Hebrews 12:1-3

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us…” vs. 1

Preachers often use sports metaphors to make points about our life in faith, and the writer to the Hebrews is no exception. Unfortunately, he didn’t know anything about golf, the most metaphoric game of all, but he is familiar with the Olympics, in particular the running of the marathon. In this, one of the most familiar verses in his letter, he describes life in Christ as a long-distance race, not one in which we’re trying to beat others to the finish line, but one that tests our endurance and perseverance. It’s a great analogy, one that corresponds with our experience. He implies that the biggest obstacle to living the good and faithful life is sin, a burden that plagues us every step of the way. As we learn to make use of the forgiveness that is ours by grace, the load is lightened, the potholes are filled, and the way made clear. And to top it all off we are told that we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, all the Saints Triumphant, who cheer us on our way. And perhaps it will be them who greet us when the day comes and we complete the race. Now they cheer us on, then they will welcome us home. Such is the great promise of Easter!

Thought for the Day: Which of the Saints Triumphant is cheering loudest for me?

Psalm 71:1-14

“Be to me a rock of refuge, a strong fortress, to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress. Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of the unjust and cruel.” vss. 3-4

The psalmist had a strong desire for peace and tranquility in his life, and so do we. Our dream is to have meaningful work, loving families, good friends, retire early, and then live contentedly and happily until our deaths. Unfortunately that’s not the way our world is. Not only are we plagued with unforeseen illnesses, broken relationships, and lost jobs, we are also aware that some people are capable of cruel and random behaviors that can cause enormous damage. Such things happen regularly and they trigger all kinds of disquieting responses in our hearts and minds. Not only do we wonder why such things happen, we’re overwhelmed with anger, suspicion, and fear. The psalmist had such feelings too and pleaded with God for protection and rescue. While we might wish for something more palpable, a bubble-like protective environment that would keep all the bad stuff out, our best option is to live like the psalmist, trusting in God as our refuge and strength. While it might not seem like much, that simple faith is enough to give us joy and love even in a world where trouble abounds. In the long run, living by faith brings a far better life than cowering in fear!

Thought for the Day: What’s it like to live in fear?

Isaiah 42:1-9

“He will not cry or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice.” vss. 2-3

As the prophet laid out his vision for Israel, he uses the term “Servant” in describing the nation’s work. The new Israel will not use military might to force its will upon the world, but will instead faithfully, quietly, and doggedly live as a Servant to bring light to all nations. After the death of Jesus his followers saw in Isaiah’s words the perfect description of Jesus’ work–he was the Suffering Servant who gently and silently brought transformation. It’s a wonderful analogy, one that can be embraced by all who call themselves “Christian.” We are the new Israel, the Body of Christ, and we have been chosen and empowered to bring forth justice in the land. We won’t try to overpower or dominate others but in quiet and gentle ways we’ll humbly serve and love, tending the bruised and fanning dimly burning wicks. Some might scoff at such methods or call them outmoded, but we know better. Servants have been operating behind the scenes and living the Jesus way for many generations and we can see the fruits of their humble labor all over the globe. Through them the blind have seen and prisoners have been set free, and the light of Christ has shone brightly for all to see–and now it’s our turn to take up the torch.

Thought for the Day: Why is the servant role hard for some?

Mark 15:25-39

“Then Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.” vss. 37-38

According to Josephus, a Jewish historian of the first century, the curtain of the temple was a Babylonian tapestry, a blue veil embroidered with a panorama of the heavens that kept the Holy of Holies from being seen. After Jesus’ death, it was said by some that at the very moment of his last breath, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. Mark loved that story.  For him it paralleled the events of Jesus’ baptism when it was said that the heavens were torn apart and the Spirit descended in the form of a dove. It was Mark’s way of saying that in Jesus the division between God and humanity had been destroyed. No longer could we think that God was in heaven, completely separate from the earth–in Jesus it was made perfectly clear that heaven and earth were one, that every place is full of God. That’s why, some years later, when the temple was destroyed by the Roman armies, Christians quickly adapted. They didn’t need a Holy of Holies to know that God was present among them–the dividing line had been broken down and worship could take place in every moment and in every place. That’s why congregations have been able to survive and even prosper in the age of COVID. Even when campuses were closed, worship continued in the most unlikely settings!

Thought for the Day: Why do some quit worshipping when churches close?

March 15:16-24

“They compelled a passer-by, who was coming in from the country, to carry his cross; it was Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus.” vs. 21

As the disciples remembered the events of Jesus’ suffering and death they likely had many conversations with each other about what had happened. And they didn’t come away with the same memories–that’s just the way it is when we share stories. We can be in exactly the same situation as a friend, and have an entirely different perspective of what has taken place. Mark likely listened to a lot of those stories as he was putting together his gospel, and here we discover that he had an inside scoop. He mentions Alexander and Rufus, sons of a Simon of Cyrene, who had by chance been compelled to carry the cross of Jesus to Golgotha. Perhaps they were known by those for whom he was writing his gospel, and Mark drops their names to add credibility to what he’s reporting. That’s how the story has come down to us–person by person, one generation after another the good news has been passed on. And name-dropping is still part of the process! At its best evangelism is always personal and we use the good names of pastors, parents, and friends to give authenticity to the message. Alexander and Rufus were there at the beginning, and now it’s our turn to testify–and perhaps one day our good name will be the one that is dropped.

Thought for the Day: Whose good name informs my story?

Mark 15:1-15

“So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified.” vs. 15

When we take time to look at the gospel record of Jesus’ ministry in a more objective fashion it seems preposterous that he could have been crucified for his actions as a preacher, teacher, and healer. And he really posed no threat to the Roman forces stationed in his country–he had no weapons or army. Still, innocent as Jesus was, Pilate decided that it would be necessary for him to die. Why? Because that’s what the crowd demanded! The decision had nothing to do with right or wrong, and it certainly wasn’t just. And everyone knew it! And what’s really aggravating is that the same things have continued to happen. Important decisions are made, not on the basis of right and wrong, but to satisfy the loudest voices. Politicians are notorious for this kind of thing, and love to pump up crowds, but most anyone can get caught up in the frenzy. Lies are dreamed up, repeated, and passed on. Within hours the most damning accusations are spread across the country. We all know the stories lack credibility yet we pass them on anyway. Reputations are damaged–sometimes the innocent die. It’s the way of the world. Jesus was silent before Pilate, but his followers have boldly sought truth and justice in every land. Vacuous crowds have had their day–but ultimately Christ will triumph. Goodness will have the last word!

Thought for the Day: Why do crowds have such power?

Philippians 2:5-11

“Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness.” vss. 5-7a

As far as Paul was concerned, everything revolved around Christ Jesus. Not only was he the one through whom the grace of God had become incarnate in the world, he was the model for the way all people should live their lives. As his followers we are the ones then in whom his mind is destined to dwell, and that means adopting a life of servanthood and self-emptying. As we give up trying to be the equals of God and the center of everything and adopt a self-effacing posture of humility, the mind of Christ will live within us. This is what it means to be truly human, and what a relief it is! No longer do we have to wander among our peers trying to be more than who we are. It’s perfectly fine to be ourselves, admit our flaws and fallibilities, and use whatever gifts God has given us to make a difference for good in every minute of every day. Oh how good it feels to be in a community that is full of such people! No more pretending, no more one upmanship, no more self-aggrandizing–we can be who we are, and Christ will be plainly seen in our loving and our caring. He will be resurrected to God’s glory in our midst!

Thought for the Day: What does it mean to empty ourselves?

Psalm 31:9-16

“Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; my eye wastes away from grief, my soul and body also.” vs. 9

Fortunately not everyone experiences the depth of pain that was tormenting the psalmist as he wrote these words. Some of us manage to skate through life with little or no adversity along the way. That’s just the way it is, and it has little to do with our goodness or our choices. But it doesn’t mean that we’ll always be immune. In fact there’s a pretty high likelihood that someday heart-breaking grief will visit us too, and we’ll find ourselves crying our eyes out and at the edge of despair. It’s an awful feeling, and when those days come it’s easy to believe that we’ll never know joy or happiness again. It is in our nature at those times to do as the psalmist did and make our distress known to God. And so we cry out, often in private, asking God for relief. And even when it doesn’t appear that anything happens, gradually, sometimes too gradually for our tastes, the pain recedes and smiles revisit our lips. It’s what we might expect from a God who is full of compassion and whose love knows no boundaries. We are doubly blessed when surrounded by the love of friends who stand with us through the tough times. Sometimes it’s only their support that keeps us sane–and it’s through them that God’s love is made real.

Thought for the Day: What do I say to someone in distress?

Isaiah 50:4-9a

 “It is the Lord God who helps me; who will declare me guilty?” vs. 9

Lent is a time for us to focus on our sin, humbly confess our iniquities, and pray for the restoration of our hearts. One of the by-products of such introspection can often be a strong and overwhelming sense of guilt. That’s to be expected. Sin and guilt are often partners on the journey of faith, unwelcome companions that need to be addressed and confronted regularly. But sometimes we overdo it when it comes to guilt. We’ve been so conditioned by our culture and its moralisms that we automatically assume a posture of guilt in almost every circumstance. Like the psalmist we imagine that we were born guilty, a sinner in our mother’s womb. But that’s just not true! We’re created in the image of God, and in Christ, have an intimate relationship with our Lord–at our very core, we are good! Now this doesn’t mean that guilt will never be in the picture for us–that’s not true either. When good people get caught up in sin of course we’ll feel guilt–and we should. But rather than skulking around this world with a “woe is me” expression on our faces, we should daily embrace joy and gladness as our “modus operandi.” We’re beloved forgiven children of God and we should be living by grace and not by guilt. 

Thought for the Day: What’s the best way to deal with guilt?

Mark 11:1-11

“Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!’” vss. 9-10

It’s hard to believe that Palm Sunday is almost upon us. Some of us have almost completely lost touch with our congregations. YouTube and Zoom worship have been available but they’re not even close to what we’re used to. The Lenten season, which used to be a time of intense worship opportunities, has seemed empty without choirs and crowded sanctuaries. And now the calendar tells us that next Sunday is Passion Sunday, a time for shouts of Hosanna and the waving of palms. And a lot of us will just be sitting in our homes, just as we have done for the last 52 Sundays! Some are wondering if congregations will ever recover, if worship will bounce back to pre-COVID levels. And the answer is a resounding “Yes!” The Church is the presence of the Living Christ in our world, and no little pandemic is going to stifle it. We’ve survived world wars, crusades, and every kind of natural calamity, and emerged more vibrant than ever. The shouts of Hosanna will return, maybe not this Sunday, but they will return. The kingdom is coming, and no force on earth can stop it! Killing Jesus didn’t stop the movement 2100 years ago–a virus isn’t going to do it now. Nothing can defeat love!

Thought for the Day: How has the pandemic affected my faith life?