Friday Morning: 31 May 2019 – Mark 15:1-15 ~ on the miscarriage of justice

Friday Morning

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

Opening (A Collect for Endurance – Friday)

Almighty God, whose beloved Son first suffered pain and crucifixion before entering into glory: Mercifully grant that we, walking in his footsteps, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – Mark 15:1-15 (NLT)

Jesus’ Trial before Pilate

Very early in the morning the leading priests, the elders, and the teachers of religious law—the entire high council—met to discuss their next step. They bound Jesus, led him away, and took him to Pilate, the Roman governor.

Pilate asked Jesus, “Are you the king of the Jews?”

Jesus replied, “You have said it.”

Then the leading priests kept accusing him of many crimes, and Pilate asked him, “Aren’t you going to answer them? What about all these charges they are bringing against you?” But Jesus said nothing, much to Pilate’s surprise.

Now it was the governor’s custom each year during the Passover celebration to release one prisoner—anyone the people requested. One of the prisoners at that time was Barabbas, a revolutionary who had committed murder in an uprising. The crowd went to Pilate and asked him to release a prisoner as usual.

“Would you like me to release to you this ‘King of the Jews’?” Pilate asked. (For he realized by now that the leading priests had arrested Jesus out of envy.) But at this point the leading priests stirred up the crowd to demand the release of Barabbas instead of Jesus. Pilate asked them, “Then what should I do with this man you call the king of the Jews?”

They shouted back, “Crucify him!”

“Why?” Pilate demanded. “What crime has he committed?”

But the mob roared even louder, “Crucify him!”

So to pacify the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He ordered Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip, then turned him over to the Roman soldiers to be crucified.
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Morning Reflection:

on the miscarriage of justice

So to pacify the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them.
He ordered Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip,
then turned him over to the Roman soldiers to be crucified. – Mark 15:15

Pilate himself identified Jesus as the “king of the Jews” – and Jesus assents, but not in a political sense. Otherwise, Jesus remained silent in the face of this miscarriage of justice. Note the conflicting grievances –

+ the religious leaders’ accuse Jesus of blasphemy, but argue that his kingship is a threat to Roman authority

+ the crowds are angry because Jesus disappointed them for failing to be a political insurgent

+ Pilate knows that Jesus is innocent of treason, but yields to the whims of the crowd in order to gain their favor

Pilate’s self-interest overrode any sense of justice he may have had. Pilate knowingly handed over Jesus – an innocent man – to torture and death. And in this gross miscarriage of justice, Jesus fulfilled his destiny as the Suffering Servant prophesied in Isaiah 53.

Questions for consideration:

Have you ever been falsely accused of something? How did you respond? Please explain.
Have you ever been taken to court based on false accusations? How did it turn out? Please explain.
Do you trust your judicial system to be fair – to seek truth and justice for all ? Please explain.
Do you believe that God uses miscarriages of justice for good? Have you experienced that in your life? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

Prayer for world leaders to fight against Christian persecution:

Sovereign Lord: All authority vested in governance comes from you and is accountable to you. Stir the hearts of every world leader to carry out their responsibilities justly and peacefully with special attention to Christians who are defenseless, in need of protection. Give them the wisdom to enact the necessary policies and procedures to make a lasting, global difference. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

My Prayer:

Sovereign God: You sit on the throne of heaven judging right. We pray your blessing on the courts of justice throughout this land. Give them the spirit of wisdom and understanding, that they may discern the truth and impartially administer the law in the fear of you alone; through him who shall come to be our Judge, your Son our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

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“Suffering Servant” – Dustin Kensrue

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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

Friday Morning: 24 May 2019 – Mark 13:24-37 ~ on Jesus’ return and our readiness (end times part 2)

Friday Morning

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

Opening (A Collect for Endurance – Friday)

Morning Reading – Mark 13:24-37 (NLT)

Jesus Speaks about the Future (Continued)

“At that time, after the anguish of those days, the sun will be darkened, the moon will give no light, the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.

Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds with great power and glory. And he will send out his angels to gather his chosen ones from all over the world—from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven.

“Now learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branches bud and its leaves begin to sprout, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see all these things taking place, you can know that his return is very near, right at the door. I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene before all these things take place. Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.

“However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. And since you don’t know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert!

“The coming of the Son of Man can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. When he left home, he gave each of his slaves instructions about the work they were to do, and he told the gatekeeper to watch for his return. You, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know when the master of the household will return—in the evening, at midnight, before dawn, or at daybreak. Don’t let him find you sleeping when he arrives without warning. I say to you what I say to everyone: Watch for him!”
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Morning Reflection:

on Jesus’ return and our readiness

In the second half of his conversation with his disciples, Jesus describes his glorious, victorious return, and our need to be vigilant and ready.

+ on Jesus’ return –

preceded by great anguish; believers will experience suffering and persecution
preceded by cataclysmic events in the heavens, both celestial and spiritual
return in great power and glory to judge the heavens and the earth; the world will watch in awestruck wonder
believers will be in-gathered to him and he will become the universal center of attention; and then he will begin reigning

+ on our readiness –

the timing is in the Father’s hands; no one else knows
be on guard, stay alert; he could return any moment or time
do the work that has been entrusted to you
don’t slack off, keep watch for his return

Heaven and earth will disappear,
but my words will never disappear
– Mark 13:31

Questions for consideration:

How does Jesus’ promise to return with great power and glory affect how you live from day to day? Please explain.
Jesus spoke these words over two thousand years ago. Are you tired of waiting? Please explain.
Why do you think that so many believers are preoccupied with the timing of Jesus’ return? Please explain.
In the story of the slaves and master, each slave was given work to do as part of the household. Do you consider yourself God’s slave? What is your job? Are you doing it? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

Prayer for world leaders to fight against Christian persecution:

My Prayer:

Lord Jesus Christ: Thank you for your promise to return with great power and glory. I look forward to the vindication and justice that will accompany your return. Count me among those whom you have chosen to gather to yourself, and keep me vigilant, prepared to welcome you any day or hour. Thank you for the work you have given me to do in your household. Help me to fulfill my responsibilities faithfully, to the best of my abilities. I ask this for your name’s sake. Amen.
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“Days of Elijah” – Robin Mark

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Closing:

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

Friday Morning: 17 May 2019 – Mark 11:1-14 ~ Jesus’ Formal Introduction to Israel

Friday Morning

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

Opening (A Collect for Endurance – Friday)

Morning Reading – Mark 11:1-14 (NLT)

Jesus’ Triumphant Entry

As Jesus and his disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to the towns of Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two of them on ahead. “Go into that village over there,” he told them. “As soon as you enter it, you will see a young donkey tied there that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks, ‘What are you doing?’ just say, ‘The Lord needs it and will return it soon.’”

The two disciples left and found the colt standing in the street, tied outside the front door. As they were untying it, some bystanders demanded, “What are you doing, untying that colt?” They said what Jesus had told them to say, and they were permitted to take it. Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their garments over it, and he sat on it.

Many in the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of him, and others spread leafy branches they had cut in the fields. Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting,

“Praise God! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessings on the coming Kingdom of our ancestor David! Praise God in highest heaven!”

So Jesus came to Jerusalem and went into the Temple. After looking around carefully at everything, he left because it was late in the afternoon. Then he returned to Bethany with the twelve disciples.

Jesus Curses the Fig Tree

The next morning as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. He noticed a fig tree in full leaf a little way off, so he went over to see if he could find any figs. But there were only leaves because it was too early in the season for fruit. Then Jesus said to the tree, “May no one ever eat your fruit again!” And the disciples heard him say it.
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Morning Reflection:

Jesus’ Formal Introduction to Israel

Jesus was in the center of the procession,
and the people all around him were shouting,

“Praise God! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Blessings on the coming Kingdom of our ancestor David!
Praise God in highest heaven!” – Mark 11:9-10

Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem was his formal introduction to Israel as the long-awaited Messiah, the “Son of David.” However, Jesus was not the “savior” that most of the crowd expected. His Kingdom was to be understood in a spiritual, non-political sense, instead of the popular idea that the Messiah would re-establish the lost Davidic kingdom. The crowd’s disappointment would become lethal in the short span of one week.

Questions for consideration:

When did Jesus become more than a story-book name to you? What did you know about him? What did you expect from him? Please explain.
Over time, Jesus’ followers come to know him better, and often their expectations change. Is that true of you? Please explain.
Has Jesus ever disappointed you? Perhaps you expected one thing, but he delivered something else, or nothing at all. Please explain.
How have you handled disappointment as a believer? Blame Jesus? Blame yourself? Blame others? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

Prayer for world leaders to fight against Christian persecution:

My Prayer:

Praise to you, Lord God! And blessing on Christ Jesus who has come to us in your holy name. As the story of his passion unfolds, open my heart and mind to the present reality of his Kingdom here among us now, and to the future reality of his coming Kingdom in all its fullness when he returns in glory. Empower me through your Spirit to live faithfully in this interim period of “already, not yet.” And conform my expectations to your perfect will. I ask this in Jesus’ name, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen.
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“Hosanna” – Paul Baloche

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Closing:

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

Friday Morning: 10 May 2019 – Mark 9:2-13 – “Listen to him.”

Friday Morning

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

Opening (A Collect for Endurance – Friday)

Morning Reading – Mark 9:2-13 (NLT)

The Transfiguration

Six days later Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone. As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed, and his clothes became dazzling white, far whiter than any earthly bleach could ever make them. Then Elijah and Moses appeared and began talking with Jesus.

Peter exclaimed, “Rabbi, it’s wonderful for us to be here! Let’s make three shelters as memorials—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He said this because he didn’t really know what else to say, for they were all terrified.

Then a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my dearly loved Son. Listen to him.” Suddenly, when they looked around, Moses and Elijah were gone, and they saw only Jesus with them.

As they went back down the mountain, he told them not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. So they kept it to themselves, but they often asked each other what he meant by “rising from the dead.”

Then they asked him, “Why do the teachers of religious law insist that Elijah must return before the Messiah comes?”

Jesus responded, “Elijah is indeed coming first to get everything ready. Yet why do the Scriptures say that the Son of Man must suffer greatly and be treated with utter contempt? But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they chose to abuse him, just as the Scriptures predicted.”
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Morning Reflection:

If ever there was a validation of Jesus’ person and mission, this was it.

Then a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said,
“This is my dearly loved Son. Listen to him.” – Mark 9:7

The transfiguration was a fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecy in Mark 9:1. It was a prophetic view of the glorious risen Christ – the glorious risen Christ who is coming again in great power.

“I tell you the truth, some standing here right now will not die
before they see the Kingdom of God arrive in great power!”

But what was the point? Threefold –

To assure believers that Jesus is God’s beloved Son.
To persuade believers to listen to, and obey him.
To provide believers with a foretaste of his glorious return.

Questions for consideration:

Do you believe that in every circumstance, no matter how bleak, God always has the last word? Does the transfiguration bolster that perspective, or not? Please explain.
What’s the difference between listening to Jesus and obeying him? Please explain.
Do you believe that Jesus is coming again in glory? What difference does it make to you? Please explain.
Do you anticipate a glorious future with Christ in his coming Kingdom? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

Prayer for world leaders to fight against Christian persecution:

My Prayer:

Heavenly Father: Thank you for this vision of the risen Christ you have given us in the Gospels. Fill me with wonder and confidence that you are the Sovereign Lord over all of human history. Open my heart, mind, and spirit to not simply listen to your Son, but to obey him – to follow him come what may. And thank you for the assurance of a place in your coming Kingdom through faith in him – who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
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“This Kingdom” – Darlene Zschech

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Closing:

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

Friday Morning: 03 May 2019 – Mark 6:1-29 ~ on the job training

Friday Morning

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

Opening (A Collect for Endurance – Friday)

Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – Mark 6:1-29 (NLT)

Jesus Rejected at Nazareth

Jesus left that part of the country and returned with his disciples to Nazareth, his hometown. The next Sabbath he began teaching in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. They asked, “Where did he get all this wisdom and the power to perform such miracles?” Then they scoffed, “He’s just a carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon. And his sisters live right here among us.” They were deeply offended and refused to believe in him.

Then Jesus told them, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his relatives and his own family.” And because of their unbelief, he couldn’t do any miracles among them except to place his hands on a few sick people and heal them. And he was amazed at their unbelief.

Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Disciples

Then Jesus went from village to village, teaching the people. And he called his twelve disciples together and began sending them out two by two, giving them authority to cast out evil spirits. He told them to take nothing for their journey except a walking stick—no food, no traveler’s bag, no money. He allowed them to wear sandals but not to take a change of clothes.

“Wherever you go,” he said, “stay in the same house until you leave town. But if any place refuses to welcome you or listen to you, shake its dust from your feet as you leave to show that you have abandoned those people to their fate.”

So the disciples went out, telling everyone they met to repent of their sins and turn to God. And they cast out many demons and healed many sick people, anointing them with olive oil.

The Death of John the Baptist

Herod Antipas, the king, soon heard about Jesus, because everyone was talking about him. Some were saying, “This must be John the Baptist raised from the dead. That is why he can do such miracles.” Others said, “He’s the prophet Elijah.” Still others said, “He’s a prophet like the other great prophets of the past.”

When Herod heard about Jesus, he said, “John, the man I beheaded, has come back from the dead.”

For Herod had sent soldiers to arrest and imprison John as a favor to Herodias. She had been his brother Philip’s wife, but Herod had married her. John had been telling Herod, “It is against God’s law for you to marry your brother’s wife.” So Herodias bore a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But without Herod’s approval she was powerless, for Herod respected John; and knowing that he was a good and holy man, he protected him. Herod was greatly disturbed whenever he talked with John, but even so, he liked to listen to him.

Herodias’s chance finally came on Herod’s birthday. He gave a party for his high government officials, army officers, and the leading citizens of Galilee. Then his daughter, also named Herodias, came in and performed a dance that greatly pleased Herod and his guests. “Ask me for anything you like,” the king said to the girl, “and I will give it to you.” He even vowed, “I will give you whatever you ask, up to half my kingdom!”

She went out and asked her mother, “What should I ask for?”

Her mother told her, “Ask for the head of John the Baptist!”

So the girl hurried back to the king and told him, “I want the head of John the Baptist, right now, on a tray!”

Then the king deeply regretted what he had said; but because of the vows he had made in front of his guests, he couldn’t refuse her. So he immediately sent an executioner to the prison to cut off John’s head and bring it to him. The soldier beheaded John in the prison, brought his head on a tray, and gave it to the girl, who took it to her mother. When John’s disciples heard what had happened, they came to get his body and buried it in a tomb.
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Morning Reflection:

On the job training

Jesus called his twelve disciples together
and began sending them out two by two,
giving them authority to cast out evil spirits. – Mark 6:7

In today’s reading, Jesus authorized the disciples to be his delegates with respect to both word and power. Their message and deeds were to be an extension of his own.

The disciples did three things: preached repentance, healed the sick, and cast out evil spirits. Their ministry was to be an extension of Jesus’ ministry – on the job training – demonstrating that Jesus’ power extended beyond his personal presence and that God would work through them as He did through Jesus.

So the disciples went out,
telling everyone they met to repent of their sins and turn to God.
And they cast out many demons and healed many sick people,
anointing them with olive oil. – Mark 6:12-13

Questions for consideration:

Do you believe that the Kingdom power and authority that Jesus gave to his disciples is given to believers today? Please explain.
Do you believe Jesus’ Kingdom power and authority is only given to a chosen few, or is given to every believer? Please explain.
Have you ever seen, or experienced, Jesus’ Kingdom power and authority to preach repentance, heal the sick, and cast out demons through believers today? Please explain.
Have you ever been trained in this kind of ministry? How did it go? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

Prayer for world leaders to fight against Christian persecution:

My Prayer:

Lord Jesus: Use me as you will – teach me, train me, send me – to the lost, the broken, and the bound. Use me here where i am, or send me out where you want me to be. Give me eyes to see the opportunities and need you place before me. And give me the boldness to respond in faith. All to the glory of your name, and the advance of your Kingdom. Amen.
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“Here I Am Send Me” – Darlene Zschech