

How do you share the Good News with people?

Prayer: Lord, we thank you that you send us out to tell others about your Kingdom with our lips and our lives. May your Word shine through us in a way that proclaims your Kingdom come! Amen!

Friday: “Bewildered” - Mark 16:8

The cross and empty tomb mean something to us. The empty tomb may not be as easy to portray in a picture or on a piece of jewelry, but it is just as important to our faith as the cross, for they go hand in hand. With the empty tomb, Jesus conquered death so we can say, “death where is your victory, O’ death where is your sting?” The empty tomb gives us hope, even in the midst of hopeless situations. It is why we can sing, as we have time and time again through this Lenten season that “we have a hope in Jesus that all things will be well in the Lord!” The empty tomb proclaims into the darkness that God has victory over the powers of evil and sin and all that separates us from God.

Even when we doubt, even when we do not understand, we gather as a statement that the life, death, and resurrection of Christ matter and that on this day, the third day, all of the injustice in the world and power of hell, were defeated We gather together to live out our faith, and transform lives with our service and message. I can think of nothing else so exciting. I can think of nothing else that has transformed the world in such a powerful way. 

Do we need to understand everything about the Gospel in order to share it?

Prayer: Lord, we thank you that we do not need to have all of the answers in order for you to use us. Thank you for sending us forth to be bearers of your light and hope in the world. Amen. 

Saturday: Preparing for the Word

You are invited to read and pray this week’s text and topic: “You Shall Be My Witnesses” - Acts 1: 1-14

Sabbath. Study. Serve.

Sabbath, Study, Serve 

Taking the Sermon Into Our Week 

Scripture of the Week: Mark 16: 1-8

From the Sermon:

The man dressed in white says, “________________.”

There is something about the _________, __________, and ________ the women felt that we can understand in the world we live in today.

In the words of Pastor Adam Hamilton, “the worst thing, is not the ____________!”

Mark 16 reminds us that this isn’t the end of the _________ story as well. It’s not the end of the ___________ story.

God is_________________,  in and through us, in this world today.

Reflection Questions:

When we cry together “Christ is Risen, indeed!” What exactly are we proclaiming?

How are we living into the Gospel? 

How are we being part of what has yet to be written?

Prayer:

God, we are humbled that you entrust us to carry the Gospel out into the world. May the Good News be seen in us, as a light shining forth, in a way that makes your name known! Amen!

The Triumphal Entry

   Holy Week is a precious and distinct time in the Christian calendar. It begins with Jesus being hailed as King, as he rode into Jerusalem on what we celebrate as Palm Sunday. But that proclamation and celebration were short lived - for just a few days later Jesus would be killed by the shouts of the very same crowd that greeted him.
   Jesus enters into the gates of the city that he had wept over - crying because he knew that they wouldn't get it - didn't get who he was and what his Kingdom was about. I wonder if Jesus weeps over us today? Weeps over us as we just want to celebrate the victorious days of the Church calendar - Palm Sunday and Easter, forgetting the pain of the way to the cross that is captured in the entirety of Holy Week.
    Take time this week to reflect - to reflect on the cost of Jesus' sacrifice. Reflect on his true kingship. Reflect upon the things that we just don't get - in order to more fully accept the call of Christ to choose to follow him.

Reblog of The Way to the Cross (2015).

The Triumphal Entry - Mark 11: 1-11 - Devo

April 5th, 2020

Devotional

“The Triumphal Entry” - Mark 11: 1-11

Keep the sermon topic and Biblical text preaching all week by following Pastor Michelle on twitter @tinypastor and reading her sermon blog www.revmichelle.blogspot.com

Monday: “The Lord Needs It” - Mark 11: 1-3

Is there a difference between a prophet and a prophesy? A question posed to the Bible Study students at Mansfield a few weeks ago. One insightful young woman braved an answer - a prophet is someone who can prophecy from God. They have the ability to glean insight and speak to people with a message about the future. A prophet must be able to prophesy but not every prophesy comes from a prophet.

In today’s text we have Jesus as king, priest, and prophet. Jesus told his disciples to go into the village and untie the young colt that they will find, one that has never been ridden. And if someone asks them about what they were doing, they would simply reply that “The Lord needs it”. And the events took place just as he had predicted. 

Sometimes the idea of Jesus as prophet makes us uncomfortable. Its not as familiar an image for us as Jesus as shepherd. There aren’t many pictures painted of Jesus as prophet. And even more so, we don’t necessarily know if we want to hear what Jesus has to say. We would rather have prophets be remote figures from the Old Testament, or people that we shy away from today. But Jesus was a prophet. He not only spoke about what the disciples would find in this particular situation, but the death that he would face as well. Jesus has the power to predict future events, just as the prophets of old.

How do you see Jesus as prophet, priest, and King in today’s text? 

Prayer: Lord Jesus, all too often we do not take time to reflect on the fact that you are prophet, priest, and king. We think of you as Savior and friend, and treasure that within our spirits. Give us space this week to reflect on who you are in our lives and in this world, we pray. Amen. 

Tuesday: “Hosanna!” - Mark 11: 4-10

The people expect Jesus to be their king, but for Luke Jesus’ kingship is not quite what the people are looking for. The disciples want someone who will free them from the grips of Roman rule. They want an insurrection. No wonder the pharisees fear Jesus’ presence and try to silence the crowds. They fear that Jesus may be who the crowds say he is. They fear what will happen on the eve of the Passover celebration - their opportunity to retell the story of God’s freedom. The people are looking for a new Exodus, and they want Jesus to be their leader.

  But Jesus rule and reign is not of this world. Its not about conquering Rome or defeating Pilate and his Roman army who are entering into the city to make sure an insurrection doesn’t take place. Jesus’ is the king of the Kingdom of God. Which surpasses Roman principalities and rule. He will judge the ends of the earth. But he is also a humble king, who comes into Jerusalem not upon a horse, but a colt. Not with an army, but amongst disciples singing the Psalm of Peace, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” But the people cannot recognize the peace that he brings, because they are looking for peace as they define it, freedom as they define it. They have no peace in their hearts, so they cannot recognize the peace Christ brings. And because they have fear in their hearts instead of peace, they will be lead to chants of hate and death by the end of the week instead of this Psalm. There is no peace in Jerusalem this week. Between this procession and the crucifixion. Between the rulers of this world and the King of God’s reign. 

What does the peace of God look like in practice?

Prayer: Lord, we confess that we, like the crowds, sometimes have our own ideas about what your Kingdom should be like. Strip us of our expectations so we can clearly see your will and your way, we pray. Amen. 

Wednesday: “His Love Endures” - Psalm 118

Once again,  the crowds but the pharisees misunderstand Jesus’ peace. They sing the Psalm, the very Psalm they have studied and taught about, as a chant for war, a political chant against the empire. Jesus knows that by the end of the week the crowds will turn from him and his most intimate friends will flee into silence to protect their own lives. But even if this crowd is silent, God will reign. Even if he faces an unspeakable death, God will reign. The Kingdom of this world will not silence the cry of the Kingdom of God. 

  While the people recognize Jesus as King, he is entering into Jerusalem to fulfill his priestly duty. Jesus has come to offer himself as a living sacrafice to cleanse us of our sins. He has come to die so that we may live. And because of this Jesus is the mediator between God and ourselves. Sometimes in the midst of the Palm Sunday story it is hard for us to look ahead. We like the joy of this Sunday and next. The joy of the procession of Christ and his resurrection, but the sacrafice in between speaks of Christ’s love for us. 

How does Christ show his love for us throughout this Holy Week?

Prayer: Lord, we are overwhelmed by your great love for us. Your love for this world. The love that laid down your very life for our sake and to cleanse us of our sins. Thank you, Lord Jesus. Amen. 

Thursday: “Your King Comes” - Zech 9:9

While not referenced explicitly in Mark 11, Jesus came to fulfill what the prophets said of him, the messiah, the chosen one of God. Riding into Jerusalem we can hear the echoes of Zechariah, 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.” Jesus is a prophet because he fulfills what is said about him from the prophets who came before and Jesus fulfills what he says about his very self. Jesus redefines the office of prophet. For how many prophets truly predict what is going to happen to themselves? And for how many of those who do, does what happens to them change the very course of the world? Jesus is a new type of prophet, a role that he can only truly fill, because he both proclaims the word of God and is the word of God in the flesh. And now the Word of God is once again entering into the life of the people, the lives of those who seem to just keep missing the point, in order to reveal to them who God is and what the Kingdom of God is about. 

How does the fulfillment of this scripture show God’s faithfulness? 

Prayer: Lord, we want you not just to be our Savior, but to be our King. Not a king like this world offers, but the king of your Kingdom! May your reign be known, Lord Jesus! Amen. 

Friday: “Entered” - Mark 11: 11

Christ as prophet, king, and priest. Christ entering into Jerusalem amongst a crowd who wanted him to be something else. This week we ask, are we like those multitudes? Do we pick and choose who we want Christ to be in our lives and try to contain him to our will and image? Do we want a humble King or a strong ruler? Do we want to hear what the Word made flesh is trying to tell us or see the love that he displays for us on the cross?

  All too often I think we are like the crowds that day. Letting our own wishes and anxieties dictate who we want Jesus to be. Looking for the peace outside of ourselves, while our hearts rage with mistrust and misunderstanding. But Jesus rode into Jerusalem that day confident in who he was and what he had to offer. He didn’t change himself to fit into our molds. Rather he came as priest, king, and prophet to show us the word of God. To teach us about heavenly peace. And who proclaims that this life does not have the final word. For the peace of Christ cannot be divorced from the hill to Calvary, and his message and sacrafice cannot be silenced. For Jesus in his completeness tells of the reign of God. Amen. 

How do we pick and choose who we want Jesus to be in our lives?

Prayer: Lord, we confess that we do not fully understand your entry into Jerusalem. We do not understand all this week has in store. Let us enter into this Holy Week, with you, and see it through new eyes and an open heart, we pray. Amen. 

Saturday: Preparing for the Word

You are invited to read and pray this week’s text and topic: “Resurrection” - Mark 16: 1-8

Sabbath. Study. Serve.

Sabbath, Study, Serve 

Taking the Sermon Into Our Week 

Scripture of the Week: Mark 11: 1-11

From the Sermon:

In Mark 11, we are reminded of the mystery of ________________.

The people around Jesus are literally crying “_____!”

Even in the midst of a religious celebration, the _____________ made sure that everyone remembered who was _____________.

Jesus would shed his own ______ by the end of the week in order to liberate ___________________________.

We too can put our hope in ____________ instead of our hope in ______.

Reflection Questions:

What makes Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem “triumphal”?

What would have happened if the crowds would have had their way that day?

How can we journey with Jesus through this week?

Prayer:

Lord, help us to focus on you this week. Let us set aside our expectations in order to see the true hope and way that you have come to offer. Liberate us, we pray! Amen.