Wednesday, March 5. Ash Wednesday

Texts: Joel 2:1-2, 12-17. Psalm 51:1-17. 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:10. Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21

Devotional Thought: Ashes. Why ashes? Why this symbol of repentance to begin the season of Lent?

Ashes are what’s left after any use has been made of the wood that once served as a house, a piece of furniture, or simply fuel for a fire that provided warmth. In some Christian traditions, ashes of palms waved the previous year in celebrating Palm Sunday are used on Ash Wednesday. Sometimes they are applied in the form of a cross on the forehead of the penitent. The wood, the greens have burned; of what use can they be? What value do they hold?

In themselves, the answer, of course, is none; they have no value, they produce nothing. But they symbolize for the Christian two critical truths about ourselves. The first has to do with our inability to serve the Kingdom of God as we are; the second has to do with what God does when He creates beauty out of ashes, eternal good out of worldly brokenness. We begin Lent, the season of repentance, with the honest truth about ourselves. David’s plea in Psalm 51 comes from someone who has honestly faced himself for who he really is and what he has really done. No excuses, no explanations, no blame placed on circumstances or on other people. He knows he has committed sin and wants only to be honest and acknowledge what God already knows. He cannot have peace, he cannot please God, he cannot be of meaningful service unless God washes him and restores him completely. Far from David’s mind is any idea that God is lucky to have him on His side, that God should take what He gets and be satisfied, grateful for the assistance He has received.

The second truth is the miraculous work that God does in the life of one who honestly repents. Yes, it truly is miraculous. It is the truth of what God intends to do with and through the person who has honestly faced the truth about himself/herself and places one’s life in God’s hands, both for forgiveness--full forgiveness--and for ministry in bringing about reconciliation. We won’t know what it looks like, and it might not even look like success from the perspective of the world; see Paul’s assessment in 2 Corinthians 5-6. Paul is honest about wanting the kingdom more than anything, and he is willing to serve it no matter what. Most of us are not quite of that mind, if we are honest about it. We’d prefer some assurance of safety, some degree of comfort and acceptance, some confidence that folks will understand us. These are good things; but they are not guaranteed. Yet God’s promise is that He will gather up the ashes of our lives–what is left of all our spent energy, efforts–and use them for His redeeming work in our very uncertain and very broken world.

Prayer: Lord of heaven and earth, I call on You today in answer to the trumpet call of Lent. Through many years, Your people have been told to remember the life and death of Jesus by coming before You in repentance. As I hear the call yet again, I ask You to to be the one who does the searching of those thoughts, words, actions, and attitudes which keep me farther from You than You want me to be.

            You have called me with countless others to be ambassadors to a world that does not know You. Cleanse me for the task, I pray. May I never forget that it is Your work, and that You alone can give me what I need to fulfill it. I bring nothing of my own; may I never become proud, as though You need what I have. It is always the other way, for I need Thee every hour. Amen.

Thursday, March 6

Texts: Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16. Exodus 5:10-23. Acts 7:30-34

Devotional Thought: Dwelling in the shadow of the almighty. Making God our refuge. Sounds like a good idea, doesn’t it? After all, shouldn’t the Maker of heaven and earth provide the best place for us to hang our hats–the place where we find safety and security while doing business in a rather challenging world?

            In today’s world (and probably in every day’s world throughout history), there are different sets of policies and procedures, rules and expectations that are placed upon us in the various facets of life we experience. The way we work, the way we participate in public life, the way we entertain ourselves, the way we raise and educate the next generation all come with particular ways of doing things. Some of these ways are compatible with the view of life given to us by our Creator; some are not. Much of the time we are unaware of the differences. But the more we “dwell” in the Lord’s Word and His ways, the more awareness we will have about the difference pleasing God and pleasing those around us.

            But it’s not as though doing things according to God’s expressed desires guarantee better acceptance in the world; as the Exodus story illustrates, it sometimes brings hardship rather than immediate blessing. Can we dwell in Him–live from the perspective of the One who knows the outcome of all things and has promised us safe passage through both life and death–even when it brings temporary hardship upon us? Lent challenges us to greater awareness of what we are doing when we simply follow the crowd.

Prayer: Dear Lord, sometimes it is hard. Sometimes it is confusing. Sometimes it is costly. Following Your will seems like the right thing, even the only thing to do; yet it comes with conflict. I want to believe, I want to trust. I hear the promise that You will provide and protect; yet at times I cannot see because the unbelieving world crushes my spirit and blinds me to the truth.

            Today, Lord, I repent of my unbelief in times that are difficult, when it becomes too easy to give in, too tempting to take my eyes off You. For the many witnesses in history who have paid higher prices for faithfulness than I have been called on to pay, I give You thanks. And I ask for the same grace to endure my own trials that You provided for them in theirs. Amen.

Friday, March 7

Texts: Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16. Exodus 6:1-13. Acts 7:35-42

Devotional Thought: How can we know whom to believe? Whose word should we trust? Does it really matter, as long as we are hearing what seems to be helpful? Does anyone really tell the truth, if there is such a thing in the first place? We hear a lot of thoughts about the way the world works, where it is going, and how to make the best of it along the way. Much of the talk about these matters can be dismissed rather easily; a little reflection can go a long way toward eliminating one idea or another. After a while, none of it sounds believable. Then what? The questions about life persist after the answers seem to have exhausted themselves.

            Today’s world, in spite of the technological changes, isn’t much different from the one depicted in the Bible. Lots of people draw crowds, create a following, a party, a movement; they claim to have the key to making everything work smoothly in the world. We tend to latch on to the ones who say the things we want to hear and argue against those who challenge those ideas. Paul reminds us that it is only the ones who point to Jesus and his kingdom that are worthy of our attention. It is then up to us to see beyond the messenger and fix our attention and set our course according to Jesus himself. He not not only speaks the truth, but is himself the truth.

Prayer: God of constant faithfulness, I ask You today for eyes and ears that are so focused on Your Word that the sights and sounds of the day will not deter my confidence in You. I ask for the strength to believe when those around me do not. I ask for courage to walk in Your way, even when it means I might do so without the companionship of those close to me.

            Forgive me, I pray, for holding too tightly to the words and opinions of the world. Sometimes they come from those who worship with me, sometimes from members of my family. When this happens, may Your Holy Spirit shout to me that Your Word alone is truth. Set my feet more firmly upon it, that I will stand firm, even if I stand alone. Amen

Saturday, March 8

Texts: Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. John 12:27-36

Devotional Thought: Our world has become very contentious. Finding common ground on controversial subjects has become rather uncommon; showing sensitivity to the needs and experiences of other people has almost ceased to seem sensible. Social media have given us the opportunity to talk to and about other people without actually facing them and choosing our words or our silence in ways that respect them. Demonizing those who are not like us has freed us from responsibility for honoring their dignity.

            Most of us really do want a better world Than the contentious one around us; and we’re tempted to suggest the solution that comes from someone who thinks the way we do about the issues of the day. But what if we lifted up Jesus instead? What if we as his followers could really trust that when we point to him, high and lifted up on a cross, he will draw people of various opinions to change their perspective and follow the eternal One rather than one of the sides we draw up for every issue? Let’s try, without concerning ourselves with whether He will come to us at the right time.

Prayer: Eternal Father, Author of time and space, hear my prayer today. It is beyond wonder that I can even come to You; for Your very being is a mystery too great to be explored. Yet You ask us to come, You tell us You know us, little as we are. And You know the times and seasons of the earth, not only concerning weather and climate, but concerning trends of politics and philosophies, history and cultures. You are never surprised.

            How foolish and selfish I am to question when and how You come to my aid, to change the things I do not like or understand. Yet I have done this. And I ask Your forgiveness. I seek a renewal of my mind, that I may grow in wisdom by seeking Jesus, the Light of the world when darkness and doubt tempt me to object to Your seeming inactivity in the face of trouble. Let me rest assured of Your perfect timing in all things. Amen.

Sunday, March 9

Texts: Deuteronomy 26:1-11. Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16. Romans 10:8-13. Luke 4:1-13

Devotional Thought: Temptation. Not a comforting word, is it? Before ever getting into specific thoughts, actions, or attitudes, the word seems to put us on the defensive. We tend to think that we’re already under suspicion when we recognize that it is happening; and it does tend to sneak up on us without a lot of warning. Spiritually, we seem to be moving along just fine until out of nowhere we are faced with a crisis of faith–am I going to follow through with a choice suddenly placed in front of me, or am I going to step back and evaluate the choice more carefully?

            Doesn’t it help to know that Jesus was also tempted? And that he showed the way through temptation? Like the Israelites to whom Moses spoke, we are called to remember who we are as God’s people. And we are so, not because of our own actions or qualifications, but because of what God has done. He called the nation of Israel; and in Christ he has called us as well, promising his own presence and power in the time of temptation. You and I might be weak; but He is not. Call on him in the time of trial and temptation.

Prayer: To come before You, O Lord, is so great a privilege; may I never forget. To have life with abundance of food, clothing, a place to live, people of peace with whom to share the goodness of the land in which we live is so great a gift; may I never presume that it is earned. To have the hope that only Christ can bring is so great a joy; may I not fail to share what I have found in Him.

            Keep me so close to Your Word, I pray, that the provisions of the earth will never overshadow the Provider in my priorities and my plans. Reinforce daily that I cannot live without the Word of the Lord, which is the Bread of Life; provoke my soul when easier but ungodly ways of obtaining what I need or want tempt me to follow another path, another voice. Forgive my sin, I pray. Amen.

Monday, March 10

Texts: Psalm 17. 1 Chronicles 21:1-17. 1 John 2:1-6

Devotional Thought: What sort of pattern have you followed with regard to a perpetual temptation, one to which you have succumbed on many occasions? Do you stress over each failure, or have you convinced yourself that it’s not really a big deal, and maybe not even a sin at all? Maybe you’ve concluded that God has run out of forgiveness for this particular problem–and so has his power to overcome it in your life. Perhaps we think that it is “only” a private matter that doesn’t affect anyone else. Therefore, you can handle it. As long as your public record looks better than the average person, you think it’s all okay. For the record, “been there, done that.”

            But there’s a better, more satisfying way. It’s found in truly taking God at his word on two counts: first, actually accepting that he will forgive confessed sin. How freeing that is! Secondly, and less joyful a thought, is that our love for God can be measured by our obedience to what he asks of us. Don’t sing, “My Jesus, I Love Thee,” while having little regard for his command, particularly the command to love one another.

Prayer: I confess, O Lord. I confess that my confidence in keeping myself true to Your ways, Your desires, and Your will is misplaced; for in You and in You alone is there grace and power to withstand the temptations that overtake me in a moment’s notice. And in You alone is there the forgiveness that I need when I fall.

            Let my mind be ever aware of the danger to myself and to others who depend upon me when I follow ideas and plans You have not ordained for my good. Your designs for life are righteous and good, whether I see their intent or not. Keep me from the foolishness of thinking that I, the clay, could know better than the potter how I should be made. I want to trust You more to create within me all that You know I can be and work through me blessing rather than hardship for those who depend upon me. Amen.

Tuesday, March 11

Texts: Psalm 17. Zechariah 3:1-10. 2 Peter 2:4-21

Devotional Thought: Who are your favorite authors, speakers, or teachers? What makes them stand out from others who do the same thing? Is it something in their words or expressions that rings true according to the Scriptures as you know them? Is it something that allows you to think in a new way about an old subject? Is it “edgy” or something that allows you to rethink your previous understanding of the Bible?

            From the first days of the Christian faith, there have been teachers. It’s a gift the Holy Spirit has provided through certain individuals whom he has selected for the task. But from the first days of the Christian faith there have also been false teachers as well as Spirit-gifted ones. The motivation for false teaching might be popularity, financial gain, or anything else that appeals to the flesh. In most cases, false teachers are people who have found ways to make the Word of God sound more appealing, and less in conflict with the thoughts and trends of the day. It appeals to the flesh, not the spirit–which will always be at odds with the flesh. Judging between true and false teachers is not always easy. But one question that can guide us is whether the conclusion of the teaching is an appeal to the flesh or to the spirit. Read much; but don’t forget to ask this.

Prayer: So many voices, O God!

            Some with truth, many with lies, some with lies pretending to speak for You, all shouting to be heard, wanting to be followed. In this age of confusion, give us ears tuned to Your Spirit’s voice, keenly aware that we need to hear things we’d rather not hear; that we need to reject some of the things we like to hear to gratify the flesh.

            Forgive me, Lord, for seeking the impossible ground of having the Spirit of life and the spirit of the age dwell peacefully together. Let me finally stand with the one whom the Accuser could not touch or disparage. Remove deception far from me, I pray. Amen.

Wednesday, March 12

Texts: Psalm 17. Job 1:1-22. Luke 21:34-22:6

Devotional Thought: In Luke’s text, Jesus tells his followers that they should not let their hearts be dulled by carousing, drunkenness, or by the worries of this life. Perhaps the first two do not pose a serious temptation for many of us (though the chasing of pleasure might be similar to carousing), the last on the list hits most people to one degree or another. We are saturated with news of one problem or another from dawn to midnight; and much of the time it is not simply to inform, but to arouse passion about the terrible things that are happening–or will happen if certain people or parties get their way. The worries of life are not confined to providing for our needs; they include the pending “crisis” on this, that, or the other front.

            Jesus does not say that crises will not occur–very bad things will happen in this world. We won’t change that fact by electing new leadership. But we must change what such news does to us. If our hopes are all located in this world, we will fret and be rendered helpless. But if we also hear his words of promise that his kingdom is coming, and that we will share in it, the fear and dread of the day’s news will not shake us. We must spend time away from the cares of the world that will crumble in order to prepare for the one that is unshakeable.

Prayer: Jesus, it’s so easy to be caught up in the things that are happening in this world. All around us are claims of business, of pleasure, of news that does not necessarily concern us–yet we tune to it, anxious to know the latest word, the newest trend, the popular opinion. We grasp and we worry, we speculate and we fret. The anxieties of life surely draw us from the sound of your voice.

Like those who came to hear you teach at the temple, I need to come to you each morning to hear your voice, that the real and present dangers that do surround me in this troubled world may be seen in the light of your truth. For only you know the end from the beginning, and only in you will all things be made right. Amen.

Thursday, March 13

Texts: Psalm 27. Genesis 13:7, 14-18. Philippians 3:2-12

Devotional Thought: What are you good at? What is that one thing that allows you to feel you are better than most in a particular area of life, be it in business, at play, in school, in crafts of any kind, or in games? We all look for this piece of life, and sometimes find our validation in it. Some people never find that one thing; others believe themselves to be better than others in multiple areas.

            God wants us to thrive; we are encouraged to do whatever we do “as unto the Lord,” which would be motivation to do things well. But in the process, we can never lose sight of the truth that everything we have–including the abilities to do all manner of things well, is ultimately not our own. We too easily take pride in what we can do. We should forget that even without these abilities, we are valued in His sight because of our standing in Christ. He gave us everything we need for life–including those special gifts and abilities–and for godliness. Our abilities give us standing among people; but only God himself gives us standing in him. That’s rather comforting as we become ill or injured or as we age and find we can no longer do the things we once did to the same level of competence.

Prayer: Sometimes, Lord, the enemies that surround me are my own thoughts, my dreams, my own plans. They take me captive and threaten to subvert my confidence that true life and true hope, true security and true value are found when I am sheltered within the truth of your word.

You have given all that I need; nothing I bring with me can make me more acceptable to you, except for my daily acknowledgement that you are what I need. Keep me true to this confession as I continue through this day. For you are sufficient. Amen.

Friday, March 14

Texts: Psalm 27. Genesis 14:17-24. Philippians 3:17-20

Devotional Thought: There’s something about us as human beings that craves attention for our accomplishments. We want someone to recognize what we’ve done. In some cases, the desire for recognition far exceeds the deserving. In other cases, there is a feeling of despair when legitimately earned accolades are not forthcoming. Maybe it’s an internal, subconscious desire to hear a parent saying, “well done! I’m proud of you.” All too often, this felt need causes people to search anywhere to find its satisfaction.

            Scripture says it in many different ways, but the idea that no one earns salvation, or a place in the kingdom of God, is clearly stated in Paul's words. Not even Abraham, nor anyone else, has entered into God’s redemption because they did something to deserve it. Abraham believed God; that was considered as righteousness, and it continues to be so for everyone since then. Do I believe what God says enough to act on it because it’s true? It is so much against the grain of our culture, where everything must be earned by whatever means of ingenuity, resolve, cleverness, or strength of will we can muster. Carrying that mindset into our relationship with God is dangerous. He has done all that needs to be done, but sometimes we’re too proud to accept that we need nothing but his grace and our humble response.

Prayer: Like Abraham, like David, like Paul, like so many of your faithful servants through many ages, my true hope, O God, is not bound to this world. It is not dependent upon circumstances or upon fortunes that rise and fall with the rising and setting of the sun. My hope is secured by the promise of the creator, not by the armies of any nation.

            Forgive me Lord, for taking my eyes off the true prize and settling for porridge now rather than the feast of the future. Let me see the challenges of the world as the temporal hurdles they truly are, for they will fade in the distance when the finish line is reached. Amen.

Saturday, March 15

Texts: Psalm 27. Psalm 118:26-29. Matthew 23:3-39

Devotional Thought: We praise people in this world more often than we realize. Why do we create such things as fan clubs or cheering sections, or watch celebrities show off the latest fashion design after these same people are praised for their creative work on film or stage? We need an autograph! We praise political leaders, band leaders, and team leaders. We even hold parades in their honor.        

            Sometimes people desire praise for their religious superiority, sometimes (but always) demonstrated by virtue of holding certain positions of authority. Jesus has some rather scathing comments about such people. The problem wasn’t that they were leaders; the problem was that their personal integrity did not match the core of the faith itself. Their desire for praise outweighed their desire to reflect the character of God.

            While it may be normal to recognize outstanding talent and performance, even among worthy religious authorities, does our praise of God exceed the level of praise we give to people? How should we praise Him? Maybe in the same way we do it with others–note the deeds, the character, and the accomplishments. It shouldn’t take long to notice the superiority of his work and character over all others.

Prayer: Praise belongs to you alone, our God and our King, our Savior and our Guide!

I confess that I bring it to you so little in light of all You are and of all You provide and promise. It is easy to give praise to those who do great things in this world, whether in creating and performing great art, solving previously insurmountable problems, answering previously perplexing questions, or excelling at feats of strength. Perhaps it shows that I think of these too much and of you too little. Set my mind upon my true hope, my sights upon my true Master. May his praise be continually in my mouth. Amen.

Sunday, March 16

Texts: Psalm 27. Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18. Philippians 3:17-4:1. Luke 13:31-35

Devotional Thought: “We don’t do it that way.”

Is that our reaction to seeing and hearing of the shameful and destructive ways of life followed by people around us? Is our response a sense of gratitude for being given a different pathway to follow, one with a far better outcome? Does it cause us to think about why we behave differently? Are there times when our own desires tend to reflect the “others” more than they reflect what we ought to be pursuing as Christians?

            Paul’s response to undisciplined ways of life–those that consider only immediate satisfaction without thought of the future–is tears. It hurts inside to see people living only for instant pleasure. He’s especially dismayed when believers act in such a manner. It shows to him that they have not sufficiently considered what lies ahead for those who are in Christ. That life will be one where bodily appetites will no longer conflict with the desire for God’s presence. He reminds us to make that hope our goal every day, beginning now rather than when we die.

Prayer: Father, your call and your promise are the deepest longing of people everywhere. You provided these for all the world. And when people strayed by following only the desire for physical pleasure, You came to us so that we might come to you and enjoy eternal fellowship, rather than merely temporary satisfaction. You invite us to live in light of that hope.

            Your call and your promise are ever before us; You’ve given us the examples of faithful people to follow. When we fail we not only lose sight of our goal, but we deter others from hearing, believing, obeying, and laying hold of the glorious hope. Forgive us, we humbly pray, for not claiming by faith the power to live in such a way that we will invite people around us to follow our example. Lead us, Lord. Amen.

Monday, March 17

Texts: Psalm 105:1-15, 42; Exodus 33:1-6; Romans 4:1-12

Devotional Thought: Have you ever entertained thoughts that turned to worry over whether you’re good enough for God? Have you ever fretted over the things you cannot do spiritually that other “stronger “ Christians do? Has it ever occurred to you that you have, in fact, done enough to secure your place among the people God will redeem. Or, conversely, that you never will? Or, perhaps, you’re so bothered by the sins you have committed that you doubt that God’s forgiveness will ever apply to you? In one form or another, most of us have had these thoughts.

            Do you realize that entertaining such thoughts amounts to disbelief? On one hand, these ideas might lead us to realize the truth about ourselves and about God; we’re absolutely right in thinking we will never be good enough, never perform sufficient good works to earn our place. But that’s exactly where God does what God has said He will do–count our faith, our belief in His unmerited grace as our only means of acceptance among His people. We can believe that God will honor His word because He has done so in large and small ways throughout history. Thus the psalmist and Paul agree that recounting what God has done in the past by fulfilling His word is sufficient evidence to believe anything else He says–including forgiving our sins and making us whole when we turn to Him in faith and believe that we are forgiven when we confess our sins.

Prayer: Lord, if my standing with You depended upon what I have done, surely I would fail. There is nothing I can do to earn your favor, except to believe what you have said. And in my believing, drive away all the thoughts and ideas that wage war against You and against what is good for Your people.

Lead me to see who You truly are as revealed in the inspired words of Scripture. Give me the courage to see myself through the lives and experiences of the people found in those same pages. For like them, I forget what You have done simply because the moment might be hard, the next step might be difficult, or the final destination might be obscured from sight. Today, remind me of Your good and perfect gifts that I might turn from seeking other goals. Amen.

Tuesday, March 18

Texts: Psalm 105:1-15, 42; Number 14:10-24; 1 Corinthians 10:1-13

Devotional Thought: Much of life has to do with balancing two equally important concerns that sometimes appear to be at odds with one another. Anyone who has raised children knows this; the desire to give them every advantage, every good thing sometimes conflicts with teaching them discipline and commitment, cost and value. Finding the balance between work and rest can also be challenging, and is seldom settled once and for all. Good things out of proportion become less good, and perhaps become detrimental. Grace and responsibility are another tough challenge for most Christians.

            Yesterday’s thought focused on believing in God’s free gift of grace. And we must believe it! But grace can too easily be seen as a license–if I’m going to be forgiven anyway, does it really matter what I do in this one instance–which becomes more than one very quickly. If we find ourselves continually craving evil things, we have a problem, as Paul wrote to the Corinthian believers. It does both our own souls–our innermost thought control center–and our neighbors’ understanding of the gospel great harm. We are witnesses of Christ. The question is whether we are good ones or not. That’s a better framework for Christians to build into their minds. Instead of asking if we can get away with something, we should ask whether the unbelievers in our influence are drawn toward or pushed away from the gospel by our actions.

Prayer: God of wisdom and power, of holiness and mercy, and of both forgiveness and punishment, I come as one clinging to the promise. You have spared your people through many rebellious actions and attitudes; you have also kept them from thinking they are above your justice, free to do as they please.

May I never think that because You forgive, You will not care about the lack of faith, the loss of hope, and neglect of Your will that tempts me in this world. Give me ears to hear, eyes to see, and a heart to serve by thinking more of Your desires and less of my wants. Forgive me, I pray, for presuming upon Your grace. Amen.

March 19th - April 1st

Wednesday, March 19

Texts: Psalm 105:1-15, 42; 2 Chronicles 20:1-22; Luke 13:22-30

Devotional Thought: What is it about us as human persons that fears the opinion of others more than almost anything else? The idea that we might be thought to be different and therefore unacceptable terrifies many of us to the point where we are constantly comparing the things we have, the styles we prefer, the shows we watch, etc. The mistaken idea that we will find acceptance by being like those around us in every visible way has derailed many Christian lives. Am I one of them? It’s one of the questions that will reveal how passionate we are about following Jesus and living in light of his presence. And the answer will come to light when Jesus appears again to open the kingdom of God forever.

            Does it bother you to think that being found among those who claimed some kind of relationship with Jesus based on only superficial contact is a real possibility? Lots of people think that attending worship, nodding at Jesus, and singing a few songs is sufficient for acceptance. But these same people are described as those who do evil. Like everyone else. It’s easy to do; it’s what everyone else is doing, and we want to be like everyone else. But the acceptance we really need, really want, is from someone who calls you and me to step outside of the well traveled path that leads to our own destruction. As we grow in the faith we should be learning to recognize more and more what it means to abhor that which is evil and cleave to that which is good.

Prayer: Jesus, I want to dwell in your house, not only on the day you close the doors forever, but now. For there alone can I find nourishment for soul, body, and mind; there alone can I learn how the ways of God are wiser, stronger, and deeper than the ways of the world.

            I confess the times when your promise and the sight of the world around me leave me confused and bewildered. What I see does not look like what you promised, and it is tempting to seek other routes to follow. Like the Israelites before Jehoshaphat, it looks like the way of the world will defeat the promise of God. In those moments, increase my trust, let me dig deeply into the wisdom that made the worlds before there was time, that does not depend on human planning or power. Amen.

Thursday, March 20

Texts: Psalm 63:1-8; Daniel 3:19-30; Revelation 2:8-11

Devotional Thought: Thankfully, there are not very many people who are called upon to risk being incinerated because they refuse to worship something or someone other than God! That’s quite a bar to measure one’s faithfulness. But did you ever wonder why it was only those three men who did not bow down at the sound of the fanfare? Were there not many Israelites who had also been taken into captivity in Babylon? Did all of them fail the test, just going along with what they were told to do, not thinking much of it? Maybe they thought it was no big deal; it wasn’t that they actually thought about worshiping the image placed before them– it was just a matter of going through a few motions and then getting on with their chores for the day.

            But Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego knew better. They had received much training in God’s Law as youths in Jerusalem, and then much more education in the palace of Nebuchadnezzar after their deportation. They knew the differences between loyalty to God and loyalty to the whims and ways of earthly rulers, and they knew that people who mattered were watching. A compromise would have destroyed their witness, and their punishment just might provide an incredible opportunity for witness. Maybe those same two thoughts should be firmly fixed in our minds as well. Knowing that people are watching and that there may be an opportunity for God to use our witness can help us to stand firm when challenges to our faith are strongest.

Prayer: Father, we all want to believe that in the day of trial and tribulation we will remain faithful. I want that, too. Yet when I see what your servants of the past were called to face, I wonder if I could walk into the fire without knowing that you would preserve my life. When I read of your judgment on the church at Smyrna, will I be found among the faithful who have withstood the temptations of the day, or with those who dishonored your name by living by the ways of the world?

            Let me live this day, I pray, knowing that how I respond in things that seem small will determine how I will handle those larger trials that will come when I do not expect them. Speak your word of life continually in my ear. Amen.

Friday, March 21

Texts: Psalm 63:1-8; Daniel 12:1-4; Revelation 3:1-6

Devotional Thought: I don’t fully understand “end times” passages in the Bible. Do you? There have been too many books, too many conferences, and far too many arguments about the subject. But there they are, plainly situated in both testaments of the Bible. So what do we do about them? Should we continue to feed our curiosity and band together with those who think like we do about them? Should we ignore them and hope no one will ask us about them? Are they just too confusing to pay much attention at all? And why are such passages given to us in a Lenten devotional anyway?

            May I suggest that we consider two important points for our lives, not just today, but everyday. First, this world as we know it will pass away; God will bring it to judgment. That fact alone should impact our thinking and our living. What we do and how we make choices will matter. Secondly, we should think far more about the impact and less about the process of Christ’s coming. Not the impact we will experience on “that day,” but the impact we can have now on whether other people will stand or fall when that day comes. We have the opportunity to shine; our Lenten thought is to repent of not letting the light shine as we should, and commit ourselves to giving light and hope to those around us.

Prayer: Lord, I want to shine. That is your desire for all of your people, that they might shine and lead others to the great light that is your presence. That light is good, true, righteous, and holy. It exposes all other forms of wisdom for the prideful and destructive ways they are. Make me wise unto salvation for the sake of those around me.

            I pray this day for discernment, so I might recognize the true, the good, and the beautiful and embrace it with all my might; and I ask for the strength and courage to reject those ideas and hidden thoughts that are false, evil, and ugly at their core. May those around me know the way more clearly because of how you live in me. Amen.

Saturday, March 22

Texts: Psalm 63:1-8; Isaiah 5:1-7; Luke 6:43-45

Devotional Thought: What more could God have done for His vineyard? The image in Isaiah asks the question of what was lacking in God’s preparation of Israel to be a shining light to the nations around them. The answer is, of course, nothing. It’s the same answer in Luke’s rendition of the words of Jesus. It’s the same answer we would have to give today; there is nothing more that we need God to do in order for us to be fruitful Christians. He wants to feed the world through us; isn’t that what fruit is for–to nourish and revitalize?

            By “fruit” Jesus is not primarily referring to souls saved by our individual witness. He is referring to actions and words that demonstrate the love He has for the world. Our lives produce some sort of residual effect on the people we encounter, both regularly and occasionally, or even just one time. What do these people receive from our lives; what goes with them after we part? Is it grace and truth; is it anything like an experience of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control? Do I make it my aim to be a welcome tree when others see me coming–a source of spiritual and emotional nourishment?

Prayer: Father in Glory, You have made us for purposes we are not fully aware of. Made to shine, made to reflect Your very own nature of love to the world, where that same image has been hidden, denied, and tarnished by choosing evil instead of good.

            Your redemptive love seeks to restore, yet it only works through those who truly know You, those who seek your heart that their own might be a copy of yours. Forgive me for the ways in which I have molded my heart around the things and the ideas that fight against Your purpose. Too much have I sought to produce for myself rather than for You, in spite of Your grace and your teaching. Father, in your mercy, forgive me I pray. Amen.

Sunday, March 23

Texts: Psalm 63:1-8; Isaiah 55:1-9; Luke 13:1-9

Devotional Thought: What do we need? What do we want? How will we obtain it? When we stop to think about it, are these not questions that drive a large percentage of our thoughts? In our day to day living we are constantly subjected to messages encouraging us to consider buying new products, new flavors, new experiences, new looks, and even new lives. If we’re not intentionally evaluating all of the offers and promises we will find it difficult to distinguish between what we truly need and what merely tickles our senses–or what will actually harm us under the guise of improving our lives.

            The best way to stay on track with our decisions about provisions is to continue coming to the waters–the refreshing, sustaining words given to us in the Bible. The more we get to know about God and His ways, the more discerning we will become in our daily efforts to live in ways that say no to unneeded distractions and yes to the life giving Spirit who seeks to work through us for His Glory.

Prayer: O God, Your wisdom surpasses ours to a greater extent than we can imagine. Your purposes are true and right, but they are hidden from our sight so often because of our very limited perspective on times and seasons and of our place within them. We lose our sense of distinguishing between our wants and our needs.

            It is never the time or the season to do that which we know to be evil or to shun that which we know to be good. It is never the right time to chase after things that separate us from You, and always right to offer ourselves and what we have for Your purposes. May Your grace be upon us so that we might seek what we truly need and follow where we truly need to go. Forgive our pretensions to knowledge, our confidence in what we can do apart from Your Spirit. Let us not doubt when truth seems so far away, and when times become difficult, and when suffering comes upon us. Amen.

Monday, March 24

Texts: Psalm 39; Jeremiah 11:1-17; Romans 2:1-11

Devotional Thought: I don’t know about you, but sometimes I am prone to forgetting that this life will end. Perhaps bodily decline reminds us now and then that not only can we no longer do the things we once did, but also that youth will not return. Even so, our planning and our concerns about the next day often fail to take into account that our true good, our true hope for goodness lies outside of this world of politics, economics, and medicine. When we think about the things we want in life, they still tend to be tied to this world a little–or a lot–more than they should.

           When we think in this way we are also drawn to solutions that can only be relevant in this world. We favor one or another political solution to what have become our biggest problems, one or another financial plan, one or another approach to medical care. And then we become dismayed, distressed, or outright angered by those who think differently about these problems of this world. We find their sins and decry them, thinking they are enemies to be defeated. The more we disagree with them, the more their faults are magnified. The Bible doesn’t give us that option. God’s people, in both the Old and New Testaments, are to judge themselves, not others. It’s a hard route to take in today’s highly charged atmosphere; but we must look inward, not outward to find what God wants us to deal with so that our true destiny, the eternal one, captures our attention.

Prayer: Lord, it’s so easy to find the faults in other people’s lives. I have heard your word, and I confess that I spend too much time thinking of the judgment it brings upon others, and too little about how the same thoughts and desires I despise in them also reside in me. I go to worship, yet only as a way of thinking of myself as being better than those who do not.

            Let me see myself more honestly today. I have nothing to offer that will place me above any other person. I cannot add to my life through anything I gain, other than your goodness, found in following the way of Jesus. I confess that I’ve poured too much of myself into things I thought would make me complete; yet they only give temporary blessing and fleeting relief for my spirit. Let me seek you, rather than the gifts you have given. Amen.

Tuesday, March 25

Texts: Psalm 39; Ezekiel 17:1-10; Romans 2:12-26

Devotional Thought: One of the most important principles of the Christian faith is that God has done everything needed for us to participate in His redemption of the world. We don’t save the world; God has already done the work needed for that to be accomplished. We can be included in that redemption and in the process that carries it forward until it is complete. We can also stand outside of it and risk missing out on the blessings His redemption will bring. We participate when we follow His law; we hinder that redemptive work when we fail to follow that law. And it doesn’t matter who it is that follows or rejects that law.

           It is far too common today for advocates of one political party to find the faults of those on the other side and magnify them. At some point, however, hypocrisy begins to appear. What is loudly condemned in people on the other side is overlooked in one’s own life, or in the lives of other people on the same side. We are so often tempted to look outward to find sin–violations of God’s law–rather than inward. And we are tempted to look inward to find virtue and goodness rather than outward. We should not hesitate to look inward to find sinful attitudes or outward to find virtuous ideas and actions. Perhaps we have thought that God’s grace has more limitations than He says it does–and more free passes than it really does.

Prayer: Father, today I thank you for the law written on the heart and for those who follow it, even though they do not worship or know who you are. Too quickly do we think that only those who have joined themselves to the church can do that which is good and resist that which is evil. Too quickly do we draw lines around those we think are acceptable to you, separated from us, and therefore of lesser value to us and to you. To the shame of your people, many times those outside the church live according to your truth more closely than those inside.

            Your love is boundless; ours is so limited. Your grace acts for the good of all; ours is often limited in its reach and to whom it will be given. Today, lead me to rejoice in righteousness wherever it may be found, in justice where it is practiced, and in love whenever it is displayed. I want to give up judgment, for that belongs to you alone; I want to give up hypocrisy, for that is my own sinful heart exposed for what it is. Forgive me for practicing it, I pray. Amen.

Wednesday, March 26

Texts: Psalm 39; Numbers 13:17-27; Luke 13:18-21

Devotional Thought: We’ve all heard and used the analogy of a glass being half-empty or half-

full to indicate whether a person is an optimist or a pessimist. The same object is described very

differently. Why? One side is looking at what is there, while the other side describes the glass in

terms of what is not there. But what if the glass is truly empty? How many would describe the

emptiness and how many would describe the potential of the glass to hold a full measure of

water if only someone will act to provide it–and believe that it will happen?

            God provides countless examples of how something virtually undetectable–a seed, a

small amount of yeast–turns into something considerably larger. We depend on it happening.

But we have a hard time believing that the faith we place in processes that we cannot see

should also be placed in God’s ability to take a little faith in him and have it turn it into significant

gains for the kingdom of God. Maybe it’s the little things that we do not do, the words we do not

say but know we could or should do and say that keep us from growing in our influence upon

those around us. The faithful investment of the little decisions into his hands, in spite of any real

or imagined opposition, will yield a big difference. When we learn that, our ability to stand in the

bigger decisions will grow accordingly.

Prayer: Ah, Lord, how often have I seen the size of the enemy while ignoring the power of My

God! How often have I said no to the tasks set before me, fearing the obstacles more than

trusting the One who called me! How great and terrible the ways of the world and how steadfast

and sure my Savior!

            Keep me closer to the Word that I might gain the confidence and certainty that the task

before me is not too great, no matter the difficulties. I want to learn first-hand the overwhelming

power of Your Spirit to overcome every hindrance that I see and others I do not. Forgive my sins

of fear and hesitation; let them not rule over me another day. Amen.

Thursday, March 27

Texts: Psalm 32; Joshua 4:1-13; 2 Corinthians 4:6-5:5

Devotional Thought: Do you ever need reminders that God is present when life goes sour?

Most, if not all of us, find it hard to be fully confident in our faith from time to time. What do we

do in those moments when questions extend into the very truthfulness of what we have learned

about God and His word to us?

            There will be voices around us telling us to give up, give in to the idea that the whole

story was fictional and that we were rather stupid to believe it in the first place. Sometimes

people who turn away from faith because they were disappointed at what God did or did not do

become the harshest, most spiteful opponents of belief–possibly because they are angry with

themselves for falling for it; they then take that anger out on those who still believe. Do we listen

to them? Or do we turn to those witnesses in the Bible, in Christian history, and in our own

circles of friends and Christian leaders who have also known hardship in their lives, yet have

only found their faith made even stronger? Who is helping to shape the responses to the

inevitable downturns experienced in this world? Difficult times do indeed make us bitter or

better; but we do have a choice of which way to turn.

Prayer: In my anxiety, my Father, I forget that You are with me. Your presence is not always

felt; sometimes I question not only whether you are there, but whether you are real. So small is

my faith. The cares of the world, the temporary triumph of evil, the veiling of that which is good,

and the momentary pain all raise doubt in my mind.

            Give me those reminders of how you have guided and protected in the past, not only in

my life, but much more in your faithfulness to others in the past, some of it recorded in the Bible

for my good, some of it reported by faithful witnesses since that time. You will not forsake; you

will be there. Please give me a growing faith that I may know this at all times. Amen.

Friday, March 28

Texts: Psalm 32; Joshua 4:14-24; 2 Corinthians 5:6-15

Devotional Thought: For most of the things we do in life that require faith, there is at least

some evidence that this faith is not misplaced. For example, we expect the bank or other

financial institution to honor its promise to pay interest on our deposits and investments, though

we don’t see it at the time we turn over the money; but there is ample evidence, based on past

the experience of many people, that the expectation is reasonable. We have faith that

medications prescribed for us will engender the chemical and physical response needed to

alleviate a physical problem; it has worked in many cases, and should work in ours as well.

            But no one, other than Jesus himself, has returned from the dead to confirm the reality of

what God has promised and what we believe on the basis of that promise. Yet we believe it to

be true. Or do we? In the case of what comes beyond the grave, there are no witnesses to the

future life who come back to confirm the experience. And because of that, it is all too easy to

dismiss the promise when holding on to it would mean letting go of something we see clearly

now. If we are going to forego something that we know or expect to be pleasurable, we had

better have a greater compensating joy waiting for us beyond this life. Walking by faith means

nothing other than making choices that limit current enjoyment for the sake of what hasn’t yet

been revealed to us. Let’s walk straight today–toward the prize that awaits after we take our

final breath.

Prayer: Oh God, I prefer walking by sight rather than by faith. I long for the concrete evidence,

the visible proof that no one can question. It seems too difficult to move forward toward that

which is unseen yet promised, intangible yet fully guaranteed.

Teach me your wisdom, Lord; teach me your ways. For all that can be seen is temporary

and can pass away in a moment. You are beyond all moments, yet present in each one of them.

Teach me your grace, Lord; for all the things that no one knows but you–things I have done,

thoughts I have entertained, words I have spoken that deny that I know you at all. For your

forgiveness I plead; for the faith that you will pardon me when I confess, I give you humble

thanks. Amen.

Saturday, March 29

Texts: Psalm 32; Exodus 32:7-14; Luke 15:1-10

Devotional Thought: When things are scarce they become more valuable; when we don’t have

much of a good thing, we guard what we do have. Losing something of value creates anxiety or

even panic; everything comes to a halt until the lost items are located. When Jesus used this

example, he did not have in mind a world in which the loss of items was met with a shrug of the

shoulders and a trip to the store or a click of the mouse to procure an easy replacement.

There’s great value in what is missing, such that things cannot return to normal until the item is

found.

            What do I value so highly that I cannot live well if it’s missing? In what things have I

invested my sense of value and purpose? What are the things I cannot live without? What would

I most miss if it were suddenly gone? When we ask these questions we begin to see where our

passions truly lie. Isn’t it astounding to think that God feels passionate about us in this same

way? One lost person–every lost person–matters to God, as demonstrated by the lengths to

which He has gone in order to find us, bring us back. You. Me.

Prayer: How I thank you, O God, that you do not give up on us! How good it is to know that you

do not act toward me as I have deserved! You forgive, not because my sin is unimportant, but

because of your sheer mercy and grace.

            Thank you for seeking when I was lost and resisted your grace that I might be found.

Thank you for enduring my rebellion, even when I knew your loving commands and sinned

nonetheless. I did not and will not deserve your goodness. May such patience, such love, such

self-sacrificing mercy become my way, for that is what you have called your people to do and to

be–loving examples of the Father’s love for those who have gone astray. Amen.

Sunday, March 30

Texts: Psalm 32; Joshua 5:9-12; 2 Corinthians 5:16-21; Luke 15:11-32

Devotional Thought: Here we are in the middle of the season of Lent–the season dedicated to

confession and repentance. We acknowledge what we’ve done wrong in our lives and we then

set out to chart a new course regarding those things that do not fit in a godly life. Much of the

time, however, we only focus on the obvious sins that people recognize. Cheating, stealing,

profane language, lustful thoughts and such are easily recognized. But when we examine our

thoughts and desires against the standards of God’s Word rather than against the commonly

accepted ways of life we might begin to see that even our way of looking at things might need to

change.

            But why bother? After all, who will notice, who will care, who will be affected? Well, we

will. The psalmist gives us an incentive to examine and repent. It’s good for us! It will increase

our joy and feeling of freedom in this life. In other words, rather than what we fear–that if we do

things differently it will detract from our enjoyment of life–confession and repentance will give us

a happier life. We can trust God to be true to His own words. Doing so will set us free for real

life, both now and in the age to come.

Prayer: Lord, I know my sins. They bring shame to me, so I try to hide them. They cause me to

run from you rather than toward you. But you know them even better than I do; you await my

confession, so that I might be found, freed, and sent to fulfill your own purpose. That alone will

bring the joy I seek.

            I worship you today. Joining my voice, my gifts, my strength, and my will with others you

have called, we are your people; we are your ambassadors, your representatives in this world.

Guided and strengthened by your Holy Spirit, may we hear your voice clearly and do its bidding

joyfully, hopefully, that the world will know you live and reign. Amen.

Monday, March 31

Texts: Psalm 53; Leviticus 23:26-41; Revelation 19:1-8

Devotional Thought: There are times in life when we are called on to do the right and reject

the wrong; and we expect that goodness and blessing will result from choosing correctly

between the two. But it doesn’t always happen that way, at least not in our present experience.

The truth is that evil will seem to triumph and hardship is the outcome of being faithful. There

are many faithful believers who can attest to that, both around the world today and throughout

history. What good did faith do them?

            Before we get too wrapped up in talking about just how terrible the perpetrators of

persecution and derision are, we need to pause and think about what they do not know, or what

they do and do not believe. If we do this, we might find that there is sometimes a thin line

between what “they” believe or reject and what we could very easily have believed or rejected.

And the only factor that separates us from the other side of that line is the grace of God; and the

only reason we believe nonetheless is that the promise of God is not going to be fulfilled until

the age to come. Before that time we might know many blessings. But they are not to be

confused with what lies ahead, both for us and for those who have felt the full force of evil in this

world. Count your blessings; but count as most important the promise of what lies ahead, even if

all of the others are taken from us.

Prayer: Two things I long to remember so that they might guide me all the days of my life, O

God. Keep them ever before me, I pray.

            Let me never forget that it is You who brought me out of sin, sorrow, and self. I ask for

those markers which will continually return me to your saving work in my life, and even more to

the cross through which you have saved all who have gone their own way. Life outside your will

is hopeless; inside there is assurance that you do reign and will do so forever.

            And let me never forget that the final word has yet to be spoken, the final foe has yet to

be defeated, the last challenge to faith has yet to be met–but that the cross, resurrection, and

ascension of Jesus combine as the sure and certain proof that all shall be well in the time to

come. Until then, keep me in your care. Amen.

Tuesday, April 1

Texts: Psalm 53; Leviticus 25:1-19; Revelation 19:9-10

Devotional Thought: It’s difficult for us to comprehend how different the economy of today is

from that of the Israelites who first received the Law of Moses. We are trained from our early

years to gather wealth for ourselves, to build that financial nest egg so that we can take it easy

and enjoy many things when we retire, then pass it on to our children. And indeed, Paul wrote

much later that he who does not provide for his family is worse than an unbeliever. What can we

learn, then, from the economic instructions God gave to His people preparing to enter the

Promised Land?

             Well, perhaps this: We have a responsibility to those who have fallen into poverty and

misfortune. The year of jubilee was to provide a reset, a fresh start for everyone; there was to

be no endless cycle of poverty for some and excessive wealth for others. The riches of the land

were to be shared, even while some would prosper more than others for a time; they were

placed in the hands of people to use responsibly. It was God’s land. It belonged to him, and

never to the people. How does that relate to today’s world? Maybe it’s about our attitude toward

what we have and why we have it. Do we honestly see what we have as God’s, placed in our

hands as stewards–managers–of a portion of the riches of the earth? Is there anything you or I

need to see differently about building and distributing our accounts when we answer that

question? Do we see an excessive passion for gaining more without a true desire and plan to

share more?

Prayer: How slowly do we learn, O Lord, that the earth and all its riches, whether from crops or

investments, from cattle or from industry, are truly yours. We receive them in trust, honoring

both you and our neighbors by sharing the goodness of the earth with those in need. May we

not be found hoarding and holding for ourselves what you have given for all.

            Today I pray for a way of life that gratefully receives your good and perfect gifts, and for

a heart to give and provide for those around me as you do. Forgive me for planning how to

spend all of what you have given without regard for the needy ones who have stumbled along

the way through injury, illness, or the callousness of others. I want to relinquish the thought that

anything is truly mine; I admit that the thought is harder to give up than I knew. Amen.

April 2nd - 8th

Wednesday, April 2

Texts: Psalm 53; 2 Kings 4:1-7; Luke 9:10-17

Devotional Thought: Did you ever wonder how your needs would be met? Did you ever worry about even a single day’s provisions for yourself or your family? Many of us have gone through times when the outlook was bleak. Maybe the day or week ahead things seemed to be fine, but what about next month, next year, a few years ahead, and then there’s retirement to consider? How will I make it?

            Yet here we are. Provisions were there all the way through to this very day. What seemed insufficient proved to be just enough, and probably more than enough. All of the worry we put into the process provided none of what we needed; yet God brought us through, sometimes behind the scene, sometimes clearly demonstrating that he alone was responsible for bringing us through the lean times. Have we learned to trust God so that we will not despair over the things we need now and in the future? Can we say with conviction, ”Lord, here’s what I have; you know what I need”? Do we need to repent of our lack of faith?

Prayer: Lord, I have depended so much on what I see, on what makes sense, and on what experts say in meeting my needs. While you work for our good through many means, your provision is not bounded by what we think we have, what we think we know, and what we think we shall have in the future.

            Today I give you thanks for meeting all of my needs, sometimes in surprising, unexpected ways. And I offer to you what seems so small in the face of overwhelming need in our world today. Our resources are limited, but your power is boundless to use them beyond our imagination. Like the widow with nothing but a little oil, like the disciples with only a few small loaves and fish, teach us to trust you when we place what we have in your hands. Amen.

Thursday, April 3

Texts: Psalm 126; Isaiah 43:1-7; Philippians 2:19-24

Devotional Thought: What sort of friend have you been to those around you? How do you measure faithfulness to those who count on you? Do you measure up to the kind of faithfulness that God provides when times get tough? As we continue to consider the depth of our passion for God, the measure of our passion for people also comes into focus; for we are to be imitators of God in this world. We are his representatives.

            Perhaps we have not fully come to grips with the truth about the world we live in–bad things happen to people. Hardship falls on us, on people we know, and on people we do not know. And God does not instantly resolve every difficulty. Whether it is personal, related to the church as a whole, or even national, it happens. And God walks with us. He does not always remove us from the trouble, but he is there to endure with us so that we will come through the trial. Do we do the same for other people? Or are we like the “others” Paul mentioned in contrast to Timothy, caring only for themselves in hard times? Are we not only trusting God to carry us through, but also becoming more like him when people we see are suffering along with us?

Prayer: Someday, Lord, I may learn to fully rely upon you, no matter what is going on in the world around me. You have brought me safely thus far, and I trust you to complete the journey of life with me as I seek to focus more on your interests than on my own safety.

            I confess that in spite of where you have led me or allowed me to wander, I still fear the fire and the flame, the wind and the water that threaten me in this world. The temptation to doubt your goodness and even your presence comes upon me whenever things become difficult. You did not promise to shield your people from the storms of life, but that you would walk through them with us. Jesus walked through it all, and now His Spirit is ever with us. Open my ears and eyes to his presence; then teach me to walk as he did so that those around me can see what he is like. Amen.

Friday, April 4

Texts: Psalm 126; Isaiah 43:8-15; Philippians 2:25-3:1

Devotional Thought: Did you ever feel small because your name is not well known? Have you never done anything worthy of mention from generation to generation? We live in an age of celebrity. People seem to crave knowing the details about the lives of people they will never meet personally because they have accomplished something deemed to be important. Sometimes Christians follow the same pattern, even with people within the Christian circle.

            While outstanding service to the kingdom of God is worthy of mention as an example of how to be faithful to our Lord and his people, it can also leave us feeling that what most of us do is insignificant. That’s simply not true. The cup of cold water, the faith sized like a mustard seed, the kindness extended to someone in need, the encouragement of someone feeling defeated–all acts in the pattern of a guy named Epaphroditus. This man did nothing worthy of the historical record of great contributions; yet Paul put his name in the record because he remained consistent in his service to others, enabling Paul and his associates to do the work given to them. He was “just” a messenger and personal assistant. Yet his name lives on in the biblical record. What he did mattered, and so do our seemingly small acts of kindness and assistance toward those with other duties. Like Paul. Am I faithful in little things so others can do what they are called to do?

Prayer: Throughout the years, O Lord, you have called upon people great and small, well known and long forgotten, men and women, young and old to talk about what you have done. Some of them have pointed to the marvels of nature you have designed; some have spoken of the mighty acts you have performed in history; some have received and studied the Scriptures that they might show us your will and your ways that we might live faithfully.

            But all of those who have named Jesus as Lord and have received the gift of the Holy Spirit, and have allowed him to guide, protect, instruct and correct, are given the simple task of telling other people what you have done in their lives. That includes me, and I ask for greater effectiveness as I tell those I know what a difference you have made. Amen.

Saturday, April 5

Texts: Psalm 126; Exodus 12:21-27; John 11:45-57

Devotional Thought: Has there ever been a time in your life when you thought you had done something well–until you found out otherwise? Maybe what at first gave a sense of pride of accomplishment turned into an utter sense of shame when you saw the work done on the same task by someone who was really good at it. A drawing, a piece of writing, a cake, a hand-crafted item–it could be anything. The perspective on “good” changes when we see the best. Then what becomes of our efforts?

            When it comes to how we manage our sense of moral goodness, it is shocking to find that there’s no remedy we can manufacture to undo the mess we’ve made. The only remedy the Bible provides is an ugly, sickening display of how awful our sin really is. While it’s not the whole story that is told in the pages of Scripture, it is there just enough for us to know the cost of our forgiveness. The passion of God for us has provided what is needed. Why it is needed–are we really that bad?--is a mystery we can only gaze into partially. But it should be more than enough to encourage us to walk as purely as possible. Instead of questioning God about that fact, the only response we should make is a life of confession and gratitude.

Prayer: It is hard to understand. O God of all knowledge and all holiness, your judgments are true and right; your decisions stand firm above all our questions and objections. Yet we seek to comprehend, in order to follow more closely.

             How is it that the death of a lamb was used to signify your desire to forgive and to cleanse? It seems so cruel, so inhumane, that an animal should die before sin is considered purged from the human soul. How much more so that Jesus should be likened unto a lamb? And how awful the sight, even from so great a distance as stands between us and the first century in Palestine! Yet we are told it was necessary; we do not understand. Is it to show to us the severity of our sin? If this is so, may I never again count my failures as insignificant. Lead me to true repentance. Amen.

Sunday, April 6

Texts: Psalm 126; Isaiah 43:16-21; Philippians 3:4-14; John 12:1-8

Devotional Thought: Both individual Christians and congregations can become proud of what they have done. It doesn’t start out that way, but the almost inevitable desire for recognition, coupled with our penchant for comparisons make it difficult to resist the temptation to identify those traits, qualities, accomplishments, abilities, and appearances that will distinguish us as having arrived–we’ve “made it,” at least in comparison with other people or other churches. When we think we have found that one thing, we are tempted to latch onto it as our qualification to some imagined status.

             Paul lists some of the things he had once relied upon as his credentials. It’s an impressive list for his day. But he counts it as garbage. The only qualification he wants to have is that Christ died for him. That’s the same qualification every believer has and the only one they will ever need–which puts all believers on the same footing as bearers and sharers of God’s grace. The humble servant can have great impact for the kingdom; the smallest of congregations can impact communities and cultures. They do it not by achieving, but by believing they matter to God and live accordingly.

Prayer: There are two things I want to learn today, my Father, as I come to this your word. I have heard them before, I have believed them in my mind, but I find myself in constant peril of forgetting one or the other.

             Let me never think that I have done anything that has earned a place in your care and in your kingdom. I thank you for the gifts you have given and for the joy and privilege of acting out of your grace for the sake of those who see and hear me. Let those gifts never become a source of pride.

             And let me never think that my life is so small, my gifts so few that it will not matter whether I use them as you desire for purposes you alone know. Forgive me for thinking my voice, my hands, my heart–my faithfulness–are unimportant. And please forgive me for acting as though they were. Amen.

Monday, April 7

Texts: Psalm 20; Exodus 40:1-15; Hebrews 10:19-25

Devotional Thought: Yesterday’s devotional thought was sobering, to say the least. Once we accept the full weight of the truth about our sin and the cost of our salvation from it, however, the other side of the same truth comes into focus. We shouldn’t expect this side to matter to our souls until we face the side of ugliness; but once we do, we are ready to truly rejoice in the side that promises so much beyond our deserving. What God has done truly is more than enough to cover the terrible messes we make when we fail to listen to him and honor him by saying a loud “no” to temptations. We can truly let go of the lingering guilt and have fellowship with him.

               The stronger our sense of God’s grace in spite of our confessed sin, the stronger will be our confidence in his power when life becomes difficult. And that is bound to happen in this world, where Jesus himself said we will have trouble. He also told us not to fear because not only has he paid for our sin, but that he has overcome the world. We increase our confidence in that victory over all earthly barriers when we come together with fellow forgiven people to encourage one another to face adversity with faith, brokenness with wholeness, despair with promise, and loneliness with true community. We don’t meet together primarily for God’s benefit or for our own; we do it to build the faith of one another in a world that will continue trying to knock us down.

Prayer: Lord, it’s easy to believe when things are going well, and your blessings are in full sight, your people surround me, and the sound of music springs from the soul of a great congregation. Yet such belief is only possible if we have it forged in the difficult times of life.

            Lead me through each day in full awareness that you are with me whether the victory over the world is in front of me or behind me; for a new battle with sin, the flesh, and the devil is sure to find me. Forgive me for not trusting enough in the pain of those moments, and for forgetting too soon the times you’ve brought me through in the past. I want to know you in both moments. Amen.

Tuesday, April 8

Texts: Psalm 20; Judges 9:7-15; 1 John 2:18-28

Devotional Thought: There seems to be a great temptation to make the gospel of Jesus Christ more acceptable to the world. After all, wouldn’t it be better to focus on the ideas we have in common with people outside the faith, and leave behind the divisive concepts Christians insist on? That’s a very appealing thought in a world where conflict seems to rule the day; and many people in the church have embraced it. Have you?

             As Christians, we should indeed seek to reduce the hostility that abounds; we are not people looking for a fight. We are told to be at peace with everyone, at least insofar as it depends on us. But the quest for unity with everyone will fall when we hold to the one concept we cannot deny and remain biblical Christians–the divinity of Jesus. And that means that he is and will always be unique among all the religious persons who have come and gone in the world’s history. No other figure has made the claims made by and about Jesus; no one else has died for our sins and restored us to fellowship with God. Denying these truths places us outside the true faith. Today let us commit to loving the world in his name and for the sake of its redemption; the only way to do this is to hold to the one who alone is the way, the truth, and the life. Hold tight!

Prayer: O God of constant faithfulness and eternal promise, may I know your true words more fully each day. There are so many voices calling out to be followed, so many paths inviting us to walk on them, so many tunes asking that we sing them, so many sights begging us to behold. I need your voice, your light, your truth above them all.

             May your spirit attend my reading and hearing of your word so that I may hold to that which is good and right, and reject all that is deception and temptation to go astray. Many people try to please the ear so that your word sounds more and more like the ideas of the world; give me discernment, I

pray. I confess that I spend too little time engaging in the study of your word.

April 9th - 14th

Wednesday, April 9

Texts: Psalm 20; Habakkuk 3:2-15; Luke 18:31-34

Devotional Thought: “Someday you’ll understand.” Do you remember hearing those words when you were young? Perhaps there was a threat to the well-being of the family, community, or nation. How did it feel to hear not only that the threat was real, bad things might indeed happen, but that it’s all for the best? Could you actually hear what was said after the reality of disaster was imminent?

            The Israelites in the days of the prophet Habakkuk were hard pressed by a foreign threat that was about to destroy the nation. His prayer was that God would do what he had done before–save the nation in ways that no one could have imagined and which no one could avoid seeing God’s hand at work. For the disciples, who had invested everything in following Jesus, hearing him say he was going to be taken into custody and then executed was more than they could process. So much so that they didn’t hear the outcome of resurrection and a bigger victory than they could imagine.

            When we face hard times, whether financial, political, or personal, is our faith in what God has done and has promised to do in spite of any and all difficulties we will encounter strong nonetheless? Can we hear the final outcome of joy in his kingdom and rejoice in what is yet to come?

Prayer: There are many times we long to see the mighty acts of God. Our world–your world–seems so out of order that we long for you to come, act decisively, and chase away all that conflicts and confounds us, all that wars against the soul and takes strength from our spirits. The world doesn’t feel good, and we do not like it. We don’t want to see wars and storms, we fear when evil seems to be triumphing over good.

            You do come, though not as we might expect. You do act, though not always for our comfort. You came most emphatically in Jesus and his cross–the last thing we asked for, but the first thing that we needed. And we need him still. When I pray, may I be praying for Jesus–his spirit, his way, his strength in suffering and trial–so that I may share in his victory. Amen.

Thursday, April 10

Texts: Psalm 31:9-16; Isaiah 53:10-12; Hebrews 2:1-9

Devotional Thought: Did you ever suffer consequences for something you did not do, punishment for acts you did not commit? How harsh were those undeserved incidents of unrighteous suffering? In our culture we seem to be obsessed with everyone getting fairness or “equity.” But that’s not possible, especially when we can’t agree on just what those concepts entail. We always find someone on the short end of the stick; and we really feel anger when that someone is us. When that happens we want to find a way to rectify the injustice, which is then seen as retaliation–which, of course, initiates another reaction from those who see our “just retaliation” as an aggressive injustice against them.

            There are many aspects to the suffering of Jesus; they are worth pondering. But today let’s focus on what Jesus went through as unjust, undeserved suffering–of an unimaginably excruciating kind. He endured it willingly, knowingly. And in doing so he not only took our punishment (praise God!), but also gave himself up as an example of how God can use even the most horrific incidents of suffering as redemptive opportunities. In other words, by yielding to the forces of evil he was able to show us that nothing the world dishes out is stronger than God’s desire and power to turn around for glory. Carry that thought when life seems unfair.

Prayer: Suffering precedes glory. Father, you designed it this way that we might know the seriousness of sin, the tragedy of following other masters; yet you also teach us that no sin or tragedy will have the final say over us in this world. Though moments may last days, even years, they will be gone in an instant when you come to our aid.

            You do not answer our questions about where evil comes from; instead you defeat it in the cross of Jesus. He came, knowing there would be great pain in order to gain the greatest joy for all who turn to him. Forgive me Lord, for thinking too little of the cross. When I see it more clearly, the unfairness in my life seems far less significant than it did before. Keep me close to that cross in all its cruelty, I pray. Amen.

Friday, April 11

Texts: Psalm 31:9-16; Isaiah 54:9-10; Hebrews 2:10-18

Devotional Thought: I’m not sure that there is a more striking phrase in the Bible than what we find in Heb. 2:15. Jesus, by becoming one of us and experiencing the limitations and temptations common to human life, set us free from the fear of death. How many people there are who live limited lives because of that fear! How they chase after every new breakthrough in longevity research, exercise programs, meditative practices, and self-help guides that guarantee longer life! And how we fear what others will do to us if we stand for Christ. Fear of death paralyzes so many people, including some who are in the church.

            Have you fully embraced the promise of God, considering the lengths to which He has gone to set you free? Not just a home in heaven, but a life today that is fully confident that no matter what may happen, the best is yet to come. That’s what he has given if we will only grasp hold by faith. Instead of thinking about the good things in this world that we have experienced but no longer can expect to have again, then sorrowing over their loss, our sights can be fixed on something infinitely better than we could ever know in this world. Jesus suffered much so that you and I can live with this outlook. Take hold!

Prayer: Your help, O God, is extraordinary! You do not simply give us what we ask–you give us yourself in Jesus, the Christ. Let me always remember when in temptation that Jesus, too, was tempted. He knows how to come alongside me because he felt the pull of the tempter. He shared in the limitations of the flesh and overcame all of them by obedience to your will, O Father.

            Today I confess that the fear of death still strikes me at times. Forgive my feeble faith, and give me the confidence that Jesus still considers me as a brother. Free me, I pray, from that fear that leads me to fall into sinful thoughts, words, and deeds; and let me hold fast to this brother like no other that has ever been known. Amen.

Saturday, April 12

Texts: Psalm 31:9-16; Leviticus 23:1-8; Luke 22:1-13

Devotional Thought: Do you notice that there are two preparations mentioned in the Luke 22 reading for today? And Jesus knew about both of them. The first preparation was for evil, as it was precipitated when “Satan entered into Judas Iscariot;” the second was the preparation for the Passover observance at which Jesus would inaugurate the observance of what we call “The Lord’s Supper.” He even knew how this observance would come about, where the provisions would be found, and how they would be obtained. At that supper we also find that Jesus knew what Judas was preparing to do with the leading priests and teachers of religious law. So what?

            Among the many possible lessons to be learned in this contrast in preparations–one to thwart God’s purpose and one to fulfill it–is that nothing in this world takes God by surprise, including the plans from the Evil One. A second is that God knows what He will do about those plans to overthrow them and turn them inside out. The devil got the death he thought he wanted; but not the outcome. Another important lesson is that there is human involvement in both plans. Judas and the leaders to whom he presented himself on one hand, the other eleven disciples on the other. We must remember that we have invitations to participate in evil as well as in the good, redemptive purposes of our Lord. Choose wisely today.

Prayer: What a gift you have given, O God, in providing us with the capacity for memory! For you allow us to mark where we have been in order to see where we’re going. And we can recall what you have done along the way, not only for ourselves but much more for your people through all ages. We must remember so that we might trust. But we also recall why it was necessary–our joining in the work of the devil when we sin.

            You have given signs that guide us to remember rightly. Bread and wine as body and blood, given that we might remember the death and also the resurrection of Jesus, whereby we are saved. As I enter into the week of the Passion of Jesus, bring to my mind all that he endured, I pray. Forgive me, O Lord, for taking lightly what you have done for mankind, including for my own soul. Amen.

Sunday, April 13

Palm Sunday

Texts: Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29; Isaiah 50:4-9; Philippians 2:5-11; Luke 23:1-49

Devotional Thought: There were a lot of things going on when Jesus rode the streets of Jerusalem on the back of a colt. There was the fulfillment of prophecy, there was the anticipation of political deliverance, there was the preparation of the true enthronement of the true king, there was the vindication of all the prophets of Israel. And there was deception, misunderstanding, celebration, confusion, and general desire to know just what was going on, what all the fuss was about.

            In that crowd were many people who had their own ideas of what should happen in Jerusalem, about who should rule, about how the seats of honor should be assigned, and about how things should be run. And when it didn’t turn out that way for these latter folks they turned on Jesus and encouraged others to do so as well. Jesus went from being a means to an end to an unwanted, fraudulent pretender who had to be removed. This very attitude can sneak into our thinking as well. If Jesus is seen as a means to some other political or social end, he will inevitably be discarded and discredited at some point down the line. He is here to save. On God’s terms. For God’s purpose. Nothing can interfere, not even the harsh treatment from those with other objectives.

Prayer: Ah, Lord God, such a simple and beautiful prayer from Isaiah!

The world today has so many words and so little sense, so many speeches and so little wisdom. The world tells us to raise our own voices, claim our own rights; it tells us to shut out the ones we don’t want to hear, and belittle those that disagree. It celebrates its desires and demands that we go along. Too often have we followed.

            Lord, we repent. Our prayer, our aim, is to be instructed by the spirit of the one who endured the unwarranted suffering, the unjustified abuse, the undeserved death. For he is the only one who truly knows and is the way, the truth, and the life. Only through him can we give a word that builds and sustains in a world that tears down and destroys; only through him can we hear the cries beneath the shouts, and the words of life in a world of death. Open our ears, Lord we pray. Amen.

Monday, April 14

Texts: Psalm 36:5-11; Isaiah 42:1-9; Hebrews 9:11-15; John 12:1-11

Devotional Thought: Keeping up a good appearance matters more to many people than does actually being good. Being concerned for how one looks to the outside world, or to those within a smaller group, means the focus is actually on self, not on the task one is given to do. In today’s gospel reading, it goes a step farther by using one’s status as an acknowledged “good guy” to hide something very evil from the outside world. It happened in Judas; it happened among the leaders of priests.

            Perhaps you and I are not hiding things like theft and plans for murder from the public eye by filling roles in church and society (we certainly hope not!); but are we too easily drawn to look at the outward appearances of position or reputation so that we miss true virtue and godliness where it often resides? Mary and Lazarus are the examples we should look to, not the ones who speak most loudly and boldly about how righteous they are. And it is their simple faith and honoring of Jesus that receive the commendation of the Lord, even while being condemned by the self-righteous.

Prayer: How hard it is to find justice in this world, O Lord! We look for the right people, we look for the right systems, we look for the best way to punish evil and to reward good. We try to correct the wrongs of the past and prevent more of them from happening in our time. We truly long for righteousness to prevail. Yet for all of our attempts to reform and our protests against what is wrong, justice eludes us.

You alone, O God, are true and right in every judgment; for you alone know every thought and intention of the heart, the destruction we cause by our inattentiveness to the good and by our lack of concern for those we do not know. Lead us–lead me–to seek you and no other in the search for what is good and right. Forgive me for assuming your place as judge. Amen.

Tuesday, April 15

Texts: Psalm 71:1-14; Isaiah 49:1-7; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; John 12:20-36

Devotional Thought: As we walk through the final days of the day-to-day life and ministry of Jesus, we come to the announcement by Jesus himself of his impending destiny on a cross. Such a spectacle caused considerable confusion among those who were following him, hoping or even believing that he would be the solution to their plight under the iron grip of Roman rule. Some of them thought he might actually be the promised messiah. But that caused a problem in their minds, because they could not conceive of a crucified messiah. How could he live forever if he was about to be executed? His answer: trust me; stay with me. He didn’t say, “Don’t worry, I’ll rise from the dead;” he simply said to stay the course, in spite of what appears to be its defeat.

             We live on the other side of the resurrection–we know what will happen. But we do not live on the other side of all the difficulties and challenges thrown at us by life in a fallen, broken world. Or do we? It’s really up to us to follow the direction Jesus gave and continues to give–trust me, follow me, especially when life’s unfairness and injustice are about to swallow us. True life is on the other side of whatever power is threatening our lives in the present age. Don’t look at the problem more than you look at the one who invites you to walk through it with him. He has the experience to take you through.

Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, as I think about the last week of your time of walking among the people of Palestine I am filled with many thoughts and conflicting emotions. You did so much, you taught so much about the Father by what you did as much as by what you said. You displayed the nature of the Father and revealed the nature of our fallen race. You walked directly into the enemy, yet his triumph over you was only apparent. You trusted your Father and the mission.

            I confess that my trust is not as strong; my faith is not as pure; my reliance upon the Father in the time of greatest danger is not as steadfast. Perhaps my conviction of final victory is not as firm as was yours. Come to my aid, O Lord. Strengthen my faith as I read again the trials you endured to bring us salvation. Amen.

April 16th - 19th

Wednesday, April 16

Texts: Psalm 70; Isaiah 50:4-9; Hebrews 12:1-3; John 13:21-32

Devotional Thought: It’s very difficult to face the reality that someone who has been close to you is turning against you. It’s even worse when that person will not only abandon you, but cause real harm in the process. It’s not just the end of a relationship; it’s the beginning of a painful path ahead. You see it coming; you cannot change it. Jesus knows.

            Not only does Jesus know your situation as one seeing it from afar; he knows it as someone who has experienced it in his own life. When Christian theology says that God became a human person, it isn’t simply in the sense of having a physical body. It’s in the sense of experiencing life physically, emotionally, and spiritually. He had all the different sorts of encounters we experience, joyful and sad; he knows. Perhaps there is no more clear an example of this than when he walked through those final days, fully aware of where things were leading. Including betrayal. It was part of the endurance of which Hebrews 12 speaks. If you are under the weight of betrayal or abandonment, remember him and all the believers who trusted him to bring the truest joy to fulfillment. In the process, you become on of those witnesses to the power of his presence.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the many witnesses to your grace, your power, and your great salvation! They do, indeed, surround your people, and they have done so in all ages, through all manner of challenge, through all threats of danger. They knew the greater joy of the kingdom, the joy for which Jesus endured the cross and all its pain.

            Lord, I want to be included in those who witness to what you have done and to what you have in store for those you save. Yet at times I have betrayed you rather than proclaimed you; and it brings me shame. I try to hide it, I try to deny that I’ve done it, but I want to give up the excuses and turn my thoughts, words, and deeds into ways to echo that crowd of witnesses. Forgive me. Heal me. Use me, I pray. Amen.

Thursday, April 17 Maundy Thursday

Texts: Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19; Exodus 12:1-14; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; John 13:1-17, 31-35

Devotional Thought: It seems like a strange name for this day of the Christian calendar–Maundy Thursday. What does it mean? Why is it to be remembered as such? How does it inform my faith–and my repentance within that faith? The meaning is quite simple. “Maundy” comes from the Latin word for law. What does the law have to do with the observance of The Last Supper, which is reenacted on this day in many different ways and settings?

            The act of communing with consecrated bread and cup is not the law, but it does enact the fullest expression of the law. After the conclusion of the supper itself, Jesus gave the new law, the commandment to love one another as he has loved them. The depth of that love was the very giving of himself over to a very gruesome death for their sake–and ours. Now his followers were to give themselves to love one another, holding nothing back. As we come toward the conclusion of a series of thoughts centered around repentance, perhaps the greatest thought we can have about repenting has less to do with specific acts we have committed than it does with the insufficiency of our love, our passion for the Lord and the people in our lives. We should always receive the emblems of Communion with love most firmly in our minds and in our hearts; it’s the law he gave us.

Prayer: You tell us, Lord Jesus, to eat the bread and drink from the cup in remembrance of You. So much to remember! For you knew first hand what we experience in our lives in this world. You know excruciating pain of both body and soul; you know betrayal, abandonment, injustice, being misunderstood, wrongly charged with evil. Help me to remember this when I face those things which rob me of joy, And help me to remember that none of these could finally separate me from the Father’s love and salvation.

            O, give me this bread, give me this cup, and give me a heart to thank you with my devotion to your will and your ways, to fulfilling the vows I have made as your follower. Forgive me for chasing after that which does not and cannot satisfy; redeem me from following after those who promise without loving us and giving themselves for all. Amen.

Friday, April 18 Good Friday

Texts: Psalm 22; Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Hebrews 10:16-25; John 18:1-19:42

Devotional Thought: Nothing should be added to the story of Jesus going to the cross. Read it slowly, carefully, prayerfully.

Prayer: Lord, I am speechless under the shadow of the cross. I repent. Amen.

Saturday, April 19

Today is different. Follow below

Thought: It’s the day between. Good Friday has concluded; Jesus is in the tomb; Sunday is yet to come. There is no gospel text to guide our thoughts on this day, but there is a very poignant passage for the day in Hebrews 4, the latter portion of which is below:

11 Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience. 12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

            I can’t imagine what it must have been like to be among the disciples of Jesus the day after. And the day before. Except they only knew about the former. Everything in which they had invested had gone south, and very quickly at that. The unimaginable series of events had landed them in a place where the only possible conclusion was that they had lost it all. And how would they ever hope to be rehabilitated into the world they had left, the one they had rejected in exchange for a vague but very compelling vision from a man like no other–who was now dead. Talk about needing some downtime.      Today, we would probably add “and a therapist.”

            The text in Hebrews speaks of those who fell short of entering into God’s rest due to disobedience. But it also tells us that even the promised land of Canaan was not the final rest of which God had spoken. There were “rests” along the way toward the final Sabbath rest. God knows we need them. They clear our thoughts, allowing us to debrief, reflect, and refocus. Sometimes they come at pivotal points, where we seem to have every reason to turn around, turn away, and perhaps even turn against God because of the failure of the plan we thought we knew, the one for which we had signed up. At the very least, it forces us to ask ourselves again just what it was that we expected from this relationship in Christ. Before us is the specter of many who had failed and bailed at these junctures; but there are also those, like the disciples of Jesus, who wondered just as much, but stayed the course long enough to receive the unbelievably good news.

            Our “Saturdays” of disappointment and confusion are real, and sometimes they are long. Just as with the disciples, God knows when to end them with His powerful intervention. The one He was to provide Easter morning is proof enough that he does redeem the times of rest if they are endured with hope, even while uncertainty dominates the moment. He knows when and how to raise the dead.