Thursday Morning: 16 May 2019 – Mark 10:32-52 ~ on serving and suffering

Thursday Morning

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

Opening (A Collect for Guidance – Thursday)

Heavenly Father, in you we live and move and have our being: We humbly pray you so to guide and govern us by your Holy Spirit, that in all the cares and occupations of our life we may not forget you, but may remember that we are ever walking in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – Mark 10:32-52(NLT)

Jesus Again Predicts His Death

They were now on the way up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. The disciples were filled with awe, and the people following behind were overwhelmed with fear. Taking the twelve disciples aside, Jesus once more began to describe everything that was about to happen to him. “Listen,” he said, “we’re going up to Jerusalem, where the Son of Man will be betrayed to the leading priests and the teachers of religious law. They will sentence him to die and hand him over to the Romans. They will mock him, spit on him, flog him with a whip, and kill him, but after three days he will rise again.”

Jesus Teaches about Serving Others

Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came over and spoke to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do us a favor.”

“What is your request?” he asked.

They replied, “When you sit on your glorious throne, we want to sit in places of honor next to you, one on your right and the other on your left.”

But Jesus said to them, “You don’t know what you are asking! Are you able to drink from the bitter cup of suffering I am about to drink? Are you able to be baptized with the baptism of suffering I must be baptized with?”

“Oh yes,” they replied, “we are able!”

Then Jesus told them, “You will indeed drink from my bitter cup and be baptized with my baptism of suffering. But I have no right to say who will sit on my right or my left. God has prepared those places for the ones he has chosen.”

When the ten other disciples heard what James and John had asked, they were indignant. So Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Jesus Heals Blind Bartimaeus

Then they reached Jericho, and as Jesus and his disciples left town, a large crowd followed him. A blind beggar named Bartimaeus (son of Timaeus) was sitting beside the road. When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus of Nazareth was nearby, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

“Be quiet!” many of the people yelled at him.

But he only shouted louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

When Jesus heard him, he stopped and said, “Tell him to come here.”

So they called the blind man. “Cheer up,” they said. “Come on, he’s calling you!” Bartimaeus threw aside his coat, jumped up, and came to Jesus.

“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked.

“My Rabbi,” the blind man said, “I want to see!”

And Jesus said to him, “Go, for your faith has healed you.” Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus down the road.
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Morning Reflection:

on serving and suffering

In today’s reading, Jesus set his course for Jerusalem, fully aware of what awaited him. Those following him were both amazed and fearful, because Jerusalem was a place of intense conflict between Jesus and the religious authorities – a place of danger, and condemnation to death.

But Jerusalem was also the place where Jesus would fulfill his purpose as the Suffering Servant –

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others
and to give his life as a ransom for many.” – Mark 10:45

Still, the disciples didn’t comprehend what was ahead of them and preferred to focus on a coming physical kingdom. And Jesus continued to teach them and train them for the ministry that would eventually be entrusted to them. How?

+ Jesus gave them the clearest picture of his passion and resurrection to date. The disciples heard what he said, but couldn’t wrap their minds around it.

+ Jesus explained that service and suffering were the marks of greatness in his coming Kingdom, after his example. The disciples quickly agreed, but had no idea of the martyrdom they would eventually face.

+ Jesus explained that the Father would determine who would receive the positions of authority and honor in the messianic kingdom. Jesus had a job to do, the rest was left to the Father.

+ Jesus healed blind Bartimaeus in response to his recognition of Jesus as the Messiah, and his plea for mercy. And Bartimaeus followed him, in faith, to Jerusalem.

Questions for consideration:

We have an advantage over the disciples – the Bible gives us the whole story and 2000 years of church history records how it has worked out.

How does the passion of Christ inform your understanding of what it means to follow Jesus? Please explain.
When you decided to follow Jesus (if you have), did you consider the personal cost to you? How has your understanding changed over time? Please explain.
How do you handle the authority that God has given you – at home, work, church, neighborhood? Do you run a “tight ship” telling people what to do? Please explain.
How do you reconcile your authority with sacrificial service? What would you have to set aside in order for sacrificial service to be your priority today? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

The Persecuted Church: Prayer for churches to rise up:

Lord Jesus: Awaken your church to the critical needs of believers around the world who are suffering calamity and great persecution. Grant that we would be faithful in prayer, and generous in our giving for physical support. Rally your church around those who are suffering for your name’s sake. And empower us by your Spirit to engage our political leaders, especially here in America, in order to remind them that Christian persecution is a real issue that must be addressed in our time. I ask this in your name, and for the Father’s glory. Amen.

My Prayer:

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner. Open my eyes to see you as the One who died that I might live. Fill me with your Spirit that I might humbly and faithfully fulfill the ministry you have given me. And give me your heart, the heart of a servant, putting the needs of others before my own. All to the glory of our Father. Amen.
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“Man of sorrows” – 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

Wednesday Morning: 15 May 2019 – Mark 10:17-31 ~ the handicap of wealth

Wednesday Morning

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

Opening (A Collect for Grace – Wednesday)

O Lord, our heavenly Father, almighty and everlasting God, you have brought us safely to the beginning of this day: Defend us by your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin nor run into any danger; and that guided by your Spirit, we may do what is righteous in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – Mark 10:17-31 (NLT)

The Rich Man

As Jesus was starting out on his way to Jerusalem, a man came running up to him, knelt down, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

“Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked. “Only God is truly good. But to answer your question, you know the commandments: ‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. You must not cheat anyone. Honor your father and mother.’”

“Teacher,” the man replied, “I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.”

Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. “There is still one thing you haven’t done,” he told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

At this the man’s face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.

Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God!” This amazed them. But Jesus said again, “Dear children, it is very hard to enter the Kingdom of God. In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!”

The disciples were astounded. “Then who in the world can be saved?” they asked.

Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.”

Then Peter began to speak up. “We’ve given up everything to follow you,” he said.

“Yes,” Jesus replied, “and I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News, will receive now in return a hundred times as many houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and property—along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life. But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then.”
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Morning Reflection:

The Handicap of Wealth

Jesus looked around and said to his disciples,
“How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God!” – Mark 10:23

Ordinarily, we think of wealth as being an advantage in life – if for no other reason than it makes life easier. But not so, when it comes to the Kingdom of God. Jesus identifies wealth as a handicap to receiving eternal life. His encounter with the rich young ruler is instructive.

+ The young man approached Jesus earnestly and respectfully, but viewed eternal life from the perspective of work rather than faith. “What must I do?”

+ The young man viewed himself as a “good person,” and perhaps saw his success as God’s reward. But something was missing, and he sensed it.

+ Jesus loved the young man enough to tell him the truth. His reliance on wealth as a measure of self-worth was a handicap to following Jesus, to inheriting eternal life.

+ The young man couldn’t let go, and walked away – sad and empty. His value system and world view had been turned upside down.

The problem that Jesus addresses in this encounter is not that there is something inherently wrong with wealth, but rather that wealth (or anything else we rely on to measure our self-worth) is a handicap to following Jesus and, consequently, going to heaven.

Questions for consideration:

Do you see yourself as a “good person,” living a generally moral, decent life? Please explain.
How does your response impact your relationship with Jesus? Do you consider it a help, or hindrance? Please explain.
What is preventing you from drawing closer to Jesus? What would it cost you to “give it away,” so to speak? Please explain.
Have you given up everything to follow Jesus? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

The Persecuted Church: Prayer for the families and loved ones of those being persecuted:

Heavenly Father: Comfort the families that are affected by the persecution of their loves ones. Open up safe channels and opportunities for them to support and/or visit those who are imprisoned, or otherwise detained. Empower them by your Spirit to remain faithful to you and to their loved ones, even as they wait patiently for deliverance and release. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

My prayer:

Heavenly Father: Without your mercy and grace, I am hopelessly crippled – relying on the artificial props of this world to keep me standing. But the very things I lean on to keep me upright are the very things that prevent me from leaning entirely on you – my strength and my hope. Give me the courage and faith to “give up everything” to follow Jesus. Help me to understand what that means in my everyday life. And replace any sadness I may feel with the joy and freedom that comes from trusting Jesus with my life. I ask this in his Name. Amen.
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“All My Hope” – Crowder

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Closing:

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

Tuesday Morning: 14 May 2019 – Mark 10:1-16 ~ let no one split apart what God has joined together

Tuesday Morning

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

Opening (A Collect for Peace – Tuesday)

O God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries, through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – Mark 10:1-16 (NLT)

Discussion about Divorce and Marriage

Then Jesus left Capernaum and went down to the region of Judea and into the area east of the Jordan River. Once again crowds gathered around him, and as usual he was teaching them.

Some Pharisees came and tried to trap him with this question: “Should a man be allowed to divorce his wife?”

Jesus answered them with a question: “What did Moses say in the law about divorce?”

“Well, he permitted it,” they replied. “He said a man can give his wife a written notice of divorce and send her away.”

But Jesus responded, “He wrote this commandment only as a concession to your hard hearts. But ‘God made them male and female’ from the beginning of creation. ‘This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.’ Since they are no longer two but one, let no one split apart what God has joined together.”

Later, when he was alone with his disciples in the house, they brought up the subject again. He told them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries someone else commits adultery against her. And if a woman divorces her husband and marries someone else, she commits adultery.”

Jesus Blesses the Children

One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him.

When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them.
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Morning Reflection:

“‘God made them male and female’ from the beginning of creation.
‘This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife,
and the two are united into one.’ Since they are no longer two but one,
let no one split apart what God has joined together.” – Mark 10:6-9

Concerning Preparation for Holy Matrimony
Anglican Church in North America

Marriage is a lifelong covenant between a man and a woman, binding both to self-giving love and exclusive fidelity. The rite of Holy Matrimony is a worship service of the Church, in which the couple exchanges vows to uphold this covenant. They do this before God and in the presence of witnesses, who pray that God will bless their life together.

The covenantal union of man and woman in marriage signifies the communion between Christ, the heavenly bridegroom, and the Church, his holy bride (Ephesians 5:32). While all do not marry, Holy Matrimony symbolizes the union all Christians share with their Lord.

In Holy Matrimony, God establishes and blesses the covenant between husband and wife, and joins them to live together in a communion of love, faithfulness, and peace within the fellowship of Christ and his Church. God enables all married people to grow in love, wisdom, and godliness through a common life patterned on the sacrificial love of Christ.

Questions for consideration:

Are you married, or have you ever been married? Were you married before God in a church? Please explain.
As a married person, which of these best describes your relationship: partners in prayer, strength in need, counselors in perplexity, comforters in sorrow, and companions in joy? Please explain.
As a married person, are you growing in love and devotion to Christ and with one another? Please explain.
As a married person, when you hurt one another, do you have the courage to recognize and acknowledge your faults, to seek God’s forgiveness, and to forgive and be reconciled to your partner? Please explain.
As a married person, how could you make your marriage more like the relationship between Christ and the Church? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

The Persecuted Church: Prayer for those who are doing the persecuting:

Merciful God: Open the eyes and soften the hearts of the people who have brought unfathomable suffering and abuse upon Christians around the world. Remind us again that you sent your Son to save the whole world, and that you don’t want anyone – even these people – to perish. I ask this in Jesus’ name, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

Pastoral Rite (Anglican Church in North America): Blessing of Marriage:

Most gracious God, we give you thanks for your tender love in sending Jesus Christ to come among us, to be born of a human mother, and to make the way of the Cross to be the way of life. We thank you, also, for consecrating the union of man and woman in his Name.

By the power of your Holy Spirit, pour out the abundance of your blessing upon every man and woman united before you in the bond of marriage. Defend them from every enemy. Lead them into all peace. Let their love for each other be a seal upon their hearts, a mantle about their shoulders, and a crown upon their foreheads.

Bless them in their work and in their companionship; in their sleeping and in their waking; in their joys and in their sorrows; in their life and in their death. In your mercy, bring them to your heavenly banquet where your saints feast for ever at the great marriage supper of the Lamb; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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“Make Us One”

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Closing:

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

Monday Morning: 13 May 2019 – Mark 9:30-50 ~ on the job training

Monday Morning

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

Opening (A Collect for the Renewal of Life – Monday)

O God, the King eternal, whose light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the morning: Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having done your will with cheerfulness during the day, we may, when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – Mark 9:30-50 (NLT)

Jesus Again Predicts His Death

Leaving that region, they traveled through Galilee. Jesus didn’t want anyone to know he was there, for he wanted to spend more time with his disciples and teach them. He said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of his enemies. He will be killed, but three days later he will rise from the dead.” They didn’t understand what he was saying, however, and they were afraid to ask him what he meant.

The Greatest in the Kingdom

After they arrived at Capernaum and settled in a house, Jesus asked his disciples, “What were you discussing out on the road?” But they didn’t answer, because they had been arguing about which of them was the greatest. He sat down, called the twelve disciples over to him, and said, “Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.”

Then he put a little child among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, “Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes not only me but also my Father who sent me.”

Using the Name of Jesus

John said to Jesus, “Teacher, we saw someone using your name to cast out demons, but we told him to stop because he wasn’t in our group.”

“Don’t stop him!” Jesus said. “No one who performs a miracle in my name will soon be able to speak evil of me. Anyone who is not against us is for us. If anyone gives you even a cup of water because you belong to the Messiah, I tell you the truth, that person will surely be rewarded.

“But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone hung around your neck. If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It’s better to enter eternal life with only one hand than to go into the unquenchable fires of hell with two hands. If your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It’s better to enter eternal life with only one foot than to be thrown into hell with two feet. And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out. It’s better to enter the Kingdom of God with only one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, ‘where the maggots never die and the fire never goes out.’

“For everyone will be tested with fire. Salt is good for seasoning. But if it loses its flavor, how do you make it salty again? You must have the qualities of salt among yourselves and live in peace with each other.”
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Morning Reflection:

on the job training

“Leaving that region, they traveled through Galilee.
Jesus didn’t want anyone to know he was there,
for he wanted to spend more time with his disciples and teach them.”
– Mark 9:30-31a

The disciples had a lot to learn, as today’s reading reveals. Three of them had seen his glorified, risen presence on the Mount of Transfiguration, and still they didn’t understand the suffering dimension of his mission. And the others struggled with weak faith as they attempted to cast out an evil spirit in his name.

They were not yet ready for prime time, so Jesus devoted himself to their on-the-job training. What are some of the takeaways in today’s reading that can help us?

+ Expect betrayal and suffering: The forces arrayed against the advance of God’s Kingdom are both within the church and outside of it. Followers of Jesus Christ can expect misunderstanding and persecution.

+ Go to the back of the line: It’s not about our fame, or greatness. Followers of Jesus must take on his servant mindset, putting other’s needs before their own. And they must humble themselves, serving the least among them, even a little child.

+ You’re not the only game in town: God is at work through other followers of Jesus who are outside of your circle of friends. The defining mark is believing in Jesus, and working in his name. Expect to be surprised.

Questions for consideration:

Have you ever suffered for following Jesus Christ? If so, what was the source? If not, why not? Please explain.
What is your role as a follower of Jesus Christ – at home, at work, at church? Do you consider yourself a servant? How does that work out? Please explain.
Typically in the U.S. we pass many churches on the way to our own. What is your attitude towards them? Have you ever been surprised by what God is doing outside of your church, or tradition? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

The Persecuted Church: Prayer for Christians in the midst of persecution:

Heavenly Father: I pray for Christians suffering persecution and hardship because of their faith. Meet them in their deepest sorrow and comfort them. Strengthen them in faith that they may continue to follow you, and empower them with your Spirit to respond in love to the evil shown by their persecutors – that doors will open to share the Good News of your Kingdom. I ask this in Jesus’ name, who lives and reigns with you in unity with the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

My Prayer:

Heavenly Father: Give the me the humility and teachability of a little child, that I may be eager to learn from your Word and Spirit. Grant me the courage to speak the truth in the face of opposition, and to live faithfully as a follower of Jesus. Give me a servant’s heart to consider the needs of others before my own, that I might find peace and joy at the back of the line. Surprise me with your wonder-working power displayed by those I might least expect. And thank you for sending your Spirit to live in me, through faith in your Son, Jesus Christ – who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.
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“Build My Life “ – Pat Barrett

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Closing:

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

4th Sunday of Easter, 12 May 2019: Psalm 100, John 10:22-30 ~ “The Father and I are one.”

The Fourth Sunday of Easter

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

Opening Prayer:

Safe in your hand, O God, is the flock you shepherd through Jesus Christ your Son. Lead us always to the living waters where you promise respite and refreshment, that we may be counted among those who know you and follow you. We ask this through Jesus Christ, the resurrection and the life, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
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“Psalm 100 (Enter In)” – People & Songs

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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 100 (NLT)

Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.
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A Reading from the Gospels: John 10:22-30 (NLT)

Jesus Claims to Be the Son of God

It was now winter, and Jesus was in Jerusalem at the time of Hanukkah, the Festival of Dedication. He was in the Temple, walking through the section known as Solomon’s Colonnade. The people surrounded him and asked, “How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”

Jesus replied, “I have already told you, and you don’t believe me. The proof is the work I do in my Father’s name. But you don’t believe me because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.”
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Intercession:

Good Shepherd: You have given us your Son, Jesus Christ, to lead us, protect us, and provide for all our needs. Hear the cries of all those belonging to your flock –

+ For those you have appointed to lead us here on earth, that they may follow the example of your Son, Jesus Christ…. Lord, hear us.
+ For young people you have chosen as future leaders of your people, that they may follow the example of your Son, Jesus Christ…. Lord, hear us.
+ For believers who are facing persecution today, that may have courage and receive your protection and provision…. Lord, hear us.
+ For Christians, Jews and Muslims, that we may live together peacefully and cooperatively, with just treatment for all…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those suffering from depression, that they may know they are loved by you and move from Darkness into Light…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those in any kind of need (physical, emotional, spiritual), that they may have the tender support of their believing friends…. Lord, hear us.

Good Shepherd: Your loving care brings us safe through the trials of life, hear our prayers we ask, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.
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“Psalm 23 (I Am Not Alone)” – People & Songs

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Closing Declaration: – Psalm 23:6

Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.

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

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