Month: June 2019

Wednesday Morning: 05 Jun 2019 – Hebrews 1:1-14 ~ Jesus is God’s Last Word!

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 – Hebrews 1:1-14(NLT)

Jesus Christ Is God’s Son

Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he created the universe. The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven. This shows that the Son is far greater than the angels, just as the name God gave him is greater than their names.

The Son Is Greater Than the Angels

For God never said to any angel what he said to Jesus:

“You are my Son. Today I have become your Father.”

God also said,

“I will be his Father, and he will be my Son.”

And when he brought his supreme Son into the world, God said,

“Let all of God’s angels worship him.”

Regarding the angels, he says,

“He sends his angels like the winds, his servants like flames of fire.”

But to the Son he says,

“Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever. You rule with a scepter of justice. You love justice and hate evil. Therefore, O God, your God has anointed you, pouring out the oil of joy on you more than on anyone else.”

He also says to the Son,

“In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundation of the earth and made the heavens with your hands. They will perish, but you remain forever. They will wear out like old clothing. You will fold them up like a cloak and discard them like old clothing. But you are always the same; you will live forever.”

And God never said to any of the angels,

“Sit in the place of honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet.”

Therefore, angels are only servants—spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation.
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Morning Reflection:

Jesus is God’s Last Word

Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets.
And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. – Hebrews 1:1-2a

Background:  Most likely written before the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem in 70 AD by an unidentified apostle (or close associate) to Jewish believers living outside of Israel. The author’s purpose is to urge these Jewish believers to persevere in their faith rather than turning from Christianity and returning to Judaism.

The Superiority of Christ: Today’s reading establishes that –

+ Jesus Christ is God’s final revelation – superior to all who have gone before Him.
+ Jesus Christ is the heir of all things – all things are under His authority.
+ Jesus Christ is the agent of God’s creation – God made everything through Him.
+ Jesus Christ is the radiance of God’s glory – as revealed in His transfiguration.
+ Jesus Christ is the exact representation of God’s nature – God’s duplicate in human form.
+ Jesus Christ upholds all things by the word of His power – His word is the greatest force in the universe
+ Jesus Christ made purification of sin – by His self-sacrifice as a sin offering on the Cross and by His work as the ultimate priest.
+ Jesus Christ sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high – after His ascension, Jesus now sits ruling at the Father’s right hand in heaven.
+ Jesus Christ is superior to any other of God’s messengers, even the angels.

Questions for consideration: Hebrews Chapter One give us a lot to think about.

  • Which of the statements about Jesus is a new idea for you? Please explain.
  • Which of the statements about Jesus is an encouragement to you? Please explain.
  • Which of the statements about Jesus challenges you? Please explain.
  • Do you believe that Jesus’ Word is the greatest force in the universe? What does that mean for you in your everyday life? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer: 

Life Support Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, in you we have a living hope: Reveal yourself to those for whom life seems overwhelming and have become weary of waiting for an answer. Stir their hearts to a lively resurrection of hope that cannot be put down. And, empower and equip believers to reflect your welcome, love, and care to all they meet who may tend toward despair. I ask this for your Name’s sake. Amen.

My Prayer:

Almighty Lord God: Thank you for revealing yourself to us through your Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ –

+ Who made all things and has authority over all things….
+ Who holds everything together through the power of His Word….
+ Who shows us who you are in a form we can understand….
+ Who radiates your glory to us and through us….
+ Who sacrificed His life for our sins….
+ Who was raised from the dead and now sits at your right hand….
+ Who will come in glory to judge the living and the dead….
+ Whose Kingdom will have no end….

Oh the wonder of it all, we can hardly take it all in. Give us wisdom and understanding as we read through the Book of Hebrews, that our lives might be transformed by the power of your Word, and that we might love and serve you with greater faith and perseverance than ever before. I ask this in Jesus’ name, and for your glory. Amen.
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“The Ascension” – Phil Wickham

This is the start of something amazing
A moment when heaven touches earth
Here in our hearts, Lord we are waiting
For something that’s far beyond what we have seen or heard

Let us start the ascension
Let’s begin the climb
Up this holy mountain
Where Your glory shines
Further up, further in
Just to be with You again
Let us start the ascension

We’re fixing our eyes on glory and fire
Your name is branded on our hearts
You are the source of all we desire
Nothing can hold us back, we’re running to where You are

We run to Your light
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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: 04 Jun 2019 – Mark 16:9-20 ~ Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.

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 16:9-20 (NLT)

After Jesus rose from the dead early on Sunday morning, the first person who saw him was Mary Magdalene, the woman from whom he had cast out seven demons. She went to the disciples, who were grieving and weeping, and told them what had happened. But when she told them that Jesus was alive and she had seen him, they didn’t believe her.

Afterward he appeared in a different form to two of his followers who were walking from Jerusalem into the country. They rushed back to tell the others, but no one believed them.

Still later he appeared to the eleven disciples as they were eating together. He rebuked them for their stubborn unbelief because they refused to believe those who had seen him after he had been raised from the dead.

And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned. These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages. They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won’t hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed.”

When the Lord Jesus had finished talking with them, he was taken up into heaven and sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand. And the disciples went everywhere and preached, and the Lord worked through them, confirming what they said by many miraculous signs.
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Morning Reflection:

“Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.
Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved.
But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned.” – Mark 16:15-16

Just prior to his ascension, Jesus commissioned his disciples to go into every part of the world to preach the Good News – “Christ has died! Christ is risen! Christ will come again. Believe and be baptized and you will be saved.” It all seems pretty straightforward, until you begin to read various commentaries and reflect on the signs that Jesus says will accompany those who believe.

Our different understandings are important, since in many cases they have become the walls that separate believers from one another – contrary to Jesus’ command to love one another as a sign of our belonging to Him. We can disagree without becoming disagreeable; and we can love one another despite our differences.

Questions for consideration:

  • How do believing and baptism relate to each other? Are both required for salvation? Is belief alone, or baptism alone enough? How does your tradition work this out? What do you believe? Please explain.
  • How does believing relate to accompanying signs and wonders? The disciples certainly performed miracles, as did others in Jesus’ name. How about now? Does God use signs and wonders to validate the Gospel today? What do you believe?
  • And what of speaking in tongues, handling snakes, and drinking poison? How does your tradition explain these phenomena? Are they in effect today? Why? Why not? Please explain.
  • In your relationships with believers from different traditions, which do you believe is more important – being right, or being kind and loving? 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.

My Prayer:

For Evangelists: Almighty and everlasting God – Raise up in this and every land evangelists and heralds of your kingdom, that your Church may proclaim the unsearchable riches of our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

For the Unity of All Believers: O God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, our only Savior, the Prince of Peace: Give us grace to take to heart the grave dangers we are in through our many divisions. Deliver your Church from all enmity and prejudice, and everything that hinders us from godly union. As there is one Body and one Spirit, one hope of our calling, one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of us all, so make us all to be of one heart and of one mind, united in one holy bond of truth and peace, of faith and love, that with one voice we may give you praise; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God in everlasting glory. Amen.

For Those who Labor in Unity: Almighty God, we give you thanks for all who labor that the Church of Jesus Christ might be one: Grant that we, instructed by their example, and knit together in unity by your Spirit, may ever stand firm upon the one foundation, which is Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

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“SEEKING AND SAVING” – Greg&Lizzy – #VIGIL

You’re coming through the darkness
You’re breaking through our blindness
You’re striding through the Red Sea of death
By taking on our likeness
And dying for the lifeless
You’re raising all you children from the dead
You’re raising up my heart from the dead

You’re smashing through the prison door
O God now your have made me sure
Of how your love is breaking every chain
You’re seeking out the hopeless
You’re saving all the poor
For all you’ve done there’s only one song I can sing
You’re raising up my heart from the dead

Hallelujah Hallelujah
You’re seeking and saving my heart
Hallelujah Hallelujah
You’re seeking and saving my heart

From the darkness and the ashes
We are rising we are rising
With the hosts of all the Heavens
We are rising we are rising
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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: 03 Jun 2019 – Mark 15:42-16:8 ~ He isn’t here!

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 15:42-16:8 (NLT)

The Burial of Jesus

This all happened on Friday, the day of preparation, the day before the Sabbath. As evening approached, Joseph of Arimathea took a risk and went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. (Joseph was an honored member of the high council, and he was waiting for the Kingdom of God to come.) Pilate couldn’t believe that Jesus was already dead, so he called for the Roman officer and asked if he had died yet. The officer confirmed that Jesus was dead, so Pilate told Joseph he could have the body. Joseph bought a long sheet of linen cloth. Then he took Jesus’ body down from the cross, wrapped it in the cloth, and laid it in a tomb that had been carved out of the rock. Then he rolled a stone in front of the entrance. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph saw where Jesus’ body was laid.

The Resurrection

Saturday evening, when the Sabbath ended, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome went out and purchased burial spices so they could anoint Jesus’ body. Very early on Sunday morning, just at sunrise, they went to the tomb. On the way they were asking each other, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” But as they arrived, they looked up and saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled aside.

When they entered the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a white robe sitting on the right side. The women were shocked, but the angel said, “Don’t be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Look, this is where they laid his body. Now go and tell his disciples, including Peter, that Jesus is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there, just as he told you before he died.”

The women fled from the tomb, trembling and bewildered, and they said nothing to anyone because they were too frightened.
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Morning Reflection:

The angel said, “Don’t be alarmed.
You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified.
He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead!” – Mark 16:6

The burial of Jesus was an important part of the preaching of the early church – by declaring the reality of Jesus’ death, the proclamation of the reality of Jesus’ resurrection was all the more dramatic and powerful.

“Christ has died! Christ is risen! Christ will come again!”

The resurrection of Jesus is the high point of every Gospel account. Why? Because Jesus vindicated His claims to being the divine Son of God, not simply a human messiah, by His resurrection from the dead. In Mark’s account –

+ the women were both terrified and amazed. Nothing was as they expected. The heavy stone was rolled away. The angel inside the tomb terrified them. And Jesus was nowhere to be seen.

+ the women were transitioning from believing Jesus’ prediction of His resurrection to entering into its reality. The empty tomb testified that the same person who was crucified was now alive.

+ the women were dumbfounded. At first, they told no one what they had seen. But, it wasn’t long before they were spreading the news that Jesus was alive again.

Questions for consideration:

  • Have you ever expected God to do one thing and, in fact, He did exactly the opposite? Please explain.
  • Have you ever been in a hopeless situation, resigned to making the best of it, when God intervened in a miraculous way? Please explain.
  • Have you ever personally experienced a miracle but were afraid to talk about it for fear of how others would respond? Please explain.
  • Have you ever faced your fears and told others the Good News of what God has done for you without regard to how your listeners would respond? 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: Collect for Easter Day

O God, who for our redemption gave your only begotten Son to die upon the Cross, and by his glorious resurrection delivered us from the devil and the power of death: Grant us grace to die daily to sin, that we may live with him in the joy of his resurrection; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.

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“No Words” – Cathedral – #VIGIL

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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

7th Sunday of Easter, 02 Jun 2019: I Samuel 12:19-24, John 17:20-26 ~ “I pray that they will all be one.”

The Seventh Sunday of Easter

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

Opening Prayer:

O God, the King of glory, you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven: Do not leave us comfortless, but send us your Holy Spirit to strengthen us, and exalt us to that place where our Savior Christ has gone before; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
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“Be Thou My Vision” – Selah

https://youtu.be/UKByTfiHOFE?rel=0
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A Reading from the Old Testament: 1 Samuel 12:19-24 (NLT)

“Pray to the Lord your God for us, or we will die!” they all said to Samuel. “For now we have added to our sins by asking for a king.”

“Don’t be afraid,” Samuel reassured them. “You have certainly done wrong, but make sure now that you worship the Lord with all your heart, and don’t turn your back on him. Don’t go back to worshiping worthless idols that cannot help or rescue you—they are totally useless! The Lord will not abandon his people, because that would dishonor his great name. For it has pleased the Lord to make you his very own people.

“As for me, I will certainly not sin against the Lord by ending my prayers for you. And I will continue to teach you what is good and right. But be sure to fear the Lord and faithfully serve him. Think of all the wonderful things he has done for you.”
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A Reading from the Gospels: John 17:20-26 (NLT)

“I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.

“I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began!

“O righteous Father, the world doesn’t know you, but I do; and these disciples know you sent me. I have revealed you to them, and I will continue to do so. Then your love for me will be in them, and I will be in them.”
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Intercession:

O God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, our only Savior, the Prince of Peace:

  • Give us grace to take to heart the grave dangers we are in through our many divisions.
  • Deliver your Church from all enmity and prejudice, and everything that hinders us from godly union.
  • As there is one Body and one Spirit, one hope of our calling, one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of us all,
  • So make us all to be of one heart and of one mind, united in one holy bond of truth and peace, of faith and love;
  • That with one voice we may give you praise; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

O Lord our Governor, whose glory fills all the world:

  • We commend this Nation to your merciful care, that we may be guided by your providence, and dwell secure in your peace.
  • Grant to our President, Donald J. Trump, wisdom and strength to know and to do your will.
  • Fill him with the love of truth and righteousness,
  • And make him continually mindful of his calling to serve this people in reverent obedience to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage:

  • We humbly pray that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of your favor and glad to do your will.
  • Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure conduct.
  • Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way.
  • Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought here out of many tribes and nations.
  • Grant the spirit of wisdom to those we entrust the authority of government,
  • That there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to your Word, we may show forth your praise among the nations of the earth.
  • In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, strengthen our faith and trust in you; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

O God, you made us in your own image, and you have redeemed us through your Son Jesus Christ:

  • Look with compassion on the whole human family;
  • Take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts;
  • Break down the walls that separate us;
  • Unite us in bonds of love;
  • And work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth;
  • That, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen.

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“Most High (Psalm 47)” – James Block

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Closing: – Psalm 68:19-20a

Praise the Lord; praise God our savior!
For each day he carries us in his arms.
Our God is a God who saves!

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

Saturday Morning: 01 Jun 2019 – Mark 15:16-41 ~ Were you there?

Saturday Morning

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

Opening (A Collect for Sabbath Rest – Saturday)

Almighty God, who after the creation of the world rested from all your works and set aside a day of rest for all your creatures: Grant that we, putting away all earthly anxieties, may be duly prepared to meet you in worship, and that our rest here upon earth may be a preparation for the eternal rest promised to your people in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – Mark 15:16-41 (NLT)

The Soldiers Mock Jesus

The soldiers took Jesus into the courtyard of the governor’s headquarters (called the Praetorium) and called out the entire regiment. They dressed him in a purple robe, and they wove thorn branches into a crown and put it on his head. Then they saluted him and taunted, “Hail! King of the Jews!” And they struck him on the head with a reed stick, spit on him, and dropped to their knees in mock worship. When they were finally tired of mocking him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him again. Then they led him away to be crucified.

The Crucifixion

A passerby named Simon, who was from Cyrene, was coming in from the countryside just then, and the soldiers forced him to carry Jesus’ cross. (Simon was the father of Alexander and Rufus.) And they brought Jesus to a place called Golgotha (which means “Place of the Skull”). They offered him wine drugged with myrrh, but he refused it.

Then the soldiers nailed him to the cross. They divided his clothes and threw dice to decide who would get each piece. It was nine o’clock in the morning when they crucified him. A sign announced the charge against him. It read, “The King of the Jews.” Two revolutionaries were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left.

The people passing by shouted abuse, shaking their heads in mockery. “Ha! Look at you now!” they yelled at him. “You said you were going to destroy the Temple and rebuild it in three days. Well then, save yourself and come down from the cross!”

The leading priests and teachers of religious law also mocked Jesus. “He saved others,” they scoffed, “but he can’t save himself! Let this Messiah, this King of Israel, come down from the cross so we can see it and believe him!” Even the men who were crucified with Jesus ridiculed him.

The Death of Jesus

At noon, darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. Then at three o’clock Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”

Some of the bystanders misunderstood and thought he was calling for the prophet Elijah. One of them ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, holding it up to him on a reed stick so he could drink. “Wait!” he said. “Let’s see whether Elijah comes to take him down!”

Then Jesus uttered another loud cry and breathed his last. And the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.

When the Roman officer who stood facing him saw how he had died, he exclaimed, “This man truly was the Son of God!”

Some women were there, watching from a distance, including Mary Magdalene, Mary (the mother of James the younger and of Joseph), and Salome. They had been followers of Jesus and had cared for him while he was in Galilee. Many other women who had come with him to Jerusalem were also there.
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Morning Reflection:

Were you there?

At noon, darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock.
Then at three o’clock Jesus called out with a loud voice,
“Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means
“My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” – Mark 15:33-34

Situational irony occurs when there is a discrepancy between what a character naively expects to happen and what actually happens, or between what a character blindly thinks to be the case and what the real situation is. . . .

In situational irony the speaker is confident that what he or she says or expects is true, but is unaware that the real situation is, in fact, the opposite. The characters in the story are blind victims of the irony of the situation, while the reader sees the contrast between what the speaker says and the way things really are.

Notice the irony in today’s reading –

+ The soldiers mocked Jesus – “Hail, King of the Jews.” They repeatedly beat, spit on, knelt as if in worship, and bowed as before a great person. They had no idea that one day every knee on heaven and earth would bow before Him, and every tongue declare Jesus is Lord.

+ The unbelieving crowd mocked Jesus – They focused on His predictions about destroying and raising the temple as proof Jesus could not be their Messiah. Earlier the high priest had charged Jesus with blasphemy of which He was innocent. Now the people did truly blaspheme God.

+ The religious leaders mocked Jesus – Their title for Jesus, “King of Israel,” focused on the apparent irony of His being the leader not only of the Jews but of their nation. They were the leaders of the nation, not Jesus. The fact that Jesus was apparently helpless on the cross was the supreme irony from their viewpoint. 

“My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” – Mark 15:34

Jesus expressed His agony of separation as a rhetorical question, quoting Psalm 22:1. This expression conveys a sense of desolation from the horror of sin that Jesus felt so deeply – a horror that for a time obscured the closeness of His communion with the Father.

Even though the physical sufferings that Jesus experienced were great, the spiritual agony that He underwent as the Lamb of God taking away the sins of the world was infinitely greater.

Question for consideration:

  • Consider the sin in your life – past, present, and even future. Ponder it in detail for a while. And then consider how it contributed to Jesus’ agony on the cross.

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Morning Prayer:

The Persecuted Church: Prayer for the practical needs of persecuted believers:

Heavenly Father, our provider and sustainer: Attend to the needs of your family suffering great hardship and persecution, especially –

+ That they would have access to a Bible…
+ That they would have the courage to remain in their homelands…
+ That those rejected by their family and friends would be welcomed into your family where they are loved and supported emotionally and physically…
+ That socially vulnerable women and those who have lost custody of their children would be protected and their children returned…
+ That those who are destitute would find jobs and safe places to live…

Heavenly Father, you know each one of your children by name: Have mercy on them and attend to their needs according to your perfect will. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

My Prayer: A Reaffirmation of Faith

Heavenly Father: Today I renew and reaffirm the promises I made in baptism –

+ I renounce the devil and all spiritual forces of wickedness that rebel against you.
+ I renounce the sinful desires of the flesh that draw me away from your love.
+ I turn to Jesus Christ and confess Him as my Lord and Savior.
+ I joyfully receive your Word and Spirit as my only guide for faith and practice.
+ I will obediently seek your will and walk in your ways until my life’s end.

Heavenly Father: I cannot keep these promises on my own; my track record speaks for itself. Fill me continually with your Spirit and help me become the person you envisioned me being, even before I was born. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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“Were you there” – Andrea Thomas

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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