Month: February 2019

Wednesday Morning: 13 Feb 2019 – John 12:12-33 ~ We want to meet Jesus.

Wednesday Morning

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening (Collect for Purity)

Almighty God: to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid; cleanse the thoughts of my heart through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, that I may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name, through Christ my Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – John 12:12-33 (NLT)

Jesus’ Triumphant Entry

The next day, the news that Jesus was on the way to Jerusalem swept through the city. A large crowd of Passover visitors took palm branches and went down the road to meet him. They shouted,

“Praise God! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hail to the King of Israel!”

Jesus found a young donkey and rode on it, fulfilling the prophecy that said:

“Don’t be afraid, people of Jerusalem. Look, your King is coming, riding on a donkey’s colt.”

His disciples didn’t understand at the time that this was a fulfillment of prophecy. But after Jesus entered into his glory, they remembered what had happened and realized that these things had been written about him.

Many in the crowd had seen Jesus call Lazarus from the tomb, raising him from the dead, and they were telling others about it. That was the reason so many went out to meet him—because they had heard about this miraculous sign. Then the Pharisees said to each other, “There’s nothing we can do. Look, everyone has gone after him!”

Jesus Predicts His Death

Some Greeks who had come to Jerusalem for the Passover celebration paid a visit to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee. They said, “Sir, we want to meet Jesus.” Philip told Andrew about it, and they went together to ask Jesus.

Jesus replied, “Now the time has come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory. I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives. Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity. Anyone who wants to serve me must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me.

“Now my soul is deeply troubled. Should I pray, ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But this is the very reason I came! Father, bring glory to your name.”

Then a voice spoke from heaven, saying, “I have already brought glory to my name, and I will do so again.” When the crowd heard the voice, some thought it was thunder, while others declared an angel had spoken to him.

Then Jesus told them, “The voice was for your benefit, not mine. The time for judging this world has come, when Satan, the ruler of this world, will be cast out. And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.” He said this to indicate how he was going to die.
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Morning Reflection:

Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem was certainly sensational. Jesus himself orchestrated the event that he knew would put him on a collision course with the religious authorities. Palm Sunday began Jesus’ journey to the resurrection.

Everyone wanted to see Jesus, but how many would follow him?

Jesus attracted a huge crowd, but what were they hoping to see?

+ The promised King of Israel – the one who would throw off Roman rule, and resurrect the Davidic Kingdom?
+ The miracle worker – the one who raised Lazarus from the dead, and even Lazarus himself in the parade?

Everyone wanted to see Jesus, but who were they?

+ The crowd – Passover visitors who heard the news and came out to see what was going on.
+ The curious – Greek Jews in town for Passover, who wanted to meet Jesus personally.
+ The committed – Disciples, and close friends, who believed in Jesus, but had no idea where all this would lead.

And how many would follow Jesus to the end?

Those who love their life in this world will lose it.
Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity.
Anyone who wants to serve me must follow me,
because my servants must be where I am.
And the Father will honor anyone who serves me.
– John 12:25-26

Ordinarily, Palm Sunday is a cause for celebration and rejoicing. But John’s account and the subsequent reading leaves me with a profound sense of sadness – sadness for Satan’s grip on this world, sadness for the clueless people he came to save, sadness for the necessity of Jesus having to endure the torturous cross, and sadness for every disciple who takes up his/her own cross and follows Jesus – it’s not an easy path to follow. But it is the path that leads to eternal life.

“Now my soul is deeply troubled.
Should I pray, ‘Father, save me from this hour’?
But this is the very reason I came! Father, bring glory to your name.”
– John 12:27-28

Questions for consideration:

  • What do you expect from Jesus? Please explain.
  • Can you remember when you first met Jesus? Please explain.
  • What would it mean for you to “care nothing for [your] life in this world?” What would you lose? Please explain.
  • Can you remember a time when you followed Jesus down a path that didn’t want to go? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

Lord Jesus: Less of me, and more of you. Give me the courage of my convictions – that, empowered by your Spirit, I may walk in your footsteps and carry the cross you have given me – all to the honor of your Name. Amen.
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“Lead Me to the Cross” – Hillsong

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Closing:

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, and protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Tuesday Morning: 12 Feb 2019 – John 12:1-11 ~ the price of devotion

Tuesday Morning

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening (Collect for Purity)

Almighty God: to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid; cleanse the thoughts of my heart through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, that I may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name, through Christ my Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – John 12:1-11 (NLT)

Jesus Anointed at Bethany

Six days before the Passover celebration began, Jesus arrived in Bethany, the home of Lazarus—the man he had raised from the dead. A dinner was prepared in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those who ate with him. Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance.

But Judas Iscariot, the disciple who would soon betray him, said, “That perfume was worth a year’s wages. It should have been sold and the money given to the poor.” Not that he cared for the poor—he was a thief, and since he was in charge of the disciples’ money, he often stole some for himself.

Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. She did this in preparation for my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”

When all the people heard of Jesus’ arrival, they flocked to see him and also to see Lazarus, the man Jesus had raised from the dead. Then the leading priests decided to kill Lazarus, too, for it was because of him that many of the people had deserted them and believed in Jesus.
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Morning Reflection:

In an act of selfless devotion, Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume during a dinner held in his honor. The occasion was Jesus’ return to Bethany prior to entering Jerusalem for the celebration of Passover.

Everyone was there – Mary, Martha, Lazarus, family friends, and the disciples (including Judas). And in the middle of it all, Mary expresses her love, and devotion, and gratitude to Jesus – uniquely, in her own way. And for this she paid a price –

+ Her finances – the perfume was worth a year’s wages. How much would that be in today’s currency? How long would it have taken her to save enough to purchase it? How long would it take for you to save a year’s wages?

+ Her pride – foot washing duties were assigned to servants. But Mary took it a step further by anointing Jesus’ feet, and then wiping his feet with her hair. Mary “let her hair down” without embarrassment or concern for what her guests might think.

+ Her reputation – Judas’ virtue signalling was couched in concern for the poor, when in fact he was the one skimming from the community purse. Disdaining Mary’s devotion to Jesus, he demeaned her reputation to enhance his own.

But Jesus would have none of it:

Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. She did this in preparation for my burial.
You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”
– John 12:7-8

Mary’s devotion to Jesus was costly – finances, pride, and reputation. And so it is today.

Questions for consideration:

  • Do you consider yourself devoted to Jesus? Please explain.
  • Can you think of a time when your devotion has been costly? Please explain.
  • How do your finances relate to your devotion to Jesus? Please explain.
  • How does your pride relate to your devotion to Jesus? Please explain.
  • How does your reputation relate to your devotion to Jesus? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

Lord Jesus: I confess that I hold myself in reserve in my devotion to you. My finances are held in reserve for emergencies and retirement. My pride inhibits me from worshiping you with abandon in public. My concern for what others will think inhibits me from speaking the truth, even in love, to those who might disagree. Please forgive me and set me free from my reserve and inhibitions that I might delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.
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“All To Jesus I Surrender” – Robin Mark

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Closing:

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, and protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Monday Morning: 11 Feb 2019 – John 11:45-57 ~ Miracles and Unbelief

Monday Morning

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening (Collect for Purity)

Almighty God: to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid; cleanse the thoughts of my heart through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, that I may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name, through Christ my Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – John 11:45-57 (NLT)

The Plot to Kill Jesus

Many of the people who were with Mary believed in Jesus when they saw this [Lazarus raised from the dead] happen. But some went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. Then the leading priests and Pharisees called the high council together. “What are we going to do?” they asked each other. “This man certainly performs many miraculous signs. If we allow him to go on like this, soon everyone will believe in him. Then the Roman army will come and destroy both our Temple and our nation.”

Caiaphas, who was high priest at that time, said, “You don’t know what you’re talking about! You don’t realize that it’s better for you that one man should die for the people than for the whole nation to be destroyed.”

He did not say this on his own; as high priest at that time he was led to prophesy that Jesus would die for the entire nation. And not only for that nation, but to bring together and unite all the children of God scattered around the world.

So from that time on, the Jewish leaders began to plot Jesus’ death. As a result, Jesus stopped his public ministry among the people and left Jerusalem. He went to a place near the wilderness, to the village of Ephraim, and stayed there with his disciples.

It was now almost time for the Jewish Passover celebration, and many people from all over the country arrived in Jerusalem several days early so they could go through the purification ceremony before Passover began. They kept looking for Jesus, but as they stood around in the Temple, they said to each other, “What do you think? He won’t come for Passover, will he?” Meanwhile, the leading priests and Pharisees had publicly ordered that anyone seeing Jesus must report it immediately so they could arrest him.
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Morning Reflection:

Miracles and Unbelief

Seeing is not always believing, as we discover in today’s reading. The religious leaders acknowledged that Jesus was performing “many miraculous signs.” But saw these signs as a threat to their authority, rather than a manifestation of the “glory of God.”

“The glory of God is when we know what He is.”
“We never truly glory in Him until we have utterly discarded our own glory…
whoso glories in himself glories against God.”
– John Calvin (“Institutes”)

Let’s follow Calvin’s line of reasoning –

If we believe Jesus to be the Word of God, the Lamb of God, the Son of God, our Savior and our Lord, we will then recognize Jesus’ signs and wonders as an affirmation of his identity and a manifestation of God’s glory. And, like John the Baptist declare: “He must increase, but I must decrease.”  – John 3:30

However, if we’re intent on maintaining our power, or wealth, or position, or fame, we will then see Jesus’ signs and wonders as a threat to our self-importance, and deny Jesus’ identity and any manifestations of God’s glory that draw attention away from us. And so the religious leaders declare: “If we allow him to go on like this, soon everyone will believe in him.” – John 11:48

So what is the root of unbelief? It’s our human propensity for self-aggrandizing – making ourselves look good, and attempting to draw attention to ourselves , e.g. “What can I do to get more followers on Twitter, or Facebook?” “Who will tell me how wonderful I am today?” “Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all?”

But in the end there is only One who is the fairest of them all, and the only thing left for self-aggrandizing unbelievers to do, is to kill him.

Questions for consideration:

  • Can you think of people in the news who you would describe as “self-aggrandizing unbelievers?” Please explain.
  • How do they affect your culture? How do they affect believers? How do they affect you? Please explain.
  • Can you think of a way that you can decrease, so that Christ can increase? How would that manifest God’s glory? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

God of Wonders: Transform us by the power of your Word and Spirit – that Christ might increase in us, and our propensity for self-aggrandizing might decrease – so that you alone might receive the glory due your name. Amen.
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“Fairest Lord Jesus” – New Life Worship

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Closing:

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, and protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

The 5th Sunday of Epiphany – 10 Feb 2019 – Luke 5:1-11 ~ fishing for people

Fifth Sunday of Epiphany

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Opening Prayer

Most holy God, the earth is filled with your glory, and in your presence angels stand in awe. Enlarge our vision, that we may recognize your power at work in your Son and join the apostles and prophets as heralds of your saving word. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
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“Let It Rise” – Holland Davis 1999

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Gospel Reading: Luke 5:1-11 (NLT)

One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. He noticed two empty boats at the water’s edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there.

When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.”

“Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking.

When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me—I’m such a sinful man.” For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed.

Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!” And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus.
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Prayers of Intercession:

O Lord our God: Show us your unfailing love! And strengthen us in truth and righteousness that all the peoples of the earth might recognize your glory and sing your praises. We pray especially –

+ For all who preach your Word, that they may do so faithfully and consistently, without fear or hesitation….
+ For all who teach your Word, that they may strengthen your people in truth and understanding….
+ For all who hear your Word, that we may grow in faith and obedience, bearing witness to the good news of your saving grace….
+ For all who suffer abuse or violence, that they may receive protection and experience your loving-kindness….
+ For all victims of human trafficking, that they may be delivered from evil and their lives restored….
+ For all who are sick, especially for friends and loved ones in hospitals or nursing homes, that we may be bearers of your light and life to them….
+ For all who have died in Christ, that they sing your praises with the angelic host for ever and ever….

O Lord our God: your faithfulness knows no bounds; no one is beyond the reach of your mercy and loving-kindness. Send us out into the world as heralds of your good news, and ministers of your salvation and peace – through Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in unity with the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever Amen.
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” Not Afraid” – Jesus Culture

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Blessing – Ephesians 3:20-21

Now to him who is able to do far more than all that we ask or imagine, according to his power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Saturday Morning: 09 Feb 2019 – John 11:28-44 ~ Jesus wept.

Saturday Morning

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening (Collect for Purity)

Almighty God: to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid; cleanse the thoughts of my heart through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, that I may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name, through Christ my Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – John 11:28-44 (NLT)

Then she returned to Mary. She called Mary aside from the mourners and told her, “The Teacher is here and wants to see you.” So Mary immediately went to him.

Jesus had stayed outside the village, at the place where Martha met him. When the people who were at the house consoling Mary saw her leave so hastily, they assumed she was going to Lazarus’s grave to weep. So they followed her there. When Mary arrived and saw Jesus, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died.”

When Jesus saw her weeping and saw the other people wailing with her, a deep anger welled up within him, and he was deeply troubled. “Where have you put him?” he asked them.

They told him, “Lord, come and see.” Then Jesus wept. The people who were standing nearby said, “See how much he loved him!” But some said, “This man healed a blind man. Couldn’t he have kept Lazarus from dying?”

Jesus was still angry as he arrived at the tomb, a cave with a stone rolled across its entrance. “Roll the stone aside,” Jesus told them.

But Martha, the dead man’s sister, protested, “Lord, he has been dead for four days. The smell will be terrible.”

Jesus responded, “Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believe?” So they rolled the stone aside. Then Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, thank you for hearing me. You always hear me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they will believe you sent me.” Then Jesus shouted, “Lazarus, come out!” And the dead man came out, his hands and feet bound in graveclothes, his face wrapped in a headcloth. Jesus told them, “Unwrap him and let him go!”
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Morning Reflection:

What moves Jesus to tears?

In today’s reading, Jesus displays a range of human emotions that move him to tears. Mary comes out to greet him accompanied by friends weeping and wailing over the death of Lazarus.

“If only you had been here….” she laments. (vs 32)

And how did Jesus respond?

When Jesus saw her weeping and saw the other people wailing with her,
a deep anger welled up within him (he was angry in his spirit),
and he was deeply troubled. (vs 33)

Then Jesus wept. (vs 35)

We don’t know exactly why Jesus wept, but we do have some clues –

+ Love for his friends Mary, Martha, and Lazarus – Jesus, the Man of Sorrows, understood and fully entered into their pain and suffering.

+ Dismay over their unbelief – Jesus, the Son of God, sent by God to bring eternal life to those who live and believe in him.

+ Anger over the scourge of sin and death – Jesus, the Lamb of God, who would defeat sin and death once and for all on the cross.

Perhaps you can think of some other reasons that Jesus was moved to tears. But one thing is certain – Jesus freely joins us in our deepest pain and suffering to bring help, and healing, and hope; and to display the glory of God.

Questions for consideration:

  • Can you remember a time when you thought “if only Jesus had been here…?” Please explain.
  • Can you remember a time when you knew that Jesus was there with you in your pain and suffering? Please explain.
  • What is the most difficult (seemingly impossible) circumstance you are currently facing? Can you trust Jesus to use it for your good and God’s glory? What do you think that might look like? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

Lord Jesus: Surround us with your Loving-kindness, and fill us with your Spirit that we might understand who you are and hold on to your promises, especially in our times of pain and suffering. Thank you for your great love for us. Thank you for holding on to us forever. Thank you for your gift of eternal life. Increase our faith that we might trust you in every circumstance and recognize the display of your glory. For your name’s sake we ask it. Amen.
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“In God We Trust” – Hillsong Worship

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Closing:

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, and protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen